Summary of Banky W Biography
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Olubankole Wellington (born 27 March 1981), with the nickname Bank W, is a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry.
The singer, known for his bald head and soothing voice, is also the proud founder and CEO of the well-established E.M.E Records.
Banky W is a renowned Nigerian businessman, talented manager, singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, actor, and politician.
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name: | Olubankole Wellington |
Stage Name: | Banky W |
Born: | 27 March 1981 (age 42 years old) |
Place of Birth: | New York, New York, United States |
State Of Origin: | Lagos State |
Nationality: | Nigerian |
Parents: | George Bankole Wellington, Momma Wellington |
Height: | N/A |
Children: | Isaiah Wellington |
Siblings: | 4 |
Girlfriend • Wife: | Adesua Etomi (m. 2017), Uche Odoh (ex.) |
Occupation: | Musician • Actor • Politician • Businessman |
Net Worth: | $12.5 Million |
Early Life
Banky W, originally named Olubankole Wellington, is the son of George Bankole Wellington (Father) and Momma Wellington, also known as Mrs. Wellington (Mother).
He was born in the United States of America on 27 March 1981, but his parents relocated to Nigeria with his siblings when he was five years old.
Banky W has four siblings, three brothers and a sister.
Education
The Music star, Banky W did his primary and secondary education in Lagos State, Nigeria, before heading to the United States of America to obtain his University qualification.
There he won a scholarship to study at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute situated in New York City.
Career
The Strong Ting crooner, Banky W stated his blistering career while being a student of Rensselaer Polytechnic in New York City. His talents and hard work saw him established a record label named the E.M.E Records while working with GlobalSpec in 2002.
A few years after his studies in the United States, the singer moved back to Nigeria and launched another record label in Lagos State.
He scouted for talents all over the country to fill in the void in his new record label, which brought about the introduction of soon-to-be superstars, Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, and Shaydee.
Banky W worked and released his first studio album titled, R&BW at a music concert termed, The Grand Love Concert held at the Civic Centre Victoria Island Lagos State.
The singer delivered hit singles, EPs, and Albums during that period.
The singer broke a piece of sad and disappointing news in 2018 when he announced the dissolution of the E.M.E Record label.
Nonetheless, the talented artiste still had other plans implemented when he converted his dissolved record label into a talent management company. The company operated on marketing, adverts, public relations including, brand events.
Banky W also has a talent and passion for acting. He has starred in five different Nollywood movies and has been a success, most of which is “The Wedding Party“, where he acted alongside his wife, Adesua Etomi.
Banky W‘s achievements and good deeds were rewarded with various awards and nominations. Below is a comprehensive list of awards and nominations the Lagos-star has under his belt.
Awards and Nominations
- John Lennon Song Writing Award for the R&B Category (2006)
- Best R&B Artist during the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2006)
- Best Male R&B Artist during the Urban Independent Music Awards, USA (2008)
- Best R&B Video during the Nigerian Music Video Awards (2008)
- Best Male Vocal Performance at the Hip hop World Awards (2009)
- R&B Single of the year during the Hip Hop World Awards (2010)
- Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video during the City People Entertainment Awards (2010).
Political Career
Banky W also had political ambitions. This ambition made him contested for the Lagos's Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives.
He competed on the platform of the Modern Democratic Party, founded in 2017.
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The election was held with the supervision of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on 23rd February 2019.
Unfortunately, he lost the election to eventual winner, Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress.
Social Media
Banky W is an Instagram freak. His good looks may be a significant reason why the singer and actor always post pictures and videos on Instagram daily.
He has over 2 million followers on his Instagram account (@bankwellington) alone and more than 500,000 followers on his Twitter account @bankwellington.
Personal Life
Banky W is happily married to famous Nollywood star actress, Adesua Etomi.
Both celebrities hitched on 25 November 2017 after a court wedding held in Lagos on 20 November 2017.
Banky W and his wife Adesua Etomi did their white wedding in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa.
The marriage is blessed with a baby boy named, Isaiah Wellington after an unfortunate miscarriage carrying a set of twins.
There are also rumors claiming that Bank W is the father to the daughter of Nigerian model, Uche Odoh, whom he had dated in the past. The said daughter is eight years old.
Net Worth
Banky W ranks among the top 20 richest musicians in Africa.
The singer has experienced growth in his career over the years, which is why he has an estimated net worth of $12.5 million.
Discography
Banky W has released many hits songs in the course of his career. Below is a comprehensive list of songs the talent has released;
Singles
- Heaven
- Made for You
- Say
- Love U Baby
- Yes/No
- All I want is You
- Whatchu Doing Tonight
- Strong Ting
- Lagos Party
- Jasi
- Blessing Me
- Till My Dying Day
- Final Say
- Kololo
- My Regret
- High Notes
- Running After U
- Gidi Love
- Low Key
- Don't Break My Heart
- Made for U
- Good Good Loving
- Unborn Child
- Feeling It
- Omoge You Too Much
- Mercy
- Talk and Do
- Better for U
- Do it to Me
- Baddest Boy
Albums
Banky W officially has 9 Albums to his name;
- Undeniable (2006)
- Back in the Building (2006 )
- Mr Capable (2008)
- The W Experience (2009)
- Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)
- R & BW (2013)
- Songs About U (2017)
Filmography
Not only is he a musician, but Bank W has also starred in five Nollywood films. Below is the list of movies he has acted in;
- Sugar Rush
- Up North
- The Wedding Party 2
- The Return of Jenifa
- Dulce Dinero