TRIBUTE TO BANKY W AT 31

Olubankole Wellington, born March 27, 1981, known under the stage name Banky W, is an American Nigerian R&B artist.

Not to be outdone by his exploits in the music world, he is also accomplished in several other fields.

As a philanthropist, he launched the “I AM CAPABLE” scholarship fund, which provides tuition, room & board at private universities for youth who are in need and meet the grade requirements.

He has also been extremely successful in many Corporate Marketing Campaigns, having been featured prominently in projects like Etisalat’s 0809ja Launch, Cocacola-Nigeria’s World Cup Theme Song, and Microsoft’s Anti-Cyber Crime Initiative. He is an accomplished Master of Ceremonies/Host, as he has successfully anchored numerous high profile events such as The HipHop World Awards (2009), Nigerian Breweries Legend Extra Stout Product Launch, and The Gulder Ultimate Search Celebrity TV Show Launch.

  

BANKY W TWEETS as at 8:47am, 27 March, 2012

"Banky Wellington@BankyW Chaiiii, Even when I gbagaun, I dont get half as many mentions as this ohhh...Thank u all soooo much for the birthday wishes God bless"

Early life and career beginnings

Wellington was born in the United States to Nigerian parents, but the family moved back to Lagos Nigeria when he was five years old where he began singing in his church choir at the age of 8. After completing his secondary school Education at Home Science Association Secondary School, he moved to New York to attend college on a scholarship; earning a degree in Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. While still in college, he won the 'Albany Idol' competition, which catapulted him into the spotlight.He wowed audiences with his silky smooth voice while building a loyal following; he established the Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E.) record label as a platform to get his music to his fans and began work on an EP 

2003–2004: Undeniable

Under the name Banky W, he released the Extended Play (EP) Undeniable in 2003, as the first release on his jointly owned E.M.E Records.  

2005–2006: Back in the Building

In 2005 he released his first album, titled Back in the Building, containing the award-winning song "My Regret". 

2008–2009: Mr Capable 

In 2008 he moved to Nigeria after the completion of his latest highly anticipated album Mr Capable under the name Banky W. 

2009–2010: The W Experience 

In December 2009, Banky W dropped his much anticipated second album in Nigeria, titled The W Experience . The 15-track album features collaborations from the internationally acclaimed and Interscope-signed artiste, Verse Simmonds; it also introduces his newly signed E.M.E acts, WIZKID and SKALES; and solidifies Banky W as the crown Prince of African Soul/R&B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANKY W !!! "Igba Odun, Odun Kan"