Nigerian singer Victor Okafor, better known by his stage name Mr. Real, has opened up about his biggest career regret—featuring rapper Idowest on his 2017 breakout hit, Legbegbe.
The street anthem became one of the defining tracks of the late 2010s Afrobeats wave, but according to Mr. Real, certain decisions made around the record’s release limited its full potential and prevented him from rising to the level of stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy.
“I Wish I Had Sung That Song Alone” – Mr. Real
Speaking in a recent interview on Hip TV Trending, Mr. Real revealed he believed Legbegbe would have had an even greater impact had he kept it as a solo project.
“I regret bringing Idowest into that song… I wish I had sung that song alone. If I had sung that song alone, I’d be on the same level as Burna Boy and Wizkid,” he said.
He explained that while the collaboration brought attention at the time, it also “boxed” the song in, reducing its long-term potential and overshadowing his individual artistry.
The Missed Wizkid Remix Collaboration
Mr. Real further revealed that there were serious talks for a Wizkid remix of Legbegbe, which could have taken the record to a global audience.
However, he claimed the plan was scrapped due to alleged complications involving music star D’banj.
“Wizkid wanted to jump on the remix of Legbegbe. That would have changed everything for me. But it didn’t happen—all because of D’banj,” he added.
How “Legbegbe” Made Mr. Real Famous
Released in 2017, Legbegbe quickly spread across Lagos clubs, parties, and the streets, becoming one of the most popular shaku shaku dance anthems.
The track introduced Mr. Real to mainstream fame, earning him spots at major shows and cementing his name in Nigeria’s music scene.
Despite the success, the singer now feels that strategic missteps—including the choice of collaborators and missed high-profile opportunities—prevented him from sustaining the momentum.
Lessons From Mr. Real’s Career Reflections
Mr. Real’s candid admission sheds light on the high-stakes decisions artists face in the Nigerian music industry, where one song can define a career.
By opening up about the missed Wizkid collaboration and the impact of featuring Idowest, the singer highlights how industry politics, timing, and choices can make or break a star’s global rise.
