Veteran Nigerian singer and producer Eldee The Don has shed light on his pivotal influence in the early days of Wizkid’s journey to stardom. Speaking on the Adesope Live show, Eldee revealed that he played a key advisory role in steering Wizkid toward embracing Afrobeats as his signature style.

Eldee recounted that during Wizkid’s early days at EME Records, the now-global superstar was initially drawn to Reggae and Dancehall genres. However, Eldee believed Wizkid’s unique potential could be maximized by incorporating Nigerian influences into his music.

“Wizkid was leaning towards Reggae and Dancehall when Banky W signed him before he dropped his first single,” Eldee explained. “But I told him he has to find a middle ground and do something Nigerian with a lot of flavors in it.”

He added that Wizkid took the advice to heart, shifting his focus to Afropop and creating tracks like Don’t Dull, which ultimately catapulted him to fame and marked the beginning of a stellar career that has since garnered global acclaim, including a Grammy win.

Opinion: The Impact of Mentorship in Shaping Stars

Eldee’s revelation underscores the significance of mentorship in the creative industry. The advice he offered Wizkid not only helped refine the young artist’s sound but also aligned him with the burgeoning Afrobeats movement, which has now become a global phenomenon. This moment of guidance showcases the critical role of seasoned artists in nurturing the next generation of talent.

Wizkid’s willingness to pivot and experiment with a new sound also speaks volumes about his adaptability and vision. His story serves as an inspiration for emerging artists to remain open to constructive feedback and explore avenues that highlight their cultural roots.

A Lesson in Collaboration

The synergy between Eldee’s foresight and Wizkid’s talent demonstrates how collaboration within the industry can lead to groundbreaking achievements. Afrobeats has grown into a global powerhouse, and stories like this remind us of the collective effort behind its rise.

As we celebrate Wizkid’s success, we should also honor the contributions of pioneers like Eldee, whose wisdom and experience have helped shape the vibrant soundscape we now recognize as Afrobeats.

What are your thoughts on the importance of mentorship in music? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!