Veteran Nigerian artist and record label executive Banky W has shared the fascinating origin story behind naming one of Africa’s biggest music exports, Wizkid. The candid revelation offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of the global superstar and the creative genius that earned him his legendary moniker.
Banky W, who first signed Wizkid to his Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) record label before the artist’s eventual departure to establish StarBoy Entertainment, painted a vivid picture of a young, determined artist whose raw talent and dedication would later reshape the African music landscape. The story he tells is one of persistence, creativity under pressure, and natural genius.
According to Banky W, the genesis of the name ‘Wizkid’ is deeply rooted in the artist’s early struggles and his extraordinary ability to create hit songs spontaneously. In those early days, the future superstar, unable to afford studio time, would spend entire days in recording studios across Lagos, hoping for a chance to record even for just a few minutes. This earned him the affectionate label of “studio rat” from Banky W, though the term was used to highlight his dedication rather than as a criticism.
“He would hang out all day and just wait, hope, and pray for the end of the day for the engineers and producers to take pity on him,” Banky W recalled in the interview. They might say, ‘come and record for 15 minutes or 30 minutes’ because he couldn’t pay for his session.”
What made young Wizkid stand out, however, was how he maximized these brief opportunities. Instead of freezing under pressure, he thrived. During those long hours of waiting, he would continuously work on hooks and melodies, preparing himself for any recording opportunity that might come his way. This challenging circumstance inadvertently shaped his unique creative process and contributed to his exceptional ability to create songs spontaneously.
The ‘Wiz’ in Wizkid, as Banky W explained, was inspired by this remarkable talent. “He is one of the fastest songwriters I have ever encountered in my life,” he shared. He would just sit, listen to music, and start freestyling a melody that would become a song that the whole world would want to sing.” This genius-level ability to create infectious melodies at the spur of the moment became the foundation for his now-iconic name.
The revelation has sparked widespread reaction across social media, with fans and industry insiders sharing their own memories of Wizkid’s early days. One notable comment came from a user who recalled seeing the young artist waiting outside OJB’s studio on Gbaja Street, Surulere, hoping for recording opportunities alongside legends like Sound Sultan.
This origin story has particularly resonated with fans because it embodies the classic tale of Nigerian hustle and perseverance. From hanging around studios hoping for a chance to record, to becoming a Grammy-winning global superstar, Wizkid’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists across the continent.
The story has also added another layer to Wizkid’s legacy, highlighting how his current success is built on a foundation of raw talent, determination, and years of dedication to his craft. It provides context to his innovative approach to music creation and explains his ability to consistently produce hits with seemingly effortless ease.
As fans continue to celebrate this piece of music history, many have called for a comprehensive documentation of Wizkid’s journey, suggesting that his story deserves a Netflix documentary. Indeed, the revelation of how he got his name is just one chapter in the remarkable story of how a studio rat transformed into Big Wiz, one of Africa’s most successful musical exports.
