Banky W Net Worth, Age, Career & Biography 2023

If you’re a fan of soulful, heartfelt music, then you’re probably already familiar with the name Banky W. Otherwise known as Olubankole Wellington, this multi-talented Nigerian musician, actor, and filmmaker has become a household name, not just in Nigeria, but around the globe. Let’s take a deeper look at this charming artist and see what makes him tick.

From his smooth, soul-stirring voice to his compelling stage presence, Banky W has always had a knack for capturing the hearts of his audience. Born on March 27, 1981, Banky had music flowing in his veins from a young age. Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, his multicultural background has played a key role in shaping his unique blend of R&B and African pop music.

But Banky W is not just a music maestro; he’s a man with a vision. In addition to his thriving music career, he co-founded Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E), a record label that has nurtured the careers of several top artists, showing us that his impact on the music industry goes beyond his personal hits.

And if you think music is all he’s got, think again! He has also made waves in the film industry, starring in notable Nigerian movies, thus proving himself a man of many talents.

Below is the biography of Banky W.

Biography

Olubankole Wellington, known by his stage name “Banky W” or “Mr Capable,” was born on March 27, 1981, in the United States to Nigerian parents.

His father is from Badagry, and his mother hails from Calabar in Cross River. He comes from a family of five children, consisting of one sister and three brothers, with his sister being a co-founder of The Urban Marketplace (TUM) Showcases and Events.

At the tender age of 5, Banky W’s family relocated to Nigeria, where he would spend the next dozen years of his life.

He attended Corona Primary School, Home Science Association Secondary School, and Ajao Secondary School, all situated in Lagos.

After his secondary school education, he returned to the US for his tertiary education.

Banky W earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from the prestigious Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York on a scholarship.

His interest in music was evident even during his high school days, where he clinched the title of Albany Idol, setting the stage for his future career in music.

During his junior year at RPI, he began composing, producing, and recording, all in preparation for his impending music career in the US.

In the personal aspect of his life, Banky W found love with the renowned Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi, who hails from Owerri. They tied the knot in 2017.

Career

Banky W embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 8 when he began singing in his church choir. Music has always been his first love, and he primarily identifies as an R&B artist.

In 2002, while still in college, he launched his record label, E.M.E. In 2009, he moved from the US to Nigeria and set up his record label in Lagos, signing talents such as Niyola, Shaydee, Skales, and Wizkid.

His groundbreaking debut studio album, “Back in the Building,” hit the market in 2006. Additionally, he composed the inaugural theme song for Etisalat Nigeria, aptly titled “0809ja for life.”

Over the years, he has produced multiple albums, including “Mr. Capable” (2008), “The W Experience” (2009), “R&BW” (2013), and “Songs About You” (2017), to name a few.

“R&BW” was launched the day after Valentine’s Day in 2013, with a spectacular concert called “The Grand Love Concert” held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The concert featured numerous other artists, including Iyanya and Waje. Some of his hit songs include “Made For You,” “Yes/No,” “Till My Dying Day,” “All I Want Is You,” and “Ebute Metta” — a clever spin on Rihanna’s hit song “Umbrella.”

Banky W is truly a multi-talented individual, which contributes to his net worth. He’s made appearances on MNet TV Shows like Jacob’s Cross and MTV’s Shuga, and he’s also acted in several successful Nigerian films.

His interest in acting and production led him to take filmmaking and screenwriting courses at the New York Film Academy.

Subsequently, he has produced and directed a variety of music videos and TV adverts. His film appearances include “The Wedding Party” (2016), “The Wedding Party 2” (2017), and “Up North” (2018).

Notably, “The Wedding Party 2” is the highest-grossing film in Nigerian history, bringing in more than N500 million at the box office, a feat that certainly contributes significantly to Banky W’s net worth.

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Aside from his entertainment career, Banky W has also ventured into politics. He was in the limelight during Nigeria’s 2019 elections, where he sought to represent Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Though he ultimately didn’t win the seat, losing to Babajide Obanikoro, he did secure victories in two Eti-Osa polling units.

Despite the electoral defeat, Banky W was proud of his achievements within just three months and resolved to return even stronger in the next election cycle, using his Instagram platform to emphasize that their local wins prove possible victories elsewhere.

In addition to his political endeavors, Banky W is a renowned motivational speaker and master of ceremonies, having delivered uplifting and influential speeches at high-profile events and hosted significant occasions like the Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity Show Launch, among others.

Notably, Banky W is also a philanthropist, establishing the “I AM CAPABLE” scholarship fund as a means to give back to the community.

This initiative assists deserving students in tertiary institutions both within and outside Nigeria, covering their tuition and other needs. In the realm of charitable work, Banky W has collaborated with the Pink Oak Cancer Trust to sponsor the treatment of twenty-five cancer patients.

One cannot discuss Banky W’s net worth without mentioning his endorsement deals with well-known brands like Etisalat, Coca-Cola, Airtel, Microsoft, TomTom, and MTN, among others.

As a brand ambassador for Samsung, Uber, and Ciroc Vodka, his endorsement partnerships add significantly to his wealth.

Despite his millionaire status, Banky W is not one to constantly splurge on new vehicles. In July 2018, he shared that he had been using the same Range Rover Sport for seven years, resolving not to buy a new one until he owned his first property.

He reportedly marked his 37th birthday in 2018 by purchasing a new home in Lekki, Nigeria, a luxury duplex complete with a personalized swimming pool.

One intriguing fact about Banky W is that he is a survivor of skin cancer, having successfully undergone an operation in 2017, a decade after his first diagnosis.

In February 2018, Wellington shared news that E.M.E would no longer function as a record label. Instead, the entity would transition into a talent management company with a focus on creative marketing, PR, brand events, and advertising.

Wellington identified the first clientele of the restructured company as DJ Xclusive, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru, and his wife, Adesua Etomi.

In 2017, Wellington was part of an historical collaborative art project, dubbed Iyasile Naa or The Legacy. Regarding his political pursuits, Wellington was unsuccessful in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Elections held on 23 February 2019, losing to Babajide Obanikoro from the All Progressive Congress.

As the 2023 general elections approached, Wellington revealed his departure from the Modern Democratic Party to join the Peoples Democratic Party, once again expressing his interest in representing Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.

In June 2022, Wellington secured the Peoples Democratic Party’s nomination to represent Eti Osa constituency in the 2023 elections.

However, during the Presidential and Federal House of Representative elections held on 25th February, 2023, the Labour Party’s candidate, Attah Thaddeus, emerged victorious, leading to another defeat for Wellington in his quest for the Federal Constituency seat.

The election results were announced by the INEC Returning Officer, which caused a disagreement among the party agents. To ensure peace and order, the police and the army were called in.

After the announcement, Wellington graciously accepted the results, expressing gratitude for the achievements made despite the defeat.

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Banky W Net Worth and Highlights

Banky W Net Worth is currently estimated at $9.7 Million

• 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 Single of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2007.
• Best International Album, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2008 for ‘Mr Capable.
• Best R&B Video, Nigerian Music Video Awards 2008 for ‘Don’t Break my Heart’.
• Best Male Vocal Performance at Hip Hop World Awards 2008.
• Nominated 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.
• Best Music Video (Male) at Sound City Music Video Awards 2010.
• Best R&B Singer at Sound City Music Video Awards 2010.
• Most Gifted R&B Video (Male) at Channel O Music Video Awards 2011.
• Musician of the Year at the Future Awards 2011.
• 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.

Banky W’s Discography

Studio albums

• Back in the Building (2006)
• Mr. Capable (2008)
• The W Experience (2009)
• R&BW (2013)

EPs

• Undeniable (2003)

Playlists

• 2017: Songs About U (2017)

Singles

• 2013: “Jasi”
• 2014: “Jaiye Orimi”
• 2015: “High Notes”
• 2015: “All I Want Is You” feat. Chidinma
• 2015: “Cash Only” As featured artist
• 2016: “Made for You”
• 2016: “Onyeuwaoma” As featured artist
• 2016: “Mi Re Do (Cocoloso)” feat. Stonebwoy and Shaydee
• 2021: “Selense” feat Mercy Chinwo
• 2021: “my destiny”
• 2021: “Jo”

Life Lessons From Banky W

Here are great lessons to learn from Mr. Capable:

Think Assets and Not Liabilities

Never buy an expensive car unless you own the house you park it in

“The way my mind is set up…what good is owning a Rolls Royce, if I’m STILL PAYING RENT ON THE HOUSE I PARK IT IN?”

Cut Your Budget Just to Help People

Cut your budget just to help people, even if it means depriving yourself of the fine things you can live without.

“While driving my very-old car the last few years, I’ve spent a lot of time giving to the people around me and giving back to the society to the best of my ability”.

Play Your Game Low Key

Banky had been love-struck since 2015, started dating since 2016, and got engaged in February but we heard nothing, not even the “all-knowing” Linda Ikeji.

If it was someone else we probably would have heard about his crush all over the internet since 2015.

Do the cooking of your success recipe quietly, let the aroma make the noise. You know what, we’ve got more Life and Business lessons from Banky W that you’ll find really helpful.

Summary Notes on Banky W Net Worth

The financial stature of Banky W is remarkable, given his diverse sources of revenue.

Besides being one of Nigeria’s top ten wealthiest musicians, he generously allocates a portion of his earnings to his charitable initiative, “I am Capable”. As of 2023, is estimated net worth is around $9.7 million.

Impressively, this figure continues to rise annually, reflecting his consistent progress and success.

What’s your take on Banky W’s financial standing? Feel free to share your thoughts below.

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