My Leaving Mavin Records Was Premature- Reekado Banks
Nigerian Afrobeats star, Ayoleyi Solomon, popularly called Reekado Banks, has opened up once again about his decision to leave Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, describing the move as “premature.”
In a snippet of his interview with Echo Room Podcast, shared on Instagram on Tuesday, the singer revealed that although there was no conflict surrounding his departure, he was young and determined to forge his own path.
“It wasn’t a conflict situation. I was pretty young and pretty fixated on what I wanted to do. I wanted to leave. Anyway, my contract that ended two years prior. I signed a three-year contract and I allowed it to ride for another two years. So I was there for five years, not like reviewing the contract or anything. So when it was time, I thought I wanted to do this now,” Reekado Banks explained.
The Easy (Jeje) crooner admitted that he quickly realised how hasty the decision was.
“You know, I thought I could do it now. And I just embarked on the journey. Like many people would view it premature. And as soon as I jumped into the sea as well, I realized how premature it was,” he said.
When asked about the best advice he had ever received from Don Jazzy, Reekado recalled a humorous but impactful moment.
“It wasn’t even advice. He just said, ‘I’m not going to beat you.” Nobody go beat me,’” the singer recounted, laughing.
This is not the first time Reekado has reflected on his Mavin exit.
Earlier, in July 2025, he told The Esther Show that leaving the label forced him to grow up fast, teaching him lessons about accountability and self-reliance.
He noted that staying longer under Don Jazzy’s guidance might have made him feel entitled and less willing to own up to failures.
Reekado Banks had announced his departure from Mavin Records in 2018, describing his exit as amicable and filled with gratitude. At the time, he praised Don Jazzy for treating him like a son and providing him with a platform that shaped his career.