Bigiano, the artist behind the mid-2000s anthem ‘Shayo’, has revealed a career decision that still weighs heavily on him.
The Nigerian singer, whose real name is Babalola Oluwagbemiga Gabriel, recalled a moment that could have redefined his journey in music.
At the height of his fame, just when ‘Shayo’ had cemented his name on the airwaves, Don Jazzy the powerhouse behind Mo’Hits Records extended a rare invitation. Bigiano turned it down.
Why? He believed he didn’t need a label. His success as an independent act felt enough.
READ ALSO: Don Jazzy thanks Wizkid for supporting Ayra Starr’s new album
During a recent sit-down on the ‘One One’ podcast, he opened up: “This is going to make me teary, but I dare not. When ‘Shayo’ was at its prime, my friend D’banj introduced me and handed me over to Sunday Are. That should be 2010.
They invited me to Mo’Hits mansion, Bankuli took me there. When we went there, D’banj, Don Jazzy, and Sunday Are were all around. I think Wande Coal was also around. And then Don Jazzy asked me, ‘Do you want to join Mo’Hits?’ Instead of me saying ‘yes,’ the little mind that feels he has arrived as an independent artist with hit songs said ‘No.’ If I had accepted the offer, that would have been a big turnaround for my career because the Mo’Hits crew were very supportive. I regretted the decision.”
A decade later, Bigiano still remembers the room, the faces, and the question that could have changed everything.