Banky W. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Banky W
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| Born |
Olubankole Wellington
27 March 1981 New York City, U.S.
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| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Alma mater | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | R&B, pop rap |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels | Empire Mates Entertainment |
| Associated acts | |
Olubankole Wellington (born on 27 March 1981), known as Banky W, is a famous Nigerian-American singer, rapper, actor, and businessman. He is also involved in politics.
Contents
Banky W's Early Life
Olubankole Wellington was born in the United States. His parents are from Nigeria. When he was five years old, his family moved back to Nigeria. He started singing in his church choir when he was very young. His family belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group.
School Days and Starting Out
Banky W went to primary and secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria. Later, he received a scholarship to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, USA.
While he was still a student in 2002, he started his own music company called Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). He also worked at a company called GlobalSpec.
In 2009, he moved back to Nigeria. He set up his music company in Lagos. He signed talented artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid. His first album, Back in the Building, came out in 2005. His first single was called Ebute Metta. He also wrote the first theme song for Etisalat Nigeria, which was "0809ja for life".
Banky W's Music and Acting Career
Starring in MTV Shuga
Banky W helped create the theme song for the first season of MTV Shuga. The song was called "Shuga" and featured artists like Wizkid, L-Tido, and Boneye. His music helped define the sound for young people in Africa. This collaboration mixed entertainment with important messages about relationships and health.
Releasing the R&BW Album
In 2013, Banky W released his album R&BW. He celebrated with a big concert called the "Grand Love Concert" in Lagos. Many other artists, including Iyanya and Waje, performed at the concert. The first two popular songs from this album were "Lowkey" and "Yes/No".
E.M.E Changes Direction
In February 2018, Banky W announced that E.M.E would no longer be a record label. Instead, it would become a company that manages talent. This new company focuses on marketing, advertising, public relations (PR), and planning brand events. Some of the first people managed by the new E.M.E included DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu 'Toolz' Oniru, and Banky W's wife, Adesua Etomi.
Working with Other Artists
In 2017, Banky W was part of a special art project called Iyasile Naa, also known as The Legacy.
Banky W's Political Journey
On 11 November 2018, Banky W announced he wanted to run for a political office. He aimed for the Lagos' Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives. He ran with the Modern Democratic Party.
On 23 February 2019, he did not win the election. Babajide Obanikoro from the All Progressive Congress (APC) won that seat.
Before the 2023 elections, Banky W changed his political party to the Peoples Democratic Party. He wanted to try again for the same seat in the House of Representatives. In June 2022, he won his party's support to be their candidate for the Eti Osa constituency.
However, in the election on 25 February 2023, he lost again. The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Attah Thaddeus, won the seat. Even though he lost, Banky W accepted the results. He said, "I feel very grateful, even in defeat, because of the things we were able to accomplish."
Banky W's Personal Life
Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi. They had a traditional wedding on 19 November 2017. Their white wedding took place in South Africa on 25 November 2017.
In 2017, Banky W had a successful surgery for skin cancer on his shoulder. In early 2021, Banky W and Adesua welcomed their first child, a son named Hazaiah Wellington. They kept the pregnancy private until his birth. In 2024, the couple shared on Instagram that they had welcomed their second child.
Music Albums and Songs
Studio Albums
- Back in the Building (2006)
- Mr. Capable (2008)
- The W Experience (2009)
- R&BW (2013)
- The Bank Statements (2021)
EPs (Extended Plays)
- Undeniable (2003)
Playlists
- 2017: Songs About U (2017)
Compilation Albums
- Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)
Selected Singles
- 2013: "Jasi"
- 2014: "Jaiye Orimi"
- 2015: "High Notes"
- 2015: "All I Want Is You" feat. Chidinma
- 2015: "Cash Only"
- 2016: "Made for You"
- 2016: "Onyeuwaoma"
- 2016: "Mi Re Do (Cocoloso)" feat. Stonebwoy and Shaydee
- 2021: "Selense" feat Mercy Chinwo
- 2021: Jo.
Movies
- The Wedding Party (2016) as Dozie Onwuka
- The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017) as Dozie Onwuka
- Up North (2018) as Bassey Otuekong
- Sugar Rush (2019) as Anikulapo
Awards and Nominations
Banky W has won many awards for his music and performances:
- 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
See also
- List of Nigerian musicians
