ARTISTE OF THE DAY

ARTISTE:   BANKY W

 

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 overcame many personal trials and obstacles to quickly become an in-demand artist on the local music scene; performing alongside major acts on tour. 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

ALBUMS

• 2003: Undeniable (EP)
• 2005: Back in the Building
• 2008: Mr. Capable
• 2009: The W Experience
• 2013: R&BW 

Awards

• 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

Nominations

• Best R&B/Pop Album (Mr. Capable), Hiphop World Awards 2009
• Hiphop World Revelation 2009
• Best Pop/R&B (Don’t Break My Heart), Soundcity Music Video Awards 2009
• Best Male Video (Don’t Break My Heart), Soundcity Music Video Awards 2009
• Best R&B Singer, City People Entertainment Awards 2009
• Musician of the Year, Future Awards 2009
• Best International Artiste, Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2009
• Recording of the Year, Best Vocal Performance (Male) - Hip Hop World Awards 2010
• Musician of the Year, Future Awards 2010
• Artiste of the Year, Dynamix Awards 2010
• Semi-finalist, African Artiste of the Year, KORA Awards 2010
• Best Music Video and Best R&B Act, 2010 Nigerian Entertainment Awards