In the glittering world of Afrobeats, few artists have had a rise as swift and striking as Reekado Banks. From the moment he burst onto the scene under the powerhouse label Mavin Records, he was destined for stardom. Yet, behind the accolades, hit singles, and screaming fans lies a story of internal struggles, silent compromises, and a courageous departure from one of Africa’s most influential music families.
Reekado Banks — born Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon — is not just another Nigerian artist with chart-topping hits; he is a quiet storm. A hybrid of humility and ambition. When he first signed with Mavin in 2014, the label was riding high with a dream team that included Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, and Di’Ja. For the young Reekado, it was more than a record deal; it was a doorway to a dream. What followed were years of success: the viral sensation “Katapot,” the dance-floor dominator “Oluwa Ni,” and his feature on the 2016 Mavin group hit “Dorobucci.”
But success in the Nigerian music industry is never just about talent. It’s about navigating a system where relationships, power dynamics, and timing can either elevate or sabotage careers. In a rare, emotionally charged episode of Pulse Hot Takes, Reekado opens up like never before. With Deeone, Nancy, and Cera as his audience, he delves into the murky waters of industry politics and what happened during his tenure at Mavin Records.
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He speaks of loyalty — a word that means different things to different people in this business. For Reekado, loyalty was rooted in passion, trust, and hard work. But he began to realize that those values weren’t always reciprocated. What began as a five-year dream partnership soon turned into a silent struggle. Not all breakups are explosive; some are slow burns, where silence hurts more than words.
His exit from Mavin in 2018 left many fans surprised. Some speculated a fallout, others assumed a change in direction. But now, hearing him speak years later, you understand it wasn’t just about leaving a label — it was about reclaiming identity. He felt boxed in, misaligned, and in some ways, creatively suffocated. “There were conversations I expected to happen… and they never did,” he admits during the interview. It’s a heavy admission — a glimpse into how power structures in the industry can silence even the most talented voices.
Today, Reekado Banks sounds like a man reborn. His new album The Game Needs You is not just a collection of songs — it’s a declaration. A statement that he's still very much in the game, but now on his terms. There’s a rawness to his new music, a soulfulness that tells you he has lived, learned, and risen from pain. Songs that speak less about fame and more about freedom. Less about vibes, more about values.
When asked if he would consider returning to Mavin Records, his answer is brutally honest and disarmingly mature. “No,” he says with clarity. Not from bitterness, but from growth. Not because he has burned bridges, but because he has built his own. His confidence doesn’t scream — it speaks quietly, like someone who has been through the fire and now carries the flame.
Reekado’s journey isn’t just a music story; it’s a human one. A tale of courage, introspection, and reinvention. It’s a reminder that behind the Instagram-perfect lives of our favorite stars are difficult decisions, heartbreaks, and moments of powerful self-realization. And while many may remember Reekado Banks for his early hits, it’s his voice today — his truth — that resonates the loudest.
This isn’t just a comeback. It’s a renaissance.
