Biography of Banky W

Olubankole Wellington popularly known by his stage name Banky W or Banky Wellington is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, record label owner, actor and politician. The R&B singer with the silky smooth voice sure knows how to capture hearts with his romantic tracks and soul tunes.

Early life and background of Banky W

Banky W was born 27 March, 1981 in the United States to Nigerian parents. His father is from Badagry, a historic town in Lagos and his mother from Calabar, Cross River State. Banky’s family moved back to Nigeria when he was five years old. He started singing in his church choir at a tender age. He had his primary and secondary education in Lagos before proceeding to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, to study Industrial Engineering.

Banky and his parents

His Rise to Fame 

While studying, he started his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (E. M. E) with his friend, Tunde Demuren in 2002. He featured and won numerous musical competitions in college. In 2009, he moved back to Nigeria to establish his record label in Lagos. The label grew and became home to music stars like Wizkid, Skales, Niyola and Shaydee. Banky W came to limelight with his 2003 EP release “Undeniable“. The EP was sold on the internet and from the trunks of cars. The critically acclaimed album caught the attention of media house – Fox 23 News New York who covered the success story. The publicity led to a distribution deal with TransWorld; one of North America’s largest music distributors. The song later became one of the top selling independent record, which won Banky W the 2003 R&B/Soul Artiste of the Year at the Urban Independent Music Awards.

He released his breakthrough debut studio album ” Back in the Building” in 2005. He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria titled “0809ja for life”, Cocacola-Nigeria’s World Cup Theme Song, and Microsoft’s Anti-Cyber Crime Initiative. In 2008 he released his third studio album “Mr. Capable” which garnered attention with the controversial “umbrella” remix originally done by Rihanna. Banky’s sole mission is to promote African music to the world and dominate the Nigerian airwaves with mind-blowing songs.

In December 2009, Banky W dropped his much anticipated second album in Nigeria, titled The W Experience. The album incorporates R&B/Pop with African rhythms and influences to create an entirely unique and impressive sound. The 15-track album featured collaborations from Verse Simmonds, former E. M. E acts, Wizkid and Skales. He has been featured in numerous Nigerian Newspapers, magazines and websites. As a proficient Master of Ceremonies/Host, he has successfully hosted numerous high profile events such as The HipHop World Awards (2009), Nigerian Breweries Legend Extra Stout Product Launch, and The Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity TV Show Launch.

Banky W is a man of many talents as he’s got remarkable public speaking skills. The versatile artiste is also an accomplished motivational speaker. He has delivered inspiring, sterling and powerful speeches at high profile events like the  London Business School’s Africa Summit, TEDxLagos, WIMBIZ.

On 15 February 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“.

In 2016, Banky W honed his acting skills by starring in Mo Abudu’s “The Wedding Party”. He also played a major role in the sequel of “The wedding Party“. He also starred in movies – Sugar rush and Up North. He has also featured in MNet TV shows such as Jacob’s Cross and MTV’s Shuga. For someone who knows his onion, he has completed film making and screenwriting courses at New York Film Academy where he honed his acting and production skills.

In 2017, Banky W took part in the initialing of a monumental heirloom, the Philosophers Legacy. He had a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder same year.
Banky W and his partner, Tunde Demuren shut down the record label (E. M. E) and pivoted to a full-fledged media and management agency in February 2018. The company is focused on creative marketing, advertising, PR, brand events/activation and talent management. They now work with OAP’s, Actors, Brands and are evaluating sports management as well. Their goal is to find talents and brands they believe in, partner with them and make them more successful. 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.

Political Career of Banky W

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 Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017.

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

His Endorsement deals 

Banky W has worked with reputable brands and has participated in numerous corporate marketing campaigns including Etisalat’s 0809ja Launch, Coca-Cola, Airtel, Microsoft, TomTom, Samsung, MTN and many more. He is the brand ambassador of Samsung, Uber and Ciroc Vodka.

Banky W Charity Works

Aside his musical exploits, Banky W is also a philanthropist. He founded the “I am Capable” Scholarship fund which provides tuition, room & board at private universities for youth who are in need and meet the grade requirements. He’s also on the board of trustees of the “LightupNigeria” Project, which is aimed at achieving constant electrical power supply in Nigeria, as well as various other charitable society building and empowering projects.

Banky W Partnered with the Pink Oak Cancer Trust this year to sponsor the treatment of twenty-five cancer patients.
The “Ebute Metta” crooner was part of the #Dream4Naija project with international organisations, USAid and IRI. The project was to encourage youth participation in Nigeria’s political process. He was also involved in #OccupyNigeria peaceful protest that took place in 2012.

Banky W Relationship and Family Life 

Banky W got married to Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi on 19 November, 2017. Their white wedding was held in South Africa on 25 November, 2017. Their wedding was all glitz and glamour. The star-studded ceremony was graced by media personalities, hot stars, and notable entertainers.

Awards and nominations

Banky W has won several music awards which include Best R&B Artiste at John Lennon Song Writing Awards, Best R&B Artiste at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Best Male R&B Artiste at theonline, Urban Independent Music Awards in USA, Best International Album at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, Best R&B Video at the Nigerian Music Video Awards, Best Male Vocal Performance at the Hip Hop World Awards, R&B Single of the year at the Hip Hop World Awards, Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video at the City People Entertainment Awards.

Banky W Net Worth

The multi talented singer who has bagged quite a number of endorsement deals with corporate companies has his estimated net worth pegged at N6 billion naira.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *