Key Points:
- Wizkid only earns 20% from Superstar and Ayo albums.
- His former label, EME, still gets 80% from both projects.
- The deal was confirmed by lawyer Oluyemisi Falaye in a recent disclosure.
Fans shocked by Wizkid’s old deal with EME
A new revelation has surprised fans of Nigerian music star Wizkid. Entertainment lawyer Oluyemisi Falaye recently shared details of an old record deal that still affects the singer today.
According to Falaye, Wizkid’s former label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), which was founded by singer Banky W, continues to earn 80% of the revenue from the star’s first two albums. These albums are Superstar, released in 2011, and Ayo, which came out in 2014.
Wizkid gets only 20%, EME takes the rest
Shockingly, Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, receives only 20% from those albums even today.
The lawyer revealed this during a conversation where she analysed some of the biggest music contracts in Nigeria. She said, “Wizkid still earns just 20% from Superstar and Ayo. The label, EME, receives 80% because of how the original contract was structured.”
This revelation has stirred mixed feelings across social media. Many fans expressed concern that such a successful artiste still earns so little from his earlier work.
Fans revisit Banky W’s past comments
Wizkid joined EME in 2009 and rose to fame under the label. He left the label in 2014 after releasing Ayo. At the time, Banky W described Wizkid’s departure as emotional but amicable.
Fans are now revisiting past interviews and asking questions about the fairness of the deal. Some believe the contract was a common one for young artistes starting out, especially in the early 2010s.
Industry experts weigh in
While many agree that such deals are not uncommon, others insist artistes need stronger legal backing before signing contracts. One fan on Twitter wrote, “This is why artistes need lawyers before joining any label.”
Despite the contract, Wizkid has since built a global career. He now runs his own label, Starboy Entertainment, and has released several hit projects since parting ways with EME.
Still, the 80-20 split from his breakout albums continues to raise eyebrows.
Watch the video below.
