- published: 16 Feb 2016
- views: 3861
Olubankole Wellington (born March 27, 1981), known under the stage name Banky W, is an American Nigerian R&B artist.
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.
Under the name Banky W, he released the EP Undeniable in 2003, as the first release on his jointly owned E.M.E Records. The EP was released on his own label, and was sold on the internet and out of the trunks of cars. The buzz around the album caught the ears of the executives at Fox 23 News New York who promptly dispatched a reporter with a camera crew to investigate the phenomenon sweeping the area. They were surprised it was a three person company executing a highly successful grassroots marketing campaign. The report became a two part special they aired leading to a distribution deal with TransWorld (Coconut's, Warehouse Music, Spec's Music); one of North America's largest music distributors. It became one of the top selling independent records, won him the 2003 R&B/Soul Artist of the Year at the Urban Independent Music Awards.His career was for a while threatened by cancer in the shoulder, but he managed to make a recovery from the illness.
[Verse 1:]
Look in my eyes and then tell me
Tell me what is it you see,
This picture of love endlessly
And it's framing you and me
[Pre-chorus:]
So won't you be my lady
I will be your man
Together we can make it
If you'll take my hand
So say you'll be my lady
I will be your man
Together we can make it
If you'll take my hand
[Chorus:]
Till my dying day,
I love you ohhh I
Till my dying day
I love you ohhh I
Baby won't you stay
I need you ohhh I
Till I die I will never leave your side
Ohhh I, Ohhh I
[Verse 2:]
You are the beat my heart drums to,
You're the sunshine through my night,
Let me be the one you run to,
Through the darkness I'll be your light
[Pre-chorus:]
So won't you be my lady
I will be your man
Together we can make it
If you'll take my hand
I will be your lady
You can be my man
Don't matter if they hate it
Cause they don't understand
[Bridge:]
And so I take this vow, to always be right here, by your side through thick and thin