In the dynamic world of Nigerian music, where artists regularly redefine the soundscape, few stories are as intriguing as the one about Wizkid’s rise to international stardom.
Nigerian rapper Lanre Dabiri, famously known as Eldee The Don, has shed light on a crucial moment in Wizkid’s early career, revealing how he influenced the singer’s decision to embrace Afrobeats instead of sticking to reggae and dancehall.
In an exclusive interview on Adesope Live, Eldee recalled his first encounter with Wizkid when he was still an emerging artist, barely known outside of Nigeria’s music circles.
“Wizkid was leaning towards reggae and dancehall when Banky W signed him before he dropped his first single,” Eldee shared.
“But I told him he has to find a middle ground and do something Nigerian with a lot of flavours in it.”
At the time, Afrobeats was still carving out its identity on the global stage. While reggae and dancehall music, especially with their Caribbean influences, had a strong hold on Nigerian youth, Eldee saw the potential for something uniquely Nigerian to thrive—a sound that would capture the essence of the culture and make an indelible mark internationally.
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“I knew that Afrobeats was on the verge of something big, and I was sure Wizkid had the talent to help take it there,” Eldee continued.
“I told him to stay true to his roots, mix the sounds he loved, and make it uniquely Nigerian. Wizkid took the advice to heart, and the rest is history.”
This pivotal advice was the spark that ignited Wizkid’s journey into the world of Afrobeats, a genre that has now taken over the global music scene.
With hits like Holla at Your Boy, Ojuelegba, and Come Closer, Wizkid has not only built a massive fanbase but also become a Grammy-winning artist whose influence extends far beyond the African continent.
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