Banky W. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Banky W
Born	Olubankole Wellington (1981-03-27) 27 March 1981 (age 44) New York City, U.S.
Nationality	Nigerian-American
Alma mater	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Spouse(s)	Adesua Etomi ​ (m. 2017)​
Children	2
Musical career
Genres	R&B, pop rap
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actor rapper politician entrepreneur
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2002–present
Labels	Empire Mates Entertainment
Associated acts	ID Cabasa Sasha P Wizkid Skales Sarkodie Lynxxx Masterkraft

Olubankole Wellington (born March 27, 1981) is a Nigerian-American singer, rapper, actor, and politician. He is famous by his stage name, Banky W. When he acts in movies, he is often credited as Banky Wellington. He is also an entrepreneur, which means he starts and runs his own businesses.

Early Life and Education

Olubankole Wellington was born in New York City, USA, to Nigerian parents. When he was five, his family moved back to Nigeria. He is of the Yoruba ethnicity. He discovered his love for singing in his church choir at a young age.

Wellington went to primary school in Lagos. For his secondary education, he attended Home Science Association Secondary School. He later earned a scholarship to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York.

Music Career

Starting a Record Label

While he was still in college in 2002, Banky W started his own record label called Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). After working for a company called GlobalSpec, he moved back to Nigeria in 2009.

He set up his record label in Lagos and signed talented artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid. In 2005, he released his first album, Back in the Building. His first single was named after the Lagos neighborhood of Ebute Metta. He also wrote the first theme song for the telecommunications company Etisalat Nigeria.

The R&BW Album

In 2013, Banky W released his new album, R&BW. He celebrated the launch with a big "Grand Love Concert" in Lagos. Many other artists, like Iyanya and Waje, performed at the event. The first two singles from the album were "Lowkey" and "Yes/No".

Contribution to MTV Shuga

Banky W was a key part of the first season of the TV series MTV Shuga. He created the show's theme song, "Shuga," which featured other artists like Wizkid. The song captured the show's energy and helped define the sound of modern African youth culture. The show used entertainment to share important messages about health and relationships.

Changing E.M.E.

In February 2018, Banky W announced a big change for his company. He explained that E.M.E would no longer be just a record label. Instead, it would become a talent management company. The new company focuses on marketing, advertising, and public relations for creative people. His wife Adesua Etomi, as well as personalities like DJ Xclusive and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, were some of the first clients.

Political Career

Banky W and his wife Adesua Etomi at the AMVCA awards in 2020.

Banky W has also been involved in politics. Politics is the way groups of people make decisions for a country or area.

In 2018, he announced he wanted to run for a seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives. He wanted to represent the Eti-Osa area of Lagos. He ran as a member of the Modern Democratic Party. In the election on February 23, 2019, he did not win. The seat was won by Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

For the 2023 general election, Banky W decided to run again. This time, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In June 2022, he won the party's primary election, which meant he would be their candidate for the Eti-Osa seat.

However, in the election held on February 25, 2023, Banky W lost again. The election was won by Attah Thaddeus of the Labour Party (LP). Even though he was defeated, Banky W said he felt grateful for what he was able to achieve during his campaign.

Personal Life

Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi in 2017. They had a traditional Nigerian wedding on November 19, followed by a white wedding in South Africa on November 25.

In 2017, he had successful surgery to remove skin cancer from his shoulder.

The couple has two children. Their son, Hazaiah, was born in early 2021. They kept the pregnancy private, so the news of his birth was a happy surprise to many. In 2024, they announced the arrival of their second child on Instagram.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Back in the Building (2006)
• Mr. Capable (2008)
• The W Experience (2009)
• R&BW (2013)
• Songs About U (2017)
• The Bank Statements (2021)

EPs

• Undeniable (2003)

Compilation Albums

• Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)

Filmography

Selected Awards

• John Lennon Song Writing Award (2006)
• Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Best R&B Artiste (2006)
• Urban Independent Music Awards, USA, Best Male R&B Artiste (2006)
• Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Best International Album (2007)
• Nigerian Music Video Awards, Best R&B Video (2008)
• Hip Hop World Awards, Best Male Vocal Performance (2009)
• Hip Hop World Awards, R&B Single of the Year (2010)
• City People Entertainment Awards, Best R&B Singer (Male) (2010)

See also

• List of Nigerian musicians