Empire Mates Entertainment

Empire Mates Entertainment
Founded	2002
Founder	Banky W
Genre	Various
Country of origin	Nigeria
Official website	EME.com

Empire Mates Entertainment (stylized as E.M.E) is a Nigerian record label founded by Banky W in 2002. The label is home to recording artists such as Wellington himself, Shaydee and Niyola. DJ Xclusive is the label’s official DJ.^[1] Producers associated with the label include Masterkraft, Jay Sleek, Cobhams Asuquo, Spellz and Samklef, among others. On June 18, 2012, the label released its first compilation album Empire Mates State of Mind.^[2] In addition to establishing a record label, Banky W, Segun Demuren and Tunde Demuren established a production house, a publishing company known as Muzik Men Publishing, and a charity foundation known as the I-AM-CAPABLE Charity Foundation.^[1][3] On February 19, 2014, Nigerian Entertainment Today reported that Skales parted ways with E.M.E following the expiration of his contract. According to the reports, both parties met and reached an agreement.^[4] Wizkid left the label following the release of his second studio album and expiration of his 5 year contract.^[5]

History

Wellington founded the record label in Albany, New York in 2002. During an interview with Beverly Bryan of MTVIggy.com, Banky W shed light on the formulation of E.M.E. He said he started E.M.E while studying at a local university in Albany. He also said he made money from singing to patrons of hair and nail salons in New York.^[6] In 2008, Banky W established E.M.E in Lagos after relocating there. In 2009, he signed Wizkid as the first act to the record label. Skales was also signed to the label in 2009. DJ Xclusive, Shaydee and Niyola were all signed to the label in 2012.^[7] During an interview with Toolz on Ndani's TV's The Juice, Banky W opened up on the signing process for each artist on the label. He signed Niyola after hearing her sing in the bathroom at his sister's wedding. He signed Shaydee after Shaydee opened for him at a show in Ilorin. Wizkid and Skales' record deals with EME came as a result of their musical exposure.^[8]

Wizkid’s departure and reunion with E.M.E

On February 20, 2013, InformationNigeria.com reported that Wizkid was at war with E.M.E due to matters that pertain to contract negotiations. According to the website's source, Wizkid was getting 25 percent from every show while Banky W and Segun Demuren were getting 50 percent. Osagie, Wizkid's former manager, was getting the remaining 25 percent. After firing Osagie and hiring Godwin Tom, Wizkid wanted a 50-50 share with Banky W. The source revealed that Banky W refused to accept Wizkid's proposal. Moreover, it was reported that Banky W wanted to find a manager for Wizkid who would accept 25 percent. It was also alleged that things started getting sour as a result of both parties disagreement. Furthermore, it was reported that Wizkid was doing three shows weekly and bringing in close to 24 million naira monthly.^{[9][10][11][12]} Allegations about Wizkid's departure from EME kept getting coverage mainly because he (Wizkid) wasn't invited to Banky W's album launch party and wasn't featured on the R&BW album.^[13] During the aforementioned interview with Toolz, Banky W broke his silence on the subject, saying:

“	I preference the answer to that by saying that when you don't give people bad news, they create it. As we grow, with growth and success, goals become bigger. He wants to start his own label. It was not nearly as bitter or as violent as people made it out to seem. It was just funny to me because it's just ironic how bitter people can be and how much people are really hungry for slander and bad news. He is still on the label. We are in full support whether its StarBoy or what we are doing with Disturbing London. We are actually all working together to make sure that this goes smoothly. People were just really bitter and looking for fights.	”
	— Banky W.[8][14]

Accolades

E.M.E was nominated for Best Record Label of the Year at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards.^[15]

Year	Awards ceremony	Award description(s)	Results
2013	City People Entertainment Awards	Best Record Label of the Year	Nominated

Artists

Current artists

Act	Year signed	# Albums and other works released under Empire Mates Entertainment
Banky W	2002	5
Niyola[16]	2012	—
Shaydee[17]		—

Former artists

Act	Year signed	# Albums and other works released under Empire Mates Entertainment
Wizkid	2009	2
Skales		—

Discography

Year	Information
2003	Banky W. - Undeniable EP Released:2003 Singles: Certification:
2005	Banky W - Back in the Building Released:2005 Singles: "My Regret" Certification:
2008	Banky W - Mr Capable Released:2008 Singles: Certification:
2009	Banky W - The W Experience Released:2009 Singles:"Strong Ting", "Feeling It" Certification:
2011	Wizkid - Superstar Released:June 12, 2011 Singles: "Oluwa Lo Ni", "Pakurumo", "Love My Baby", "Don't Dull", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Holla at Your Boy" Certification:
2012	Empire Mates Entertainment - Empire Mates State of Mind Released: June 18, 2012 Singles: "Baddest Boy", "Dance for Me", "Get Down Tonight", "Ko Mo Le", "Sun Mo Mi", "Don't Delay Me (Don't Go There)", "Change" Certification:
2013	Banky W - R&BW Released:February 14, 2013 Singles:"Yes/No", "Good Good Loving" Certification:
2014	Wizkid - Ayo Released: September 17, 2014 Singles: "Jaiye Jaiye", "On Top Your Matter", "One Question", "Joy", "Bombay", "Show You The Money" Certification:

References