| Full Name | Olubankole Wellington |
| Date Of Birth | March 27, 1981 |
| Spouse | Adesua Etomi |
| Nationality | U.S.A., New York. Nigeria, Lagos |
| Occupation | Musician, Actor, politician |
| Net Worth | 9 Million dollars |
Banky W is a renowned singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who is making a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who also transitioned to acting in “The Wedding Party,” the biggest movie in Nollywood history.
He has been listed among the richest musicians in Nigeria for the past three years, thanks to his net worth of $9 million.
Banky has achieved immense success in his career and is an inspiration for many. After spending hours studying Banky W’s life, we will outline his incredible success story, net worth, and how he moved from humble beginnings to international stardom.
Early Life
He was born in the United States to parents from Nigeria. His mother is from Calabar, Cross River State, and his father is from Badagry, a historic town in Lagos. He has a sister and three brothers, making a total four siblings. The Urban Marketplace (TUM) Showcases and Events was founded by his sister.
At age 5, the family returned to Nigeria, and he attended Corona School for his primary education. He then participated in Home Science Association Secondary School and Ajao Secondary School, located in Lagos, for his secondary education. He earned his first high school certificate in Nigeria and the West Africa Senior School Certificate.
He returned to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York on a scholarship to pursue his tertiary education after completing his secondary education. He earned a degree in industrial engineering after completing his studies there. In 2017, Banky W wed veteran Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi, born in Owerri, and they are now blessed with a son.
Music Career
At 8, he began his musical career by singing in the church choir. While still in secondary school, Banky W won the Albany Idol competition, propelling him to the music industry’s forefront. At age 21, he teamed up with his friends while studying abroad in the U.S. to launch the Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) record label, which rose to fame in their home base of the mid-Hudson Valley, New York.
When Banky W released the song “Undeniably” in 2003, his career and popularity took off. Within a short period after release, he sold all of the copies. Because of the success of his marketing plan, he was featured on Fox 23 News New York, which led to a distribution agreement with Trans World, one of the biggest music distributors in North America.
The award-winning single “My Regret” from Banky W’s debut album, “Back in the Building,” which was released in 2005, helped him win the U.S. Songwriting Award, the Nigerian Entertainment Award for R&B/Soul artiste of the Year, and the International Single of the Year in 2007.
Banky W returned from the U.S. in 2008 after he graduated and started his record label in Lagos, Nigeria. He signed new artists like Wizkid, Niyola, Shaydee, and Skales at that time before the record label closed. He also composed “0809ja for life,” the first Etisalat Nigeria theme song.
A day after Valentine’s Day, R&BW was released in 2013. He performed at the Civic Center in Ozumba Mbadiwe Victoria Island, Lagos, to launch the album with a concert dubbed “The Grand Love Concert.” He included several other musicians, including Iyanya, Waje, and many others. “Made For You,” “Yes/No,” “Till My Dying Day,” “All I Want Is You,” and “Ebute Metta,” which sampled Rihanna’s well-known song “Umbrella,” are just a few of Banky W’s top hits.
Banky W announced the dissolution of E.M.E. as a record label in February 2018. The label will now be a talent management company with a strong emphasis on creative marketing, brand promotion, advertising, and other things, he continued. He introduced D.J. Xclusive, Tolu Oniru, Adesua (his wife), and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as their first clients.
Acting Career
Banky W is a man of many talents and has appeared in MNet T.V. shows like Jacob’s Cross, MTV’s Shuga, and some block-blusters Nigerian films. This has also helped to increase Banky W’s net worth.
This motivated him to finish his screenwriting and filmmaking courses at the New York Film Academy, where he developed his acting and production skills. He has since produced and directed many music videos and T.V. commercials.
He starred in the hit film “The Wedding Party” in 2016. Additionally, he has made appearances in several well-known films, including Sugar Rush, Up North, and The Wedding Party 2. (2019).
Political Career
Banky W is a politician as well. He participated in the Nigerian elections in 2019 and garnered media attention. In the end, Babajide Obanikoro defeated Banky W for the House of Representative seat representing Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency. Despite the defeat, Banky W successfully won two voting units in Eti-Osa.
He declared himself proud of his accomplishments in three months and promised to return in four years stronger than ever.
Endorsement Deals
These are the companies that Banky W allegedly had endorsement agreements with throughout his career, according to the internet. So let’s look at how much each endorsement deal brought in for him.
In Nigeria, he represents the Samsung brand. His contract with the company is reportedly worth millions of naira, though its actual value is unknown. Banky W earned $60,000 from the Ciroc endorsement deal, and since the contract was renewed twice, he earned $180,000.
In addition to his contract with Samsung, Banky W formerly served as Etisalat Nigeria’s brand ambassador.
Albums
Undeniable (2003), Back in the Building (2005), Mr Capable (2008), The W Experience (2009), and R&BW are among the albums by Banky W. (2013) 2012’s Empire Mates State of a Mind compilation album. A few of his singles include:
- 2014: “Jaiye Orimi.”
- 2015: “High Notes.”
- 2015: “All I Want Is You” feat. Chidinma
- 2015: “Cash Only.”
- 2016: “Made for You.”
- 2016: “Onyeuwaoma”
Awards And Recognition
Awards in 2006
- John Lennon Song Writing Award, R&B Category, for ‘My Regret’
- Best R&B Artiste, Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- Best Male R&B Artiste, Urban Independent Music Awards, U.S.A.,
Awards in 2007
- Best International Album, Nigerian Entertainment Awards, for ‘Mr Capable’
Awards in 2008
- Best International Album, Nigerian Entertainment Awards for ‘Mr Capable.
- Best R&B Video, Nigerian Music Video Awards for ‘Don’t Break my Heart’.
- Best Male Vocal Performance at Hip Hop World Awards.
Awards in 2009
- Nominated Best Male Vocal Performance, Hip hop World Awards for ‘Don’t Break My Heart.’
Awards In 2010
- R&B Single of the year, Hip Hop World Awards for ‘Strong Thing’
- Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video City People Entertainment Awards
- Best Music Video (Male) at Sound City Music Video Awards.
- Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video City People Entertainment Awards.
Awards in 2011
- Most Gifted R&B Video (Male) at Channel O Music Video Awards.
- Musician of the Year at the Future Awards.
Other Awards
- Best R&B Single at the Headies Awards 2013.
- Music Entrepreneur of the Year at Awesome Awards 2015.
- Artist of the Year at The Urban Marketplace 2016.
Properties and Assets
Banky W does not publicize his cars online like the majority of famous people in the nation. Among Banky W’s unique automobiles is a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. He travels in this expensive vehicle quite frequently.
He also owns a Phantom Rolls Royce. Many people are unaware that Banky W drives a Rolls Royce Phantom. This is currently one of the priciest automobiles available. This car was purchased by Banky W a while back.
Additionally, he owns a Range Rover 2008 Edition. This is one of Banky W’s most well-known vehicles. Before selling it at an online auction, he used this car for a long time. In addition to the vehicles listed here, Banky W possesses a couple of other cars.
There is a large mansion owned by Banky W in Lekki, Lagos. The mansion is reportedly worth millions of dollars, though we have not yet determined its exact value.
Conclusions
Banky W is one of Nigeria’s most talented singers and actors and has a net worth of $9 million. He has achieved this success through a combination of music, acting, a record label, business, and endorsement deals. He also owns Sooyah Bistro, a suya spot for Nigerians.
Banky W also donates a portion of his earnings to the “I am Capable” charity. He is an inspiring example of how hard work, ambition, and dedication can pay off and has set an excellent example for aspiring musicians and actors.
