Ric Hassani Explains Transition from Banking to Music Career

Nigerian singer Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, popularly known as Ric Hassani, has shared how he abandoned a lucrative banking career to pursue music, citing passion and purpose as his driving forces. In an interview with Channels Television on Saturday, June 21, Hassani detailed his journey from a corporate job to becoming a leading Afrobeats and R&B artist.

Hassani, 36, graduated with an economics degree from Covenant University and worked as a relationship manager at a top Nigerian bank in 2012, earning ₦500,000 monthly. Despite job security, he felt unfulfilled, secretly recording music at night. “I’d leave the bank at 5 p.m., hit the studio till 2 a.m., and be back at work by 8 a.m.,” he said. His 2016 single “Gentleman” gained traction, prompting his resignation in 2017 to focus on music full-time.

The transition was risky, with Hassani facing financial struggles before his 2021 album The Prince I Became earned various nominations. He credited mentors like Don Jazzy for guidance and urged young Nigerians to follow their dreams. Hassani’s story resonates amid Nigeria’s 33% youth unemployment, inspiring career shifts.