Bankyw biography definition
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Under his leadership, EME introduced the world to artists like Wizkid, Skales, and Niyola, becoming a powerhouse label that championed African talent globally.
Banky’s own music career took off with hit songs like “Yes/No,” “Strong Ting,” and “Made for You,” blending Afrobeats with R&B to create a sound that resonated deeply with fans across Africa and beyond.
Transitioning smoothly into acting, Banky starred in the blockbuster The Wedding Party and its sequel, capturing audiences with his charm and comedic timing. A philanthropist at heart, Banky W has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. The buzz around the album caught the ears of the executives at Fox 23 News New York who promptly dispatched a reporter with a camera crew to investigate the phenomenon sweeping the area.
They were surprised it was a three person company executing a highly successful grassroots marketing campaign.
Frustrated by the state of governance, he ran for a seat in the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2019, representing the Eti-Osa constituency. The 15-track album features collaborations from the internationally acclaimed and Interscope-signed artiste, Verse Simmonds; it also introduces his newly signed E.M.E acts, WIZKID and SKALES; and solidifies Banky W as the crown Prince of African Soul/R&B.
A day after Valentine of 2013, he launched his new album “R&BW” with a concert tagged the “The Grand Love Concert” at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, which featured several other artistes including Iyanya, Waje and more.
He’s a published writer, as articles from his blog (http://bankyw.blogspot.com) have been featured in numerous Nigerian Newspapers, magazines and websites. His influence in the Nigerian music scene extends beyond his own music, as he played a key role in shaping the careers of emerging artists and helping to redefine the sound of Nigerian pop and Afrobeat music.
After moving to the United States to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he launched his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment (EME), a move that would shape the Afrobeats landscape for years to come. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies have won him numerous awards and a loyal fanbase. While still in school, he founded Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E).
Wiki Profile
| Full Name: | Olubankole Wellington |
| Date of Birth: | March 27, 1981 |
| Place of Birth: | United States |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Singer & Songwriter |
| Net Worth: | $10 million |
| Wife: | Adesua Etomi |
Early Life and Education
Olubankole Wellington was born on March 27, 1981, in the United States to Nigerian parents.
When he was five years old, his family returned to Nigeria.
He was born in the United States to a Nigerian parents. As a philanthropist, he launched 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 focused on achieving constant electrical power supply in Nigeria, as well as various other charitable society building and empowering projects.
He began singing in his church choir at an early age.
Banky W received his basic and secondary education in Lagos before returning to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, where he received a scholarship.
Music Career
While still in school, he founded Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), a musical company.
He was also employed with GlobalSpec.
Though he didn’t win, his campaign was a powerful call to young Nigerians to engage with politics, advocating for transparency and accountability in leadership. He moved to Nigeria in 2009 and founded his record company in Lagos, signing singers such as Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid.
Back in the Building, his debut studio album, was released in 2005.
His efforts highlighted the need for new voices in Nigerian politics, and he continues to be an influential advocate for change.
PhilanthropistBanky is also passionate about philanthropy. A strong contender for the best album of 2009/2010 in Africa, it features production from Nigeria’s most sought-after talents, and showcases Banky W.
as he combines global R&B/Pop with African rhythms and influences to create an entirely unique and impressive sound. As an artist, businessman, and philanthropist, Banky W has cemented his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most multi-talented and impactful figures in both the music and entertainment industries. On MySpace he garnered over 1 million song plays; on YouTube, hundreds of thousands of views for his videos; and on Facebook, his recently created fan page has over 447,705 registered fans, growing at a rate of over 500 new fans per week.
In December 2009, Banky W dropped his much anticipated second album in Nigeria, titled The W Experience .
His music often explores themes of love, relationships, and life experiences, connecting deeply with his fans both in Nigeria and abroad. He wowed audiences with his silky smooth voice while building a loyal following; he established the Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) record label as a platform to get his music to his fans and began work on an EP.
LIFE AND CAREER
Under the name Banky W, he released the EP Undeniable in 2003, as the first release on his jointly owned E.M.E Records.
Born on March 27, 1981, in Lagos, Nigeria, Banky W has become one of the most respected and influential figures in the Nigerian music industry, not only for his musical talents but also for his work as a philanthropist and entrepreneur. The first two singles from the album “Lowkey” and “Yes/No” (which has a spectacular video to it), are already receiving rave reviews.
Not to be outdone by his exploits in the music world, he is also accomplished in several other fields.