Banky W
- Name: Olubankole Wellington (Banky W)
- Birthdate: March 27, 1981
- Birthplace: United States
- Occupation: Musician, Actor, Politician
- Children: Two
Olubankole Wellington, known professionally as Banky W, was born on March 27, 1981, in the United States 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. Banky W attended primary and secondary schools in Lagos before returning to the U.S. for tertiary education. He studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York on a scholarship, where he also worked at GlobalSpec. During his time at Rensselaer, he founded the record label Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) in 2002.
Music career and entrepreneurship
Banky W's musical career gained prominence with the release of his debut studio album, "Back in the Building," in 2005. He followed up with 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, solidifying his place in the Nigerian music industry.
In 2009, Banky W returned to Nigeria and established the headquarters of E.M.E. in Lagos. The label signed and nurtured talents like Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, and Shaydee. In 2017, E.M.E transitioned from a record label to a talent management company, focusing on creative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events.
Acting and film ventures
Banky W ventured into acting in 2016, making his debut in the Nollywood film "The Wedding Party." His portrayal of Dozie, the lead character, earned him widespread praise. He reprised his role in "The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai" (2017) and appeared in other films such as "Up North" (2018) and "Sugar Rush" (2019).
He also attended the New York Film Academy, completing programs in filmmaking and screenwriting. His experiences there contributed to his work in music video production and storytelling.
Political aspirations
In 2018, Banky W announced his intention to run for the Lagos Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives under the Modern Democratic Party. Although he lost the 2019 election to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressives Congress, he remained committed to public service. Ahead of the 2023 general election, he joined the People's Democratic Party and won the party's ticket to contest again for the same seat. However, he lost the election to Labour Party candidate Attah Thaddeus.
Personal life and philanthropy
Banky W married actress Adesua Etomi traditionally on November 19, 2017, with a white wedding held in South Africa on November 25, 2017. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Hazaiah Olusegun Wellington, in 2021. They announced the arrival of their second child in 2024. In 2017, Banky W underwent successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder.
He is also involved in philanthropic activities through the Banky Wellington Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, he used his platform to advocate for police reform and better governance in Nigeria.
Awards and recognition
- John Lennon Songwriting Award (2006) 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"
