Samklef Asserts Ownership of Six Tracks from Wizkid's Debut Album Superstar
Prominent Nigerian music producer and recording artist Samuel Oguachuba, widely known as Samklef, has made a bold declaration regarding the ownership of six tracks from Afrobeats superstar Wizkid's critically acclaimed debut album, Superstar. The album, which was released on June 12, 2011, under the Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) label, served as a pivotal turning point in Wizkid's illustrious career, catapulting him to international fame and establishing him as a leading figure in the global music scene.
Claims of Unpaid Studio Sessions and Lack of Formal Contract
In a detailed post on the social media platform X, dated March 2, 2026, Samklef revealed that the entire Superstar album was recorded in his personal studio, with the recording costs remaining unsettled to this day. He emphasized that no formal contract was ever signed during the production process, a fact that he believes strengthens his claim to the masters of six specific tracks from the album. Samklef stated, "Thank God I never used my masters to collect any loan. I'm about to negotiate with @BankyW since I didn't sign any contract from the beginning. I hope the Wizkid Superstar masters were never sold."
Further elaborating on his position, Samklef asserted that his ownership stems directly from Banky W's failure to pay for the studio sessions. He highlighted that he not only produced the tracks but also owns the physical studio space where all the songs were recorded, which he argues gives him a rightful claim to the masters. "I own 6 tracks from the masters because Banky didn't pay for the studio sessions — and I also own the studio where all the songs were recorded," he explained.
Planned Fresh Negotiations with Banky W
Samklef has announced his intention to initiate fresh negotiations with Banky W, the co-founder of EME, to resolve the longstanding issue of ownership and unpaid dues. The producer's move comes as he seeks to formalize his rights over the tracks, leveraging the absence of a signed agreement to push for a settlement. This development could potentially impact the future distribution and royalties associated with the iconic album, which featured contributions from a roster of talented producers including E-Kelly, Jay Sleek, Shizzi, DJ Klem, Masterkraft, Q-Beats, Banky W, Vebee, and Samklef himself.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens and the Public
The announcement has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians flooding Samklef's comment sections to voice their opinions. Some users have urged Banky W to engage in fair negotiations and settle the outstanding payments, acknowledging the significant revenue generated by the album over the years. For instance, @Tobi_Moscow commented, "There might not be agreement or any type of payment that time. But Banky suppose negotiate and pay you now. Coz no be small money that album don generate."
Others, however, have questioned the validity of Samklef's claims, pointing to the lack of a signed agreement as a potential legal hurdle. @son_of_jackson asked, "Was there a signed agreement between banky and You, giving you the right to own those 6 songs??" Meanwhile, supporters like @femifex expressed optimism, writing, "You are about to blow massively… this is the time we all have been waiting for… wizkid is really the African best that will ever happen to all Africans."
Broader Context and Previous Allegations
This claim is not Samklef's first foray into controversial statements within the Nigerian music industry. In a previous incident, he accused fellow artist Davido of fueling toxicity and rivalry in the business, alleging that Davido's entry brought a "cultist mindset," threats, and streaming fraud, contrasting it with the era of mutual respect during Wizkid and Olamide's dominance. These allegations add a layer of context to Samklef's current actions, highlighting ongoing tensions and disputes over ownership, payment, and professional conduct in the rapidly evolving Afrobeats landscape.
As the situation unfolds, the music community and fans alike are closely watching to see how Banky W will respond to Samklef's demands. The outcome of these planned negotiations could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of clear contracts and fair compensation in the creative industries. With Superstar remaining a landmark album in Nigerian music history, its legacy is now intertwined with this unfolding debate over artistic ownership and financial justice.
