Nigerian singer Oluwagbemiga Babalola, famously known as Bigiano, recently opened up about what he considers the biggest regret of his music career.
In a heartfelt interview with Cool FM, the veteran artist revealed that he once turned down an offer to join the iconic Mo’Hits Records, a decision he now wishes he could undo.
Mo’Hits Records, co-founded by Nigerian music legends Don Jazzy and D’banj, played a major role in shaping the Nigerian music industry, and Bigiano’s refusal to join the label is something he reflects on with some regret.
Bigiano explained that the offer came at the height of his career when his hit single ‘Shayo’ was making waves across Nigeria. At the time, he had a close relationship with D’banj, who invited him to visit the Mo’Hits house.
“When ‘Shayo’ was at its prime, D’banj is my brother and friend,” Bigiano recounted. “He introduced me and handed me over to Sunday Are in 2010. Then they invited me to the house. Bankulli took me to the house.”
It was during that visit that Don Jazzy personally asked him if he wanted to become part of Mo’Hits Records.
The singer recalled the moment clearly: “We got to the house and Don Jazzy asked me, ‘Would you want to join Mo’Hits?’ Instead of saying yes, the little young man inside me felt like I had made music that was going viral and becoming popular. I thought I had independence, that I was invited to many shows.”
Bigiano revealed that his youthful mindset made him believe that joining a label would limit his freedom, especially when he saw the talent already signed to Mo’Hits, including Wande Coal and Dr. Sid.
In his mind, he feared losing his ability to perform shows independently. “I was like if I said yes, I would now be in the house with Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, and I wouldn’t be able to go to shows on my own again. So, I said no but told them they should push me out as their artist if needed, as we had been friends.”
He admitted that this decision, made out of a desire for independence, might have cost him dearly. “That would have been a big turnaround for my career because at that point, everybody in that house showed me love. Don Jazzy liked me and showed me love all the time. D’banj was the same. That one is my brother.”
Bigiano reflected further on the missed opportunity. “I should have just said yes. It should have just been Wande Coal and Bigiano under Mo’Hits. You know, something like that would have been a serious problem for this world.”
He acknowledged the power of the label and how it could have propelled his career to greater heights. The singer also admitted to the challenge he faced after Wande Coal released his ‘Mushin’ album.
“After that year Wande Coal dropped ‘Mushin’ album, I said I now have the biggest competitor. I asked myself how I was going to tackle that album then.”
Bigiano confessed that despite his struggles since then, he was given what he described as a “blank cheque” by Mo’Hits, but he still turned it down.
“They gave me blank cheque but instead of me saying yes, I said no.” This candid admission revealed how much the decision still weighs on him.
“I will not lie to you, if I could fix that, I would rewind time and say yes, even three times.”
The singer’s career took off with the release of ‘Shayo’ in 2009, which became a major hit and cemented his place in the Nigerian music scene.
That same year, Bigiano was nominated for several awards in the Best New Act category, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
His hit single also earned him accolades such as ‘Best Music Video,’ ‘Best Cinematography,’ and ‘Viewers’ Choice of The Year’ at the Sound City Music Video Awards, marking a high point in his career.
Looking back, Bigiano’s story is a lesson about the importance of opportunities and the impact of decisions made in the heat of youth.
While he continues to make music and maintain a presence in the industry, the question of what could have been remains a significant part of his narrative.
His openness about this regret offers aspiring artists insight into the complexities of career choices in the fast-moving music industry.
