Nigerian singer (born 1981)

Olubankole Wellington (born 27 March 1981), 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.

Contents

• 1 Early life
• 2 Education
• 3 Career
  • 3.1 2012–2013: R&BW
  • 3.2 2017: Dissolution of E.M.E
• 4 Other collaborations
• 5 Political career
• 6 Personal life
• 7 Discography
  • 7.1 Albums
  • 7.2 Compilation albums
  • 7.3 Selected singles
• 8 Filmography
• 9 Awards and nominations
• 10 See also
• 11 References
• 12 External links

Early life

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.

Education

Wellington schooled in Lagos for his primary and secondary education and returned to further his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Ins*ute, New York, US on a scholarship. He started a 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. His début single was Ebute Metta He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria *led "0809ja for life".

Career

2012–2013: R&BW

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".

2017: Dissolution of E.M.E

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.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.

Other collaborations

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

Political career

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

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

Ahead of 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 Cons*uency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives.

Personal life

Banky W and wife Adesua Etomi at AMVCA 2020

Wellington married Adesua Etomi traditionally on 19 November 2017; the couple subsequently had their white wedding performed in South Africa on 25 November 2017. He had a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder in 2017. In early 2021, Wellington and Adesua had a son. They kept the pregnancy a secret, catching many off guard on news of the baby's arrival.

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

• Back in the Building (2006)
• Mr. Capable (2008)
• The W Experience (2009)
• ' 'R&BW (2013)

EPs

• Undeniable (2003)

Playlists

• 2017: Songs About U (2017)

Compilation albums

• Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)

Selected singles

• 2013: "Jasi"
• 2014: "Jaiye Orimi"
• 2015: "High Notes"
• 2015: "All I Want Is You" feat. Chidinma
• 2015: "Cash Only" As featured artist
• 2016: "Made for You"
• 2016: "Onyeuwaoma" As featured artist
• 2016: "Mi Re Do (Cocoloso)" feat. Stonebwoy and Shaydee
• 2021: “Selense” feat Mercy Chinwo

Filmography

• The Wedding Party (2016)
• The Wedding Party 2 (2017)
• Up North (2018)
• Sugar Rush (2019)

Awards and nominations

• John Lennon Song Writing Award 2006, R&B Category, for 'My Regret’
• Best R&B Artiste, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006
• Best Male R&B Artiste, Urban Independent Music Awards, USA, 2006
• 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

See also

• List of Nigerian musicians

References

External links

• Banky W. at IMDb
• Banky Wellington at IMDb