Banky W

Banky W was born on March 27, 1981, in the United States to Nigerian parents. At the age of five, his family relocated to Nigeria. He discovered his passion for music at a young age and began singing in his church choir. Banky W pursued his primary and secondary education in Lagos before receiving a scholarship to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. It was during his time in New York that he established his record label, E.M.E, in 2002.

Banky W released his breakthrough debut studio album, "Back in the Building," in 2005. This was followed by several successful albums, including "Mr. Capable" (2008), "The W Experience" (2009), "R&BW" (2013), "Undeniable" (2015), "Songs About U" (2017), and "Empire Mates State of Mind" (2012), a compilation album featuring E.M.E artists.

Throughout his career, Banky W produced hit singles such as "Lowkey," "Yes/No," "Jasi," "Jaiye Orimi," and "Made for You." He also gained recognition for writing the first theme song of Etisalat Nigeria, titled "naija for life." In 2018, Banky W announced the dissolution of E.M.E as a record label, transforming it into a talent management company focusing on creative marketing, advertising, PR, and brand events.

Aside from his success as a musician, Banky W has made notable contributions to Nigerian cinema. He appeared in popular movies such as "The Wedding Party" (2016), "The Wedding Party 2" (2017), "Up North" (2018), and "Sugar Rush" (2019). His performances showcased his versatility and earned him acclaim as an actor.

In 2018, Banky W declared his intention to run for the Lagos' Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria's House of Representatives. He contested under the Modern Democratic Party, which was formed in 2017. Although he lost the election to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress in 2019, Banky W's political pursuit showcased his commitment to contributing to the development of his country.

Banky W's entrepreneurial spirit led him to engage in various ventures. He worked at GlobalSpec and established E.M.E as a record label. Furthermore, he embarked on philanthropic endeavors, including participating in the initiation of the Philosophers Legacy, a monumental heirloom aimed at fostering positive change in society.

Banky W married Adesua Etomi traditionally on November 19, 2017, and had a white wedding in South Africa on November 25, 2017. In 2017, he underwent a successful skin cancer surgery on his shoulder, highlighting his resilience in the face of health challenges.