Banky W biography: spouse, age, wealth, songs, films, offspring, daughter, Wikipedia, twin sibling.
Olubankole Wellington (commonly referred to as Banky W) is a Nigerian musician, actor, politician, and entrepreneur.
He was born in the United States of America on March 27, 1981.
Banky W: Profile overview
| Birthdate | Olubankole Wellington27 March 1981 (age 40)New York City, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Partner(s) | Adesua Etomi(m. 2017) |
| Offspring | 1 |
| Music Styles | R&B |
| Professions | Singer-songwriter, actor, rapper, politician |
| Musical Instruments | Vocals |
| Active Years | 2002–present |
| Record Labels | Empire Mates Entertainment |
| Collaborators | ID Cabasa, Sasha P, Wizkid, Skales, Sarkodie, Lynxxx, Masterkraft |
Banky W: Biography Early life, family background, and education
Olubankole Wellington’s father is named George Bankole Wellington and his mother is affectionately referred to as Momma W. Mrs. Wellington hails from Badagry, a seaside town in Lagos State, while his mother originates from Cross River State. Nonetheless, Banky W was born on March 27, 1981, in the United States, which means he is also an American citizen by birth. His family moved back to Nigeria when he was about five years old.
Banky W has three brothers and a sister. They have all matured, and his parents are grandparents now. Below is a photograph from their 40th wedding celebration.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Banky W was enrolled at Corona Primary School to commence his academic journey. He later transitioned to Home Science Association Secondary School before completing his high school education at Ajao Secondary School. During his teenage years, he participated in the church choir.
After securing his first school leaving certificate and various other essential educational qualifications, Banky W returned to the United States to continue his studies after spending 12 years in Nigeria. He gained admission through a scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where he pursued a degree in Industrial Engineering.
However, his academic pursuits were not his sole focus while at the institution. Likely influenced by his early passion for music, the young Banky Wellington commenced his journey towards becoming a musical phenomenon. He began writing and producing songs in recording studios during his junior year at RPI.
Banky W: Musical Journey
In 2002, while still a student, Banky W established the E.M.E record label. He returned to Nigeria in 2009 and initiated his record label in Lagos, signing artists such as Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid. His breakthrough first studio album, Back in the Building, was launched in 2005. He composed Etisalat Nigeria’s initial and most renowned theme song, “0809ja for Life.”
On February 15, 2013, a day after Valentine’s Day, he unveiled his new album, “R&BW,” at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, during an event called “The Grand Love Concert.” Several other musical artists, including Iyanya and Waje, also performed at the concert. The album’s first two tracks, “Lowkey” and “Yes/No,” turned out to be massive hits. Consequently, Banky W has become synonymous with Nigerian R&B music.
Banky W: E.M.E. Dissolution in 2017
E.M.E was disbanded as a record entity in February 2018. Banky W indicated that the label has transitioned into a talent management firm focused on innovative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events. DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, along with his wife Adesua Etomi (all public figures), were revealed as the company’s inaugural clients. This clearly demonstrates that the best of Banky W is yet to unfold. Many individuals find motivation in observing Banky W’s career development over the years.
Banky W: Political Aspirations
Banky W declared his intention to vie for the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the Nigerian House of Representatives on November 11, 2018. He intended to run under the banner of the Modern Democratic Party, established in 2017.
Subsequently, in an interview with Punch, Banky W mentioned that he entered politics to effect change in his community and contribute to the progress that all Nigerians desire.
Despite skepticism regarding Banky W’s choice to delve into politics, he garnered significant support from followers, particularly the youth. We may never ascertain whether they believed in his vision and deemed him capable, or whether they supported him out of loyalty to his artistry.
Nevertheless, on February 23, 2019, Banky Wellington was defeated by Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Elections.
Banky W: Personal Life– Spouse & Children
Banky W wed Adesua Etomi in a traditional ceremony on November 19, 2017, followed by his white wedding on November 25, 2017, in South Africa. Many were taken aback by his relationship with Adesua. Having skillfully maintained their relationship away from social media, they both featured as a couple in the popular movie ‘Wedding Party,’ which added to the astonishment of Nigerians when their relationship became known. Many appreciate Banky W for not being entangled in the ‘baby mama controversy’ that plagues numerous other celebrities.
In 2017, Banky W successfully underwent skin cancer surgery on his shoulder.
Banky W: Wealth
Banky W generates income by promoting his work across various platforms like iTunes and Spinet. His commitment to Ring Back Tunes (RBT) also contributes to his financial success. In 2008, he inked his first endorsement deal with Etisalat, following the release of Ebute Metta. According to unverified reports, the contract was valued at N150 million. He featured in the iconic advertisement, 0809ja for life, after becoming a brand ambassador for the Nigerian telecommunications company.
After securing an undisclosed amount, the R&B pop artist became the new face of the Coca-Open colas and Win campaign. The 2012 contract was for just three months.
In 2013, he obtained a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Samsung Electronics West Africa. This contract was estimated to be valued at approximately N140 million, as per Ventures Africa. After initially signing a one-year endorsement contract with the company in 2011, he opted to extend his commitment for another year. The agreement from 2013 was renewed in 2017.
In 2014, upon joining MTN, the E.M.E record label founder switched telecommunications companies. Online reports suggest it is valued at around N50 million. In 2015, he extended his agreement.
In 2014, he secured a new endorsement deal to represent Ciroc Nigeria, according to The Nation. This endorsement is estimated to be worth about N30 million. In 2015, his agreement to endorse the brand was prolonged, and again in 2017.
Banky’s latest collaboration is with Uber, a leading ride-hailing service in the country. This was announced on April 5, 2018. Forbes places Banky W’s net worth at #2.3 billion naira.
Banky W: Charitable Contributions
Banky W contributes to the community via the ‘I Am Capable’ scholarship fund, which provides university scholarships to deserving youth. He is also a strong advocate for the ‘LightupNigeria’ initiative, which aims to ensure Nigeria has a stable electricity supply.
Banky W: 10 essential facts you should know
- Banky W’s full name is Olubankole Wellington, born on March 27, 1981, in the United States to Nigerian parents. He is 39 years old as of 2020.
- At age 21 in 2002, while still studying in the US, he co-founded Empire Music Entertainment (E.M.E) with Tunde Demuren.
- Wellington released a less-discussed EP titled Undeniable in 2003, with most of its tracks appearing again in his debut studio album released in 2006 titled, Back in the Building.
- He eventually returned to Nigeria in 2009, signing Wizkid and Skales to E.M.E as the first official artists of the record label that same year.
- After returning to Nigeria in 2009, he composed Etisalat Nigeria’s (now 9Mobile) initial theme song, 0809ja for Life.
- Banky W’s inaugural acting role was in Funke Akindele’s 2011 film The Return of Jenifa. He later made his significant film appearance in 2016’s The Wedding Party.
- Banky W and Adesua Etomi got married on November 19, 2017, following six months of engagement.
- In 2018, Banky W declared that he was dissolving E.M.E and transforming it into a talent management firm concentrating on innovative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events. He also mentioned signing DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, and his spouse Adesua Etomi as clients.
- Wellington lost the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Elections to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress in February 2019.
- Banky W underwent successful surgery to address skin cancer in October 2017, a condition he had already treated twice prior.
