Banky W.

Olubankole Wellington (born 27 March 1981),[1] popularly known by his stage name Banky W and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, actor and politician.

Banky W
Born
Olubankole Wellington

(1981-03-27) 27 March 1981
New York, United States
Spouse(s)
Adesua Etomi (m. 2017)
Musical career
GenresR&B
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • rapper
  • politician
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2002–present
LabelsEmpire Mates Entertainment
Associated acts

Life and career

Early life and music career

Banky W was born in the United States to Nigerian parents. His family moved back to Nigeria when he was five years old. He started singing at a young age in his church choir. He schooled in Lagos for his primary and secondary education and returned to further his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York on a scholarship. He started his record label E.M.E in 2002 while studying. He also used to work at GlobalSpec and would sing really loud with his headphones on. In 2009, he left the US for Nigeria and established his record label in Lagos where he signed artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales and Wizkid to the label at the time. His breakthrough debut studio album, Back in the Building was released in 2005.[2] He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria titled "0809ja for life".[3]

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 and Waje. The first two singles from the album are "Lowkey" and "Yes/No".[4]

2017: Dissolution of E.M.E

Banky W announced in February 2018 that E.M.E was dissolved as a record label; he said the label is now a talent management company focused on creative marketing, advertising, PR and brand events.[5] Banky W named DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu 'Toolz' Oniru, and his wife Adesua Etomi as the first set of clients of the rebranded company.[6]

Other collaborations

In 2017, Banky W took part in the initialing of a monumental heirloom, the Philosophers Legacy.[7]

Political career

On 11 November 2018, Banky W declared his intention to run for the Lagos' Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives, representing on the platform of Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017.[8][9]

On 23 February 2019, Banky Wellington lost the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Elections to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress.[10]

Personal life

He married Adesua Etomi traditionally on 19 November 2017[11] and subsequently did his white wedding in South Africa on 25 November 2017.[12] He had a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder in 2017.[13]

Discography

Albums
Studio albums
  • Back in the Building (2006)
  • Mr. Capable (2008)
  • The W Experience (2009)
  • R&BW (2013)
EPs
  • Undeniable (2003)
Playlists
  • 2017: Songs About U (2017)

Compilation albums

Selected singles

Filmography

Awards and nominations
  • John Lennon Song Writing Award 2006, R&B Category, for 'My Regret’
  • Best R&B Artiste, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006
  • Best Male R&B Artiste, Urban Independent Music Awards, USA, 2006
  • Best International Album, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2007 for 'Mr Capable’
  • Best R&B Video, Nigerian Music Video Awards 2008 for 'Don't Break My Heart’
  • Best Male Vocal Performance, Hip hop World Awards 2009 for 'Don't Break My Heart’
  • R&B Single of the year, 2010 Hip Hop World Awards for 'Strong Ting’
  • Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video 2010 City People Entertainment Awards

References
  1. "The Future Awards 2010: Musician of the Year Nominee Profiles". Ladybrille. 6 January 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
  2. Jane Aguoye (9 December 2017). "INTERVIEW: My wife and our new movie — Banky W". Premium Times. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  3. "naija 4 life - banky w + Lyrics". Naija Pals. naijapals.com. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. Dimeji Akinloye (21 February 2018). "Singer announces dissolution of EME as a record label". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  6. "Singer announces dissolution of EME as a record label". www.pulse.ng. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  7. Ibiwoye Dotun. "African leaders endorse Philosophers'Legacy". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  8. "2019: Banky W declares his intention to run for House of Reps". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  9. "2019: Banky W to run for House Of Reps - Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times Nigeria. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  10. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/316944-election-banky-w-writes-supporters-after-losing-to-apc.html
  11. "Banky W announces engagement to actress Adesuwa Etomi". 3 May 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  12. "Banky W and Adesua Etomi's White Wedding". The Informant Spy. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  13. Benjamin Njoku (10 November 2017). "How I survived skin cancer tumour surgery — Banky W". The Vanguard. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  14. "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  15. "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  16. "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  17. "All I Want Is You". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  18. "DJ Xclusive Sarkodie, Banky W, Cassper Nyovest, Anatii go hard in 'Cash only' video". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  19. "New Music Nikki Laoye – 'Onyeuwaoma' ft Banky W". NotJustok.com. Don Boye. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  20. "New Music Nikki Laoye – 'Onyeuwaoma' ft Banky W". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  21. "Mi Re Do (Cocoloso)". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
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