Olubankole Wellington (born 27 March 1981), known by the stage name Banky W, and credited in film as Banky Wellington, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and actor.
Early life and career beginnings
Banky W was born in the United States to Nigerian parents. His family moved back to Nigeria when he was five years old. He started singing at a young age in the church choir. He schooled in Lagos for his primary and secondary education and returned to further his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York on a scholarship. He started his record label E.M.E in 2002 while still studying. After moving to Nigeria in 2009, he established the label in Lagos. He signed artists like Niyola, Shaydee, Skales and Wizkid to the label at the time. His breakthrough debut studio album, Back in the Building was released in 2005. He wrote the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria titled "0809ja for life.
2012–2013: R&BW
A day after Valentine of 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, Waje and more. The first two singles from the album are "Lowkey" and "Yes/No"
Personal life
He got married to Adesua Etomi traditionally on 19 November 2017and subsequently did his white wedding in South Africa on 25 November 2017. He had a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder in 2017.
Discography
Albums
- 2003: Undeniable (EP)
- 2005: Back in the Building
- 2008: Mr. Capable
- 2009: The W Experience
- 2013: R&BW
Compilation albums
- 2012: Empire Mates State of Mind
Singles
- 2013 Jasi
- 2014 Jaiye Orimi
- 2015 High Notes
- 2015 All I Want Is You Feat. Chidinma
- 2015 Cash Only As featured artiste
- 2016 Made for You
- 2016 Onyeuwaoma As featured artiste
- 2016 Mi Re Do (Cocoloso) Feat. Stonebwoy and Shaydee
Filmography
- The Wedding Party (2016)
- The Wedding Party 2 (2017) etc.
Other collaborations
In 2017, Banky W took part in the initialing of a monumental heirloom, the Philosophers Legacy and much more..
