I Quit Banking After One Gig Paid More Than My Monthly Salary”; Ric Hassani Shares

Nigerian singer Ric Hassani recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his life when he quit a stable banking job to chase his passion for music. The decision, while risky, turned out to be the best move of his career.

In an interview on the CreativiTea podcast, the soulful vocalist, known for his unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and soul, revealed that the music industry was not initially welcoming to his unconventional sound. But an unexpected spark from a viral proposal video changed everything.

Ric Hassani described his early music career as an uphill battle. Upon arriving in Lagos—a hub for Nigeria’s entertainment industry—he found the doors to mainstream success tightly shut:

“When I first came to Lagos, nobody wanted to sign me because I came to Lagos with a different type of sound,” he explained.

Unlike the more upbeat Afrobeats styles dominating the charts, Hassani’s sound was soft, romantic, and introspective. In an industry driven by commercial appeal, his music didn’t quite fit the mold.

Ironically, his big break didn’t come from a record label or a high-profile collaboration—but from a wedding proposal video shared on the popular blog, BellaNaija. What happened next was nothing short of a social media twist of fate. Instead of commenting on the couple or the engagement itself, viewers flooded the comments asking about the song.

The surge of interest catapulted the unknown track into the limelight, catching the attention of event organizers who quickly invited Hassani to perform at a show. The gig offered more than just exposure—it offered validation. The payment from that single performance exceeded his monthly salary as a bank employee at Access Bank. That moment of clarity marked the end of his corporate career and the beginning of his artistic journey.

Since taking the leap, Ric Hassani has solidified his place in Nigeria’s music scene, known for songs like “Gentleman,” “Thunder Fire You,” and “Only You.” His heartfelt lyrics and smooth vocals have earned him a loyal fanbase and a string of nominations and awards both locally and internationally.

Today, Hassani is considered one of Nigeria’s most refined vocalists—a testament to what can happen when talent meets timing, even in the most unexpected ways.

Ric Hassani’s story holds valuable lessons for aspiring creatives and professionals alike: Believe in your unique voice, even when the market doesn’t, Take the leap when opportunity knocks, especially if it aligns with your passion, Unconventional paths can lead to incredible destinations.