Wizkid is one of the most influential Afrobeats artists in the world, and one of the most common questions people ask about his career is whether he is still signed to Empire Records or Empire Mates Entertainment. To understand this clearly, you need to look at his full record label journey from the beginning of his career to his current independent status.
His story is not just about one label. It is about growth, transition, and how the Nigerian music industry works behind the scenes when it comes to discovering and developing artists.
Before we go deeper, you can also explore how Wizkid compares with other major Nigerian artists in this detailed breakdown of top Nigerian artists in Nigeria music industry which helps you understand the bigger picture of the industry he came from.
Is Wizkid in Empire Records
Wizkid is not currently signed to Empire Records or Empire Mates Entertainment. He was formerly signed to Empire Mates Entertainment also known as EME, which was owned by Banky W. That was the record label that introduced him to mainstream Nigerian music and gave him his first major industry platform.
His time at EME was a foundational phase of his career, but he has long since moved on and built his own independent structure known as Starboy Entertainment.
So the correct answer is that Wizkid is no longer in Empire Records, but he was once a key artist under the label during the early stage of his career.
How Wizkid Joined Empire Mates Entertainment
Wizkid joined Empire Mates Entertainment after being discovered by Banky W, the CEO of the label. At that time, Wizkid was still an upcoming artist trying to break into the Nigerian music scene.
Before this moment, he had already been involved in music from a young age, performing in a church group known as Glorious Five and also recording early projects with local producers.
His talent eventually caught the attention of industry professionals, and Banky W decided to sign him under EME around 2009, which marked the beginning of his mainstream career.
This signing led to his breakout success with early hits that changed his life and positioned him as one of the most promising young artists in Nigeria at the time.
What Empire Mates Entertainment Did for Wizkid
Empire Mates Entertainment played a major role in shaping Wizkid’s early career. The label provided him with structure, studio access, promotion, branding, and industry exposure.
Under EME, Wizkid released his debut album and several hit songs that introduced him to a wide Nigerian audience. This period helped him understand how the professional music industry works.
He also worked closely with other artists signed under the label, which helped him develop his sound and songwriting abilities.
Without EME, Wizkid’s early rise might have taken a very different path.
Was Wizkid Still Signed to Empire Records Later
Wizkid eventually completed his contract with Empire Mates Entertainment and left the label after several years of successful collaboration. His exit was a major turning point in his career.
After leaving, he decided to focus on building his own brand and independence in the music industry. This decision led to the creation of his own record label known as Starboy Entertainment.
At this stage, Wizkid was no longer under Empire Records or EME. He had transitioned into full independence while still collaborating globally with other major artists.
You can also understand more about how his career evolved financially in this related analysis of Wizkid cars and lifestyle evolution which reflects his growth after leaving EME.
Why Wizkid Left Empire Mates Entertainment
Wizkid’s exit from EME was influenced by natural career growth and the need for independence. As artists grow, they often want more control over their music, branding, and business decisions.
At the time, Wizkid had already become a major name in Nigeria, and it made sense for him to explore his own direction.
There were also industry reports and discussions around contract completion and financial disagreements, but what remains clear is that his departure marked a new chapter rather than a setback.
Many artists under record labels eventually reach this stage where they move on to build their own platforms.
The Role of Banky W in Wizkid Career
Banky W played one of the most important roles in Wizkid’s career. As the founder of Empire Mates Entertainment, he discovered Wizkid and gave him the platform that launched his professional journey.
He not only signed Wizkid but also mentored him through his early development, helping him understand how the music industry operates.
This mentorship period is one of the most important parts of Wizkid’s success story because it gave him structure during his formative years.
Without that foundation, his rise might not have been as fast or as structured as it eventually became.
Wizkid After Empire Records
After leaving Empire Mates Entertainment, Wizkid founded Starboy Entertainment, which became his personal record label and business platform.
This move allowed him to sign new artists, collaborate internationally, and take full control of his music direction.
It was during this phase that he expanded globally and became one of Africa’s biggest musical exports.
His international success includes collaborations with major global artists and recognition on world music charts.
Did Wizkid Ever Return to Empire Records
No, Wizkid did not return to Empire Mates Entertainment after leaving. His career continued independently under his own structure and through international partnerships.
However, his legacy at EME remains very important because it represents the foundation of his professional career.
Even today, many fans associate his early sound and breakthrough moments with his time under the label.
Wizkid Industry Growth and Global Impact
Wizkid’s growth after leaving EME shows how powerful independence can be when an artist understands their craft and direction.
He evolved from a young Nigerian talent into a global Afrobeats icon, influencing a new generation of artists across Africa and beyond.
His journey is often studied alongside other major Nigerian musicians, and you can explore more comparisons in this overview of top Nigerian artists which places him among the biggest names in the industry.
What This Means for Upcoming Artists
Wizkid’s journey shows that record labels are important for structure and exposure, but long term success often depends on personal growth and independence.
Young artists can learn from his path by understanding when to join a label, how to maximize that opportunity, and when to build their own platform.
It is a balance between learning from established systems and eventually creating your own identity in the industry.
Conclusion
Wizkid is not currently signed to Empire Records or Empire Mates Entertainment. He was formerly signed under EME, where he began his professional music career under the mentorship of Banky W.
After fulfilling his contract and gaining massive recognition, he moved on to build his own independent label and expanded into global music success.
His journey from EME to independence is one of the clearest examples of growth in the Nigerian music industry.
