10/15/2025
Leaving Mavin Records Was Premature ,I Thought I Could Handle It Alone” , Reekado Banks
Reekado Banks has opened up about his 2018 departure from Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, admitting that the decision was “premature.” The singer revealed that he was young and eager to carve out his own path but underestimated the realities of managing an independent career.
Reekado joined Mavin early in his career and rose to fame under the label, winning Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014 and the Next Rated award in 2015. Although his initial contract was for three years, he remained with the label for five before choosing not to renew it and launching his own imprint, Banks Music.
He clarified that there was no fallout with Don Jazzy or Mavin Records, but admitted that youthful zeal and overconfidence influenced his decision. “I thought I could do it now,” he said, reflecting on how reality set in once he took the leap.
Since leaving, Reekado has experienced both growth and challenges. He shared that independence pushed him to take full responsibility for his career ,from handling business decisions to accepting both wins and losses on his own. He also noted that if he had stayed longer under Don Jazzy’s mentorship, he might have grown too comfortable and less accountable.
Despite the hurdles, Reekado expressed deep appreciation for Mavin Records, crediting Don Jazzy and the team for their guidance and support, saying the experience helped shape who he is today.
While going independent has offered him creative freedom and invaluable life lessons, Reekado admits the move also brought its downsides ,from inconsistent music releases to business struggles and the challenge of rebuilding his structure from scratch.
In his own words:
“Leaving Mavin Records wasn’t about conflict. I was young and fixated on what I wanted to do. I signed a three-year contract and extended it for two more years. When it was time, I thought, ‘I can do this now.’ But as soon as I jumped into the sea, I realized how premature it was.”
