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Banky W
Born
Olubankole Wellington

(1981-03-27) 27 March 1981 (age 43)
New York City, U.S.
NationalityNigerian-American
Alma materRensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Spouse
​
(m. 2017)​
Children2
Musical career
GenresR&B, pop rap
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • rapper
  • politician
  • entrepreneur
InstrumentVocals
Years active2002–present
LabelsEmpire Mates Entertainment

Olubankole Wellington// ⓘ (born 27 March 1981[1]), popularly known by his stage name Banky W and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian-American singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician.[2][3][4]

Early life

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Olubankole Wellington was born in the United States on 27 March 1981 to Nigerian parents. His family returned to Nigeria when he was five years old. He began singing at a young age in his church choir. His ethnicity is Yoruba.[5][6]

Education

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Wellington schooled in Lagos for his primary and secondary education and returned to further his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, US on a scholarship. He started the record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) in 2002 while studying. He also worked at GlobalSpec. In 2009, he left the US for Nigeria and established his record label in Lagos by signing artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid to the label. He released a début studio album, Back in the Building, in 2005.[7] His début single was Ebute Metta[8] He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria titled "0809ja for life".[9]

Career

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Shuga

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Banky W made a significant contribution to the first season of MTV Shuga by providing the show's theme song, "Shuga" featuring Wizkid,L-Tido and Boneye. [10].His music not only captured the energy and essence of the series but also played a key role in defining the soundtrack of African youth culture at the time. This collaboration set the tone for the impactful storytelling that Shuga became known for, combining entertainment with important messages about relationships and health. MTV Shuga Mashariki makes its return to East Africa in 2025 with a host of new stories that are sure to excite the young audience.

2012–2013: R&BW

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The day after Valentine's Day of 2013, Wellington 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".[11]

2017: Dissolution of E.M.E

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Wellington announced in February 2018 that E.M.E was being dissolved as a record label; he said the label would move forward as a talent management company focused on creative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events.[12] Wellington named DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu 'Toolz' Oniru, and his wife Adesua Etomi as the first set of clients of the rebranded company.[13]

Other collaborations

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In 2017, Wellington took part in initialing of a monumental collaboration art piece, Iyasile Naa also known as The Legacy.[14]

Political career

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On 11 November 2018, Wellington announced his intent to run for the Lagos' Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives, on the platform of Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017.[15][16]

On 23 February 2019, Wellington lost the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Elections to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress (APC).[17]

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Wellington announced that he had decamped from the Modern Democratic Party to the Peoples Democratic Party, seeking the party's ticket to again vie for the Lagos' Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives.[18] In June 2022, Banky W won the Peoples Democratic Party ticket to contest as the party bearer for the Eti Osa constituency ahead of the 2023 election.[19]

However, the Presidential and Federal House of Representative election held on 25 February 2023 was won by the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Attah Thaddeus which saw Banky W losing again, the Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria. The INEC Returning Officer announced the result but the party agents did not agree with it.[20][21][22] The Party agents contested the result but the police and the army were called to maintain peace and order.[23] In an interview after the result of the result of the election was announced, Banky W accepted the result of the INEC and declared: "I feel very grateful, even in defeat, because of the things we were able to accomplish."[24]

Personal life

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Banky W and wife Adesua Etomi at AMVCA 2020

Wellington married Adesua Etomi traditionally on 19 November 2017;[25] the couple subsequently had their white wedding performed in South Africa on 25 November 2017.[26] He had a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder in 2017.[27] In early 2021, Wellington and Adesua had a son, Hazaiah Wellington.[28] They kept the pregnancy a secret, catching many off guard on news of the baby's arrival.[29] In 2024, the couple announced the arrival of their second child on Instagram.[30]

Discography

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Albums

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Studio albums
  • Back in the Building (2006)
  • Mr. Capable (2008)
  • The W Experience (2009)
  • R&BW (2013)
  • The Bank Statements (2021)[31]
EPs
  • Undeniable (2003)
Playlists
  • 2017: Songs About U (2017)

Compilation albums

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Selected singles

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Filmography

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Selected awards and nominations

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  • John Lennon Song Writing Award 2006, R&B Category, for 'My Regret'[42]
  • Best R&B Artiste, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006[43]
  • Best Male R&B Artiste, Urban Independent Music Awards, USA, 2006[44]
  • 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[45]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Future Awards 2010: Musician of the Year Nominee Profiles". Ladybrille. 6 January 2010. Archived from the original on 9 June 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2010.
  2. ^ "Banky Wellington: 'Music was a platform to get in the door'". BBC News.
  3. ^ "Banky Wellington Archives".
  4. ^ "Without sounding arrogant, I'm confident of defeating Banky W – Obanikoro". Punch Newspapers. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  5. ^ Yoruba, NG Movies. "Meet Actor/Actress Banky W | Movies by Banky W". NG Movies Yoruba. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  6. ^ Okonofua, Odion (27 November 2017). "10 things you didn't know about the celebrity couple". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  7. ^ Jane Aguoye (9 December 2017). "INTERVIEW: My wife and our new movie — Banky W". Premium Times. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  8. ^ "Banky W faces criticisms on Ebute Metta". Vanguard. 2 December 2011.
  9. ^ "Naija 4 life - banky w + Lyrics". Naija Pals. naijapals.com. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  10. ^ https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/02/08/banky-w-wizkid-lead-others-for-shuga-soundtrack/
  11. ^ "Celebrity Focus: Banky W – the EME Boss and R&B King, Call Him "Mr. Capable"! - OnoBello.com: Latest in Fashion, Beauty, News, Features and Events". Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  12. ^ Dimeji Akinloye (21 February 2018). "Singer announces dissolution of EME as a record label". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  13. ^ "Singer announces dissolution of EME as a record label". www.pulse.ng. 21 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  14. ^ Ibiwoye Dotun (22 November 2017). "African leaders endorse Philosophers'Legacy". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  15. ^ "2019: Banky W declares his intention to run for House of Reps". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  16. ^ "2019: Banky W to run for House Of Reps - Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times Nigeria. 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018.
  17. ^ "Election: Banky W writes supporters after losing to APC | Premium Times Nigeria". March 2019.
  18. ^ "BREAKING: Banky W decamps to PDP, targets House of Reps in 2023". Politics Nigeria. 1 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  19. ^ Report, Agency (6 June 2022). "Again, Banky W wins PDP ticket for Eti-Osa Federal constituency - Premium Times Nigeria". Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  20. ^ "Labour Party Wins Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  21. ^ Sunday, Ochogwu (27 February 2023). "Election results: Labour Party beats Banky W in Lagos, claims Eti-Osa Federal constituency". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  22. ^ OPARA, Ijeoma (27 February 2023). "Labour Party wins Eti-Osa Reps seat as Banky W, others lose out". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  23. ^ BusinessDay (27 February 2023). "LP wins Eti-Osa Federal Constituency by 24,075 votes". businessday. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  24. ^ "I'm very grateful, even in defeat –Banky W". Punch Newspapers. 2 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Banky W announces engagement to actress Adesuwa Etomi". Channels Television. 3 May 2017. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  26. ^ "Banky W and Adesua Etomi's White Wedding". The Informant Spy. 25 November 2017. Archived from the original on 5 August 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
  27. ^ Benjamin Njoku (10 November 2017). "How I survived skin cancer tumour surgery — Banky W". The Vanguard. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  28. ^ "Adesua and Banky W Welcome First Child". 22 February 2021. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  29. ^ Jones, Obinna (5 April 2021). "Banky W and his wife Adesua Etomi". Sidomex Entertainment. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  30. ^ Blessing, Enenaite (14 October 2024). ""God answers prayers": Adesua Etomi, Banky W expecting 2nd child, share photos". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  31. ^ "LISTEN: Banky W Marks Wedding Anniversary With New EP 'The Bank Statements'". NotjustOk. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  32. ^ "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  33. ^ "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  34. ^ "High Notes". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  35. ^ "All I Want Is You". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Archived from the original on 5 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  36. ^ "DJ Xclusive Sarkodie, Banky W, Cassper Nyovest, Anatii go hard in 'Cash only' video". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. 25 September 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  37. ^ "New Music Nikki Laoye – 'Onyeuwaoma' ft Banky W". NotJustok.com. Don Boye. 27 February 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  38. ^ "New Music Nikki Laoye – 'Onyeuwaoma' ft Banky W". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  39. ^ "Mi Re Do (Cocoloso)". 360nobs.com. 360nobs. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  40. ^ BellaNaija.com (11 November 2021). "New Music: Banky W – JO". BellaNaija. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  41. ^ The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017) - IMDb, retrieved 19 November 2021
  42. ^ "Banky W". tooXclusive. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  43. ^ Thabit, Khadijah (2 July 2013). "What You Don't Know About Banky W". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  44. ^ Adeyinka, Oluwamayowa (6 May 2019). "Banky W's Prolific Careers, Scandals And Personal Life". WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  45. ^ Alake, Motolani (26 June 2020). "Check out Wizkid's achievements and awards". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
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