"Can’t Trade With My Hat and No Skirts, Please" | Banky W

Banky W

 Born in America to the Wellingtons (father from Badagry and mother from a Calabar), the prolific singer, songwriter and producer, Olubankole Olusegun Ayodeji Omojola Umoh Wellington, aka Banky W, is regarded as the King of African R&B. Also called Mr. Capable, Banky W had his primary and secondary education in Lagos before going to the US to study Industrial Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic. He began singing as a kid, joining his church choir, school music club and performing at street jamzz. While still in college, he formed Empire Mate$ Entertainment (E.M.E), a record label he envisioned as a platform for his music. He won the Albany Idol competition, which brought him to limelight. In 2003, he released his debut single Undeniable, which won the R&B/Soul Artiste of the Year at the Urban Independent Music Awards. His first album, Back In The Building, was released in 2005. The John Lennon Songwriting Award winner shares his dressence. 

What’s your definition of fashion?

It is an expression of whom you are and how you want to be seen. It is the outer reflection of your inner mind and attitude.

Your style

I just dress the way I feel at a particular moment. I look out for comfort and flexibility in whatever I choose to wear. Whether I'm dressed up in a suit or in a pair of jeans trouser and a T-shirt, I just wear what I want and what I'm comfortable in.

Favourite colour

I love bright colours, but do more of black because of its multi-functionality.

Favourite fashion piece

Probably my hat … everybody knows I’m in love with hats. I have a huge collection of hats.

Favourite signature scent

I like Hugo Boss and Cruise. They have nice smell and appeals to the ladies more.

How often do you improve on your wardrobe?

Whenever I see something I like, I buy; there is no hard and fast rule to that. But I try as much as possible to get something whenever I’m attending a ceremony — awards.

Most expensive item ever bought

I’m not frivolous when it comes to fashion. I don’t buy expensive clothes; I try as much as possible to look good, simple, smart and neat.

Favourite designer(s)

In Nigeria, I love Mai Atafo, Okunoren Twins, Muyiwa Oshindero and Babs Familusi of Exclamation Couture.

What would you not be caught wearing any day?

A skirt … never ever.

What would you consider as fashion faux pax?

Wearing what I know isn't me, but doing it to please or to be considered fashionable.

Favourite food

Jollof rice, goat meat and fried plantain. I’m also a very big fan of Egusi soup and Eba. I prefer Eba to pounded yam.

Turn on

I like ambitious, sexy, humorous, beautiful, go getting and good cook ladies.

Turn off

In a woman, body and mouth odour, bad hygiene and bad attitude.

What would you consider sexy in both men and women?

In ladies, physical beauty is important to an extent, because you have to be attracted to someone who would want to know you the more. I like girls that are independent, ambitious, love music and can dance because I love dancing.

How do handle your female fans?

I handle them just the way I handle any other situation. I appreciate and treat them like my friends. As an artiste, it very easy to get carried away when the ladies show you so much love, but it is important to keep a level head.

When will Mrs. Banky W finally come to her rightful place?

It is something I would like to do and I praying to God to give me the right woman and the resources to care for her like I would like to do. I have no issues settling down, but I just need to find the right woman. Marriage is the most important and biggest decision that you have to make as a man.

What is on your radar?
To dominate the world.

Source: The Guardian, Credit:Daniel Anazia