Reekado Banks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reekado Banks
Background information
Birth name	Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon
Also known as	Spicy
Born	(1993-12-06) 6 December 1993 (age 31) Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres	Afropop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Banks Music Virgin Music Nigeria
Associated acts	Don Jazzy Korede Bello Tiwa Savage Vanessa Mdee Di'Ja Dr SID D'Prince

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born December 6, 1993), known as Reekado Banks, is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was part of Mavin Records from 2014 to 2018. Before joining the label, he used the stage name Spicy.

Reekado Banks won the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies 2014. He also received the Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. His first album, Spotlight, came out on September 1, 2016. It quickly reached number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

Early Life and Music Start

Reekado Banks grew up in a family that loved music. His mother was a caterer and a pastor. His father was also a clergyman from Ondo State. Because both parents were pastors, he grew up in a very disciplined home.

He finished high school when he was 14 years old. He started recording music in 2008. His older brother, Temi Solomon, produced all his early songs. Temi also taught him how to write, sing, and produce music.

How He Got His Stage Name

Reekado Banks chose his stage name by combining two meanings. "Reekado" means "strong ruler." "Banks" means "wealth." So, his name means "strong ruler of wealth." In 2014, he earned a degree in history from the University of Lagos. He looks up to artists like Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide, and M.I for musical inspiration.

Music Career Highlights

Joining Mavin Records

Reekado Banks's older brother sent some of his songs to Mavin Records. This was part of an online talent search. The record label chose his songs from over 5,000 entries. They then signed him to a record deal.

In an interview, Reekado Banks shared that his brother sent his songs without him knowing at first. He also said he is a flexible artist. He creates music for different people with different tastes.

First Songs and Leaving Mavin Records

On February 21, 2014, Reekado Banks released his first song, "Turn It Up." This was the same day he signed with Mavin Records. The song featured vocals from Tiwa Savage.

He also worked on popular songs like "Dorobucci" with Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Di'Ja, Dr SID, and D'Prince. Other collaborations included "Adaobi," "Arise," and "Looku Looku."

On February 13, 2015, he released "Katapot," produced by Don Jazzy. Some people thought it was a diss track, but Don Jazzy denied this. Reekado Banks later said he made "Katapot" for his fans.

In July 2015, Reekado Banks signed a deal with the Nigerian phone company Globacom. On December 7, 2018, he announced he was leaving Mavin Records. He also launched his own music company, Banks Music. In 2021, he released the song "Ozumba Mbadiwe." Virgin Music Nigeria now helps distribute his music.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Spotlight (2016)

Extended Plays (EPs)

• Off the Record (2020)
• OTR, Vol. 2 (2021)

Selected Singles