Why I Rejected Record Deals From Columbia Records, YBNL, ROC Nation – Mr Eazi

Nigerian singer, Mr Eazi has disclosed the reasons behind his decision to turn down deals from major record labels.

In the latest episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast hosted by Joey Akan, the singer revealed that he rejected deals from rapper Olamide, CEO of YBNL Nation, and Abou “Bu” Thiam, the executive vice president of Columbia Records and younger brother of American singer, Akon.

Mr Eazi explained that during the early stages of his music career, both Olamide and Bu Thiam separately approached him to join their record labels.

He, however, declined these offers because he felt he hadn’t fully grasped the dynamics of the industry and sought to maintain his artistic “freedom.”

The singer said, “I remember going for ‘Ghana Meets Naija in Ghana. And that was where I met Olamide. He tried to sign me to his record label.He offered me a deal.

“Somebody else had also tried to sign me. Bu [Abou Thiam], Akon’s brother was the first person who tried to sign me.

“I declined because then I haven’t even figured out what I was doing. It was too early to sign. So, I didn’t sign to Bu.

“When Olamide gave me a deal, I knew that I hadn’t totally understood the business or what I was even doing so I declined. Everything was just happening so fast. One thing I knew was that I wanted my freedom.”

Mr Eazi also revealed that ROC Nation, the record label of American Hip-hop icon, Jay Z, , expressed interest in signing his hit song ‘Skin Tight.’

However, he turned down the opportunity after Afrobeats superstar, Wizkid advised him to only accept the deal if it offered “life-changing money.”

Reflecting on the offer, Mr Eazi explained, “In reality to where I was in my life, the money they offered would have been interpreted as life changing money.

“But to me because of where I thought I was going, I didn’t think it was life changing money. So, I didn’t accept the deal.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Mr Eazi recently dismissed reports of holding a secret wedding, stressing that he married his wife, Temi Otedola in Venice, Italy.