Banky W is single again + says Nigerian Ent. industry is more fame than fortune | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Saturday 28 September 2013

Banky W is single again + says Nigerian Ent. industry is more fame than fortune

In an interview with Nigerian Tribune yesterday, Banky W opened up about his relationship status. When asked if he was in a relationship, Banky replied 'Not at the moment.' Guess his relationship with Ghanaian beauty Andrea Giaccaglia has packed up...or maybe he just wants to get the blogs off his back. Lol. Anyway Mr Capable also reacted to the Forbes/Channel O list of the Top 10 Most Bankable African artists 2013where he was placed at No.10, Banky says the Nigerian entertainment industry is more fame than money. When asked how he felt about the list, Banky replied
I don’t believe very much in such things. Let’s be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whom got there by looting Nigeria). They’re the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I’m not thrilled by it and I don’t think any of us should buy into it too much. I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.
Read the full interview after the cut..

Banky spoke with Ibikun Akinyemi of Nigerian Tribune

What have you been up to recently?
I’ve been working hard, pretty much. On the music side, I’ve been working on collaborations with different artistes.I’ve recently completed really good songs for Black Magic, Sarkodie, MoCheddah, Lynxxx, Ketchup, Victoria Kimani and Vector. Internally (within EME), I’m contributing to Wizkid’s album, as well as projects for Skales, ShayDee and Niyola. Outside of all this, I’ve been giving speeches at various events, as well as working on a couple of potentially great movie projects.

How did the musical journey begin?
It really started when I was a kid. I sang everywhere. From Church, to school and neighbourhood street parties and in many groups. Professionally, it started in 2002/2003 while I was in the University. That’s when I actually recorded for the first time and set up the EME record label independently and started putting music out.

Having lots of hit songs, which song would you say brought you to limelight?
Most people think it all started with the release of ‘Ebute Meta’ (Umbrella Remix) but actually, it began with a song called “My Regret” that came out while I was in the United States of America. That is the song that brought me attention from people all over the world; I won the John Lennon songwriting award in R&B for that song.

What was the inspiration behind it?
Like the majority of my successful songs, the inspiration was drawn from a woman I was intimate with at the time, and the ups and downs of our relationship.

What were your greatest musical influences growing up?
R&B, Hip hop, and African Music. Jay-Z, R Kelly, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Fela and everyone in between.

What would you have been if not an artiste?
I studied engineering in University so I could have stuck with that. Or I would have been an Artist (drawing, painting etc), or a lawyer, or teacher.

Is Banky in a relationship?
Not at the moment.

Tell us something no one knows about you.
I’m not sure how many people know this, but I shave my head and shape my beard myself. I’m my own barber. I’ve been doing it for years. It started when I was in University and didn’t have a lot of money, I learnt to maintain it myself so I didn’t need to spend money on it every week. And now I’m good at it so I’m my own barber. I will probably open a barbershop at some point.

What differentiate you from other artist?
I’d like to think it’s the totality of what I bring to the table, creatively and musically. There are better vocalists than me, for sure. But I not only sing.. I write, I rap, I produce, I entertain… I’m a motivational speaker and philanthropist, I act and I direct. It’d be hard to line up a lot of people who are able to do everything that I do… but of course, we give God the glory and the fans the thanks for letting me be myself.

Coming up at the 10th position of the Forbes rating, how did you feel?
I don’t believe very much in such things. Let’s be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whomgot there by looting Nigeria). They’re the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I’m not thrilled to it and I don’t think any of us should buy into it too much. I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.


As the CEO of EME, what challenges are you facing?
My official title is Chairman and Creative Director of EME. And I guess I’m facing the same challenges most label executives face… in that, you have a limited set of resources and a lot of people to look after. So you do the best you can to try and help each Artist achieve his/her dreams under your care.

What is your normal day like?
I try to pray but I definitely need to do a better job at that. At least three or four times a week, I try to put in work-out sessions with my personal trainer. After that it’s a mix of things; meetings, press obligations, social outings and performances or appearances that I’m booked to make.

Banky seems to be humble, what is the secret?
The truth is, the same people who love you and hail you today might be the ones crucifying you tomorrow, so you owe it to yourself to keep a level head. Don’t get too excited by the success, and don’t get too depressed by the failures. I just try to do the best job I can, and I remember my parents and how they raised me, and I surround myself with people that keep me in check (my manager, partners, etc). Some people make the deadly mistake of surrounding themselves with “Yes Men” the minute they become successful and the danger in that is there’s no balance. If everyone around you agrees with everything you do or say, and says you’re the best all the time, you’re taking a risk. Even the President of the USA, the most powerful man on earth, has a system of checks-and-balances in place, with congress and the Judiciary having the power to check him if his actions are too far out of line… how much more us?

How did you manage having a scandal free reputation?
I’d say probably the same reasons I stated above, plus, I carry myself the way I want people to see me and treat me. I’m no saint; trust me, not at all. But I am careful about how much I leave out there because people will use any and everything possible against you to bring you down.

How do you relax?
I try to sneak into the movie theatres occasionally, I hang out with friends and family, I read novels, and I love to travel and just go to places where less people know me so I can walk around and chill.

How do you feel when you are harassed by a fan?
There are times when it can be a lot to handle (like when you’re on a date, or with your parents, etc) but the truth is, it’s better that people want to harass you, or take pictures, or whatever. It’s worse if, as an artiste, you show up and no one notices or cares to disturb you at all. So it shows that you’re doing something right if people want to disturb you; so I definitely appreciate it, and I always try to make sure I honour every request by fans to take pictures or anything of that sort.

What is your take when people speak bad about you and Wizkid?
Jesus Christ was perfect, and people still spoke bad about him to the point that they killed him. How much less you, or me or Wiz? People will always want to say all kinds of things… and these days, people love bad news. And if you don’t give them the bad news, they start to create false bad news just because it’s more interesting. But there isn’t much you can do about it. You just try to be the best person you can be, and keep it moving.

You like hats a lot, why?
I have stopped wearing them a lot because people make too much of a big deal about it; my last CD cover, I went without it, and I do that a lot more these days. However, I really do like hats, and I think they add to my styling and make me stand out from the crowd.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
That is classified information. If I tell you I would have to kill you. (General laughter)

Any album in the making?
I’m actually working on a project now that will show my versatile side… people might not even believe it’s me when they first hear it. I will be doing more rap and more commercial sounding music… the purpose is just to show people that while I love to do R&B, they should never put me in a box and expect me to only do that. I’m versatile and I have a lot I want to show and prove. Stay tuned. I’m really excited about it. In the mean time we’re still pushing singles and videos from the R&BW album though.

What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.

What is the most expensive thing in your wardrobe?
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t put too much value on material things like clothes and accessories.

Tell us your educational background
I went to Corona Primary School, Ikoyi; then Home Science Association Secondary School ,Alakuko, however I did my JSS2 year in Adrao in VI. I did 1 year in Colonie Central High School in Albany New York, and I got a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy New York.

Last word.
To the fans, thank you so much and God bless you all real good.

61 comments:

★★PRINCE CHARMING™★★ said...

He is still basking in the ambience of the thrills and adventures of bachelorhood! Well, he is a star, it shouldn't be hard for him to get settled whenever he wants.

Anonymous said...

this is bad HORRIBLE OBASANJO DATING A NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS EXPOSED click here. KEEP IT UP LINDA

Mich said...

"I would rather be wealthy and quiet than be famous and broke".
Like he said,its all hype with most of these celebrities.
Good interview.

Anonymous said...

Linda, see your mouth, ..."Banky is Single again..." You wan go mingle with am? Pls don't! Look for a more matured sexy dude. Thanks. Concerned reader.

Unknown said...

I believe everyone's got his or her life to live...Banky is practically doing his thing..

One point he made is ” I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.“
That's a great point...and for me as an artiste I stick to that @rexo6 #irepteamgenius

Anonymous said...

Single again??? Na him work na to use and dump the girls stupid enuf to date him.

DIVAROGS said...

WETIN KAN CONCERN ME.....MTCHEWWWW

Anonymous said...

And dats true. @ more fame dan fortune. Lindz bera b hawt 2nyt o!
~D great anonymous!

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! U r single? Am soooo happy cos am single too ....so let's get along den

ms k said...

Impressive!

Rough Diamond said...

Muah to banky dats all!

candygirl said...

Awwwwwwwwww never use to like banky,but after this interview..he can get it!he's too put 2geda and super down to earth!!....new fan! Hehehe

Anonymous said...

You are good I luv u. Kanye come and learn from this not been proud

Anonymous said...

I am officially in love with banky w.....muahhh

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a level-headed young man. I am impressed and wish him all the best.

gozibe said...

I'm humbled! God bless u more!

Anonymous said...

So down to earth and honest. I have always liked Banky but this interview has heightened my respect for him. Ur a truly wonderful role model. IAI

Darkchildlovethyhair said...

Such humility! My admiration for Banky just tripled.

Anonymous said...

Awww..well put banky.cud almost relate wt u frm d interview lyk u wie ma bro/guy(lolz).hope all dos are lyk u put 'em up to be.

wemimo said...

Banky..am single n searching too..contact me thru linda.

Anonymous said...

Humble talk n nice guy. http://www.TheWorkPaid.com/?share=5581 follow dis link register n earn ur coll cash is real!

helena said...

He's cute,talented,smart,humble,wit a sound education.banky rocks!

gloria said...

Bles u 2.

CHARMY said...

Well said Banky n that's y I love U,he doesn't put much importantance to material tinz unlike wizkid n davido n even peter of (psquare)Y'all should learn from him.MATURED MAN BANKY W

Anonymous said...

I sha like banky plenty. Wish to meet him,someday. Some scroboshi people will talk.
Tweet

Anonymous said...

Banky W is such a class act, educated, humble, talented and handsome, not those so-called riff raffs that call themselves musicians. They do not know how to be tactful, when they open their big mouths. I guess lack of education is really the problem. Also Banky you are right i never bought into that forbes hype, it is pure fabrication on a dumb level.

Anonymous said...

Well spoken

Jade said...

Awww he sounds humble and level headed. My favorite bit has to be his response to how he treats fans that harass him. He n Gideon Okeke are my fav stars. As for all the other stuck up stars,enjoy your fame while it lasts. Just note that no fans,no stars...#simples#

juicyhawtstuff said...

Banky my love......

Unknown said...

Honest fella!!! Nice interview!!but linda,outa al wat e said u only noticed he's single?? U sef too like trouble!! Its al 4 trafic sha *ONYX GODWIN*

Joyan said...

For the first time Banky's made sense. It's really true that Nigerian Ent. industry's more fame than fortune.

Anonymous said...

U can't imagine how happy I am to hear u're single. I'll finally av a chance to date u. Well, someday hopefully. Pls be single till then. Love u much banky.#happy.#dancing. By the way nice interview. HERBIE

Anonymous said...

Loooovvee banky like mad! I'm also single dear *winks*

Rough Diamond said...

Y do u pple keep misleading peeps with ur fake headlines or caption???
All in d name of blogging!
Mtchew!
And d funny part is, its still dry n boring as hell no matter d stupid caption u fake ass bloggers use.
Mtchewwwwwwwwww....

Anonymous said...

He's a humble person others should learn from him!

Anonymous said...

PC u b mumu. T

Anonymous said...

Does having a b.sc in industrial engineering make one an engineer? Na polytecnic he go sef

Anonymous said...

I can't date a celebration

Anonymous said...

I can't date a celebrity. Most r highly promiscous n irresponsible

Anonymous said...

whao before i didnt like him but this interview has changed my perspective. he is so humble. how i wish davido would take a cew and surround himself with good people to act as checks and balances. also wiz should do the same. doe wiz doesnt shout as much as david does.

Anonymous said...

Awww banky my number 1 crush :D

Janelicious said...

Am not really a fan of ur music but after reading ur interview i most say dat i love ur personality.

Anonymous said...

Love me some Olubankole Wellington! Arsenal fan, barber, chef and blogger. Yea I know that much about banky. Love you!

Anonymous said...

I'm humbled, touched nd inspired by his words...most importantly it got me trippin 4 him. Handsome

Anonymous said...

Hey Linlin, just wanted to say kudos to u̶̲̥̅̊ 4 listening to ur bloggers. As i observed dat after rightly screening dps on ur blogs, some pple who were notoriously stubborn but still wanted to be heard had no choice but to obey ur rules and change their dp pictures. i‎​ thank u̶̲̥̅̊ for doin d ryt thin. Luv ya

ChincoBee said...

Am impressed Banky and you actually went to Homescience Alakuko,nice!I love you for completing ur education,it makes you proud of who you are and what you do!All da best! And I love you sweerie

Anonymous said...

wao its been banky al d way, luv ur songs kip it up

Unknown said...

Such humility! Nice 1 Banky,u re truly a star!!

Unknown said...

Why do u like hats? I like it bcos it covers my big head datz wat u shld hv answered not dat thrash u said

ary said...

Our very own George Clooney! Weird a girl told me yesterday that she suspects BW is gay! Hmm just saying sha.

ary said...

Our very own George Clooney! Weird a girl told me yesterday that she suspects BW is gay! Hmm just saying sha.

Anonymous said...

Thank God U changed ur terrifying pix!

Anonymous said...

Wow.....nice interview. Banky baba!

Anonymous said...

I have always respect n admire Banky more than any other naija artist. Happy 2 hear I have sth in common wit him. I shave my head n bear myself. Zion.

Anonymous said...

linda why u gotta act like its national crisis everytime banky says he's single?...beats me!!nice guy tho

Anonymous said...

All dis gals desiring to date banky coz he is single u all are a disgrace to ur various spouse.#spits and passes on#

Anonymous said...

#HUMILITY#DOWNTOEARTH#BEINGYOURSELF.kip it up bro.his response ws off the hook*thumbs up. BUM!

Anonymous said...

You really cnt date a celebration!!! Mumu!!! Go and work on ur English 1st

Anonymous said...

Mr Wellington,I had ‎​A̶̲̥̅ dream, & we got married...bera start lookin 4 me,coz we need to mk M̶̲̥̅γ̲̣̣̥ dream ‎​A̶̲̥̅ reality....love U̶̲̥̅̊ scarra...LD peperempe

Anonymous said...

Banky is not single Linda, as a blogger I thought you would've learnt how to shine your eyes to celeb BS by now. They are still together; look on his instagram you will see that he recently bought a dog & named the puppy "Duke". Then go on her instagram and she has the same dog/puppy and it is also called "Duke" and was bought around the same time! Coincidence??? I think not! He just doesn't want us in his private business (which is his right) but he's not single so girls don't get excited o!

Unknown said...

my comment? Awesome responses by Banky. Punchline of the Month: "i would rather be wealthy and quiet than be famous and broke". #raiseswineglass

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