A phone call from a superstar promised a new level of fame, but the dream collaboration fell through.
In the dynamic world of Afrobeats, "what could have been" stories often captivate fans as much as the hits themselves. One such story revolves around Mr. Real's 2017 smash hit "Legbegbe" and a potential remix that would have featured none other than the global superstar, Wizkid. According to the song's creator, this dream collaboration was in the works but ultimately fell through, a missed opportunity he believes could have catapulted him to the highest echelons of the music industry.
The news of this scrapped collaboration came to light in an interview Mr. Real (real name Victor Okafor) gave in late 2025. He revealed that Wizkid had personally reached out to him to express interest in doing a remix of "Legbegbe".
This invitation was a significant gesture, indicating that the track had caught the attention of one of Nigeria's biggest musical exports. For an artist like Mr. Real, a collaboration with Wizkid represented an unparalleled opportunity for global reach and credibility.
To understand the weight of this missed opportunity, one must recall the cultural impact of the original song.
· Massive Hit: Released in 2017, "Legbegbe" (featuring Obadice and Idowest) became an instant nationwide hit across Nigeria, propelling Mr. Real to fame.
· Viral Dance: The song was a primary driver of the popular "Shaku Shaku" dance craze that swept through the continent.
· The Story Behind the Song: The word "Legbegbe" translates to "side by side" and is Nigerian street slang for pickpocketing. The song's catchy iPhone-counting chorus was famously inspired by the true story of Nigerian filmmaker Seun Egbegbe, who was caught allegedly stealing eight iPhones from a shop.
Mr. Real did not hold back his feelings about the remix not materializing. He expressed a clear sense of regret, linking this missed chance to other career choices.
Mr. Real stated that had the Wizkid remix happened, it would have "significantly boosted the song's success both in Nigeria and globally".
He claimed that the planned collaboration with Wizkid was scrapped "all because of D'banj," though he did not elaborate on the specific nature of the complications involving the veteran singer.
In the same interview, he also voiced regret over featuring artist Idowest on the original track, believing that if he had released it as a solo artist, he would be "on the same level as Burna Boy and Wizkid".
It is worth noting that an official "Legbegbe" remix was eventually released in 2018, featuring a different set of acclaimed artists: South African DJ Maphorisa, Nigerian singer Niniola, South African rapper Vista, and DJ Catzico. However, in Mr. Real's view, this version could not compare to the transformative potential of a Wizkid-assisted remix.
Aspect Detail
Original Artist: Mr. Real (Victor Okafor)
Potential Collaborator: Wizkid
Original Song: "Legbegbe" (feat. Obadice & Idowest), released 2017
Stated Reason Complications allegedly involving singer D'banj
The story of the unmade Wizkid remix of "Legbegbe" is more than just industry gossip; it highlights the pivotal moments that can define an artist's career. For Mr. Real, "Legbegbe" was a massive success, but the shadow of the collaboration that never was serves as a lasting reminder of a potentially different trajectory.
It underscores how in the music business, a single phone call from a superstar can promise a new universe of opportunity, and how the complexities of the industry can sometimes leave those promises unfulfilled.
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