Olubankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W is a Nigerian singer, rapper, mentor and recently an actor.
Banky W was born on 27 March 1981 in the United States of America to Nigerian parents. His family relocated back to Nigeria when he was five years old. He started singing at a young age in the church choir which invariably laid solid foundation for his musical career.
Early Life And Career
Banky W had his primary and secondary education both in Lagos and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, United States of America on a scholarship.
In 2009, he started his record label E.M.E in 2002 while still studying. After moving to Nigeria, he established the label in Lagos and signed artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales and Wizkid to his recored label at the time.
His breakthrough debut studio album, Back in the Building was released in 2005. He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria titled “0809ja for life”.
2012–2013: R&BW
A day after Valentine of 2013, he launched his new album “R&BW” with a concert tagged the “Grand Love Concert” at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, which featured several other artistes including Iyanya, Waje and more. The first two singles from the album are “Lowkey” and “Yes/No”.
Politics
On 11 November 2018, Banky W declared his political intention to run for a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, representing Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency. He announced that he would run under the Modern Democratic Party, (MDP)which came in existence in 2017.
His Endorsements
- Banky W was first official Ambassador of Samsung Electronics in Nigeria.
- An Ambassador to Ciroo Ultra Premium Vodka
Banky W Awards
- Best R & B at John Lennon Song Writing
- Best R & Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- Best Male R & B Artiste at Urban Independent Music Awards in USA.
- Best International Album Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
- Best R & B Nigerian Music Video Awards
- Best Male Vocal performance at he Hip-hop World Awards
- Best R & B Single of the year at the Hip-hop World Awards
- Best R & B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video at the City People Entertainment Awards.
His Personal life
Banky married a Nollywood Actress Adesua Etomi traditionally on 19 November 2017 and subsequently did his white wedding in South Africa on 25 November 2017.
The wedding ceremony was well attended by dignitaries in music and movie industry as well as high class personalities in Nigeria and abroad.
Discography
Albums2003: Undeniable (EP)
- 2005: Back in the Building
- 2008: Mr. Capable
- 2009: The W Experience
- 2013: R&BW
Filmography:
Banky W has been an actor in Nollywood Biggest ever movie “The Wedding Party”.
His Net Worth
Banky W is one of the richest musician in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $9 million dollars.