Bankie Banx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bankie Banx
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Clement Ashley Banks |
| Born | 13 November 1953 Anguilla |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1967–present |
| Labels | Urban Country, Zemi Music |
Bankie Banx (born Clement Ashley Banks in 1953) is a famous reggae singer from Anguilla. Many people call him the "Anguillan Bob Dylan" because of his unique music style. He is known for his soulful voice and meaningful songs.
Contents
Bankie's Music Journey
Bankie's music journey started early. In 1963, he even built his first guitar! He formed his first band in 1967. They were inspired by popular UK songs played from a ship near the island.
In 1977, Bankie had his first number one hit, "Prince of Darkeness." He then released many more popular songs. His first album, Roots and Herbs, came out in 1978. With his band, The Roots and Herbs, Bankie helped create reggae music in the Eastern Caribbean.
After his album Where I and I Abide, Bankie became the first artist from Anguilla to perform at Reggae Sunsplash. This big music festival happened in 1983 and again in 1992. He was also in a reggae movie called Cool Runnings. After his success, Bankie and his band toured the Caribbean and Europe.
Moonsplash Festival
In the late 1980s, Bankie lived in New York City. He worked with many talented musicians there. Bankie Banx and The New York Connection became very popular on the East Coast music scene.
Bankie always returned to Anguilla for shows. In 1991, he started the Moonsplash Music Festival. This festival takes place at his own bar, The Dune Preserve. Moonsplash is now one of the best music festivals in the Eastern Caribbean. Many famous artists have performed there. These include Jimmy Buffett, Rita Marley, Richie Havens, Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse, and John Mayer.
In 1999, Hurricane Lenny destroyed Bankie's bar. But he rebuilt it, and Moonsplash continued in 2000.
TV, Film, and Charity Work
Bankie has appeared on international television shows. He had a role on the Fox sitcom Key West. He also performed on The Bachelor in 2011. His music was featured in the movie Southie.
People describe Bankie's sound as a mix of Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. His music blends folk, reggae, R&B, and jazz. He has even played with Bob Dylan himself!
In 2005, Bankie started Project Stingray. This program helps kids in Anguilla learn about music and art. He raised money for the program by touring the United States. In 2006, he gave 30 new guitars to the Stingray Program. Bankie also hosted a charity event with Jimmy Buffett. This event raised over one hundred thousand dollars for local charities.
In 2006, Bankie released a music video for his song "Big Chief." It tells the story of a young island boy finding his roots. The video was filmed in Anguilla and St. Martin.
Recent Music and Poetry
Bankie's album The News came out in 2009. The first song from it was "King of the Dune." His latest album, Just Cool, was released in 2012.
Bankie is also known as a poet. His poems can be found in the book Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla (2015).
Albums
- Roots and Herbs (1978) Banx Music
- Where I and I Abide (1982) Banx Music
- Soothe Your Soul (1982) Redemption Records
- Terrestrial Spirits (1989) Urban Country/Banx Music
- Island Boy (1991) Urban Country/Banx Music
- Mighty Wind (1996) Urban Country/Banx Music
- Still In Paradise (1999) Banx Music
- Chariots Of Steel (2003) Banx Music
- The News: Live From The 4th World (2009) Banx Music
- Just Cool (2012) Banx Music
Awards and Recognition
- 2015 The Presidents Award at the 13th annual St. Martin Book Fair
