We are doing a throwback on Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician, Olubankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W’s 5 hits songs today. Born in the United States on 27 March 1981 to Nigerian parents, Banky W’s family moved back to Nigeria when he was five years old. He started singing at a young age in his church choir.
Having had his primary and secondary education in Nigeria, he returned to further his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York on a scholarship. His entrepreneurial spirit made him set up his record label E.M.E in 2002 while as a student. Prior, he had worked at GlobalSpec singing really loud with his headphones on. In 2009, he left the US for Nigeria to launch his record label in Lagos where 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”.
On 11 November 2018, Banky W declared his intention to run for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, on the platform of Modern Democratic Party, formed in 2017. He is happily married to Nollwood actress, Adesua Etomi and they have a son together.
1. Lagos Party
‘Lagos Party‘ was a big tune back in the days. This hit single from the album ‘The W Experience’ was released in 2009 and produced by the music maestro Cobhams Asuquo.
2.Capable
Would you believe it’s been almost 13 years since Banky W dropped this classic tune, Capable? It’s where he got his nickname, Mr Capable.
3. Jaiye Orimi
Jaiye Orimi is no doubt an outstanding song, produced by talented Masterkraft. This is one line from the song that hits home-‘If I go broke today, Nobody go follow me go broke, So je kin Jaiye Orimi’.
4. Ebute Meta
Banky W wrote and then sang about life after his relocation to Nigeria. That was how “Ebute Metta“ came to be, which was sampled on the instrumentals of Rihanna’s 2007 hit single, Umbrella.
5. My Regret
Banky W mesmerised us with his awesome tune from his song ‘My Regret’. This song was off his old released album- Back in the building.