Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, is a Nigerian artiste, actor, and preacher. Born in the United States, he started singing as a very young age while he was a member of the church choir. With his primary and secondary educations in his home country Nigeria, Banky W proceeded for his tertiary education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York on a scholarship. His study in school birthed his ‘defunct’ record label ‘E.M.E’ in 2009. On his return back to Nigeria, Banky W signed the likes of Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, and Shaydee to the record label. His debut studio album ‘Back in the Building’ shot him onto limelight in 2005. Banky W then poised himself to release another album ‘R&BW’ in 2013 which has ‘Yes/No’ and ‘Lowkey’ singles in the album.
Upon the dissolution of the ‘defunct’ E.M.E in 2018, Banky W tweaked the discourse of the brand towards creative marketing, advertising, PR and brand events, with his wife, Adesua Etomi, Dj Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, and Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru as his first clientele of the rebranded company.
As a great vocalist, Banky W is recipient of awards like; John Lennon Song Writing Award 2006, R&B Category, 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’; Best Male Vocal Performance, Hip hop World Awards 2009 for ‘Don’t Break My Heart’; R&B Single of the year, 2010 Hip Hop World Awards for ‘Strong Ting’; Best R&B Singer (Male) and Best Music Video 2010 City People Entertainment Awards.
Corroborating his musical niche with movie, Banky W graced the Nollywood screen when he had his debut role in a huge gross box office movie ‘Wedding Party’ part 1&2 and also ‘Sugar Rush’ and ‘Up North’.
He is a preacher and the pastor of Water Brook in Lagos.
