Banky W – Yes/No
| Stage Name | Banky W |
| Real Name | Olubankole Wellington |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age | 27th March, 1981 (43 years old) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5”8 |
| Weight | 77 kg |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| State of Origin | Badagry, Lagos State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Marital Status | Adesua Etomi- (Wife) |
| Education | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York |
| Known for | Yes/No |
Early Life and Education
Banky W with full name Olubankole Wellington was born on March 27, 1981, in New York City, USA. He is a Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and politician. His parents who are originally from Nigeria, returned to their homeland when Banky was just five years old. He was raised in a musically inclined family, and discovered his passion for singing at a young age which made him become an active member of his church choir.
Banky’s educational journey started with primary and secondary schooling in Lagos, Nigeria. Later, he pursued higher education in the United States, attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, where he studied Industrial Engineering on a scholarship.
He Founded Empire Mates Entertainment (EME)
While still a student in 2002, Banky W founded the record label Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). The label contributed to shaping the Nigerian music scene and signed notable artists like Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, and Shaydee. Banky W returned to Nigeria in 2009, establishing EME in Lagos.
Musical Career
Banky W’s musical career became famous with the release of his debut studio album, “Back in the Building,” in 2005. Over the years, he later released several albums, including “Mr. Capable” (2008), “The W Experience” (2009), and “R&BW” (2013). His singles, such as “Yes/No” and “Jasi,” became chart-toppers, which made him well-grounded in the industry
In 2017, EME transformed from a record label to a talent management company, focusing on creative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events.
Political Aspirations
Banky W started Nigerian politics by announcing his intention to run for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in 2018. Although he faced defeat in the 2019 elections, he remained committed to public service.
In 2022, he won the Peoples Democratic Party ticket for the Eti Osa constituency, leading him to contest in the 2023 elections. Despite facing another defeat, Banky W gracefully accepted the results, expressing gratitude for the accomplishments achieved during the campaign.
Controversy
Recently, rumors emerged suggesting that Banky W was involved in a cheating scandal with his former label signee, Niyola. According to these speculations, Niyola was allegedly pregnant with Banky W’s child, and the singer had purportedly been unfaithful.
The source of these rumors appears to be a controversial blog, adding fuel to the fire by claiming that Niyola had allegedly aborted two previous pregnancies for Banky W and had vowed not to terminate the third one.
In response to these allegations, Banky W took to the pulpit at the Waterbrooks Church in Lagos to address the congregation and, indirectly, the rumors. He attributed the rumors to what he described as “satanic elements” trying to hinder the delivery of his Sunday sermon.
Banky W neither confirmed nor denied the allegations explicitly, choosing instead to focus on the divine and spiritual aspects of the situation. While maintaining the high ground, he conveyed a message that suggested the rumors were an attempt to distract the public from the substance of his sermon.
Wife and Kids
Banky W’s personal life got more attention when he married actress Adesua Etomi in 2017. The couple had a traditional wedding in Lagos and a white wedding ceremony in South Africa. Their union has always been admired, with the couple welcoming their first child, a son named Hazaiah Olusegun Wellington, in 2021.
Net Worth
As of the latest estimates, Banky W’s net worth stands at approximately $9 million. The accomplished Nigerian singer, actor, and entrepreneur has amassed significant wealth through his diverse ventures in the entertainment industry and beyond. You can connect with him on Instagram.
Facts & Stats
Languages: English, Yoruba
First song: My Regret
Albums:
- R&BW- 2013
- Mr. Capable – 2008
- The W Experience – 2009
- Songs About U – 2017
- Back in the Buildin’ – 2006
- The Bank Statements – 2021, EP
Genre: high-end, luxe R&B
The year he started signing: He started signing in 2002
Hit songs: Yes No · Made For U · Heaven (Susu’s Song) · Love U Baby · Strong Ting · Lagos Party · Ebute Metta (Naija Umbrella Remix) · Blessing Me.
