The Man Who Made My Music Career Almost Destroyed It — King Wadada Shares

I grew up in the dusty streets of Benin City, chasing survival and music in equal measure. Reggae became my truth, my salvation, and my way of speaking to the world.

When I won the 2010 KORA Award for Best Reggae Artist with my song Holy Holy, I felt like the universe had finally opened its doors to me. Along with the award came $20,000 in prize money a boost I believed would propel me to international stages.

I trusted my manager completely. He handled my shows, my prize money, my travel plans, even my passport. He was the one who took me to the KORA Awards in Burkina Faso and later to Germany for a performance.

But the trust didn’t last.

On our return to Nigeria, everything changed. As soon as we landed, he vanished disappearing with my $20,000 prize money and my passport. Just like that, I was left stranded. No funds. No travel document. No way to honour international invitations or explore the opportunities I had worked so hard for.

The impact was devastating. For years, I couldn’t travel. My career momentum slipped away. I didn’t just lose money; I lost valuable time, priceless opportunities, and the belief that the people you trust will always protect your dream.

Starting again from scratch wasn’t easy. But reggae kept me going. The music reminded me to stand for truth, integrity, and resilience no matter the challenges.

Today, I tell every young artiste I meet: protect your work, protect your earnings, and never hand over your power completely. The wrong person can take more than your money  they can stall your destiny.

Have you ever had your trust broken in a way that cost you something big? Share your story below someone out there might learn from your experience.

🔗 Source: The Punch – My manager stole $20,000 prize money I got for Kora awards – King Wadada