Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born 6 December 1993),[1] who is better known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He was signed to Mavin Records between 2014 and 2018,[2] and went by the stage name Spicy before his record deal with the label. Banks won Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014,[3] and received the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. His debut studio album Spotlight, which was released on 1 September 2016, debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart.[4]
Life and career
Reekado Banks is the last born child of a family that adores music. His father is a pastor from Isarun Ifedore LGA, Ondo State and his mother is a caterer.[5] He grew up in a disciplinarian setting due to both of his parents being pastors. He completed secondary school at the age of 14, and started recording his first set of songs in 2008. His elder brother produced all of his earlier songs and tutored him on the rudiments of singing, writing and producing. He derived the stage name Reekado Banks by combining the meanings of the two names; the former part of his stage name translates to "strong ruler" and the latter part loosely translates to "wealth".[6] In 2014, Banks graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in history and strategic study.[7][3] He has cited Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide and M.I as his key musical inspirations.[8]
Mavin Records deal and artistry
Banks' record deal with Mavin Records emerged due to his brother’s submission of some of his songs to the label in an online talent search. He was signed to Mavin Records after his entries were selected from over 5000 entries.[9] In an interview with the National Mirror, he said his brother submitted his songs and communicated with the label on his behalf without his initial consent. Banks also told the National Mirror he is a versatile artist who makes music with the thought that humans are different and have different taste.[6]
2014–present: Singles and Mavin Records departure
Banks premiered the single "Turn It Up" on 21 February 2014, which coincided with the day he signed with Mavin Records. The song features vocals by Tiwa Savage and was released as his first official single under Mavin Records.[10] Banks was featured on the critically acclaimed song "Dorobucci", alongside Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Savage, Di'Ja, Dr SID and D'Prince.[11] He also worked with some of the aforementioned artists on the collaborative singles "Adaobi", "Arise" and "Looku Looku". On 13 February 2015, he released the Don Jazzy-produced single "Katapot", which was alleged to be a diss track towards D'banj and Wande Coal. In February 2015, Don Jazzy debunked the allegations in a series of tweets.[12] While speaking to Vanguard Newspaper, Banks said he created "Katapot" for his fans.[13]
In July 2015, Banks signed an endorsement deal with Nigerian telecommunications company Globacom.[14] On 7 December 2018, he announced his departure from Mavins Records and the launch of his independent outfit, Banks Music.[15] In September 2019, Vanguard newspaper reported that Banks dropped his elder brother, Temi Solomon, as his manager.[16] In 2021, he released the single "Ozumba Mbadiwe".[17] Olukorede Ikazoboh, who heads the Nigerian arm of Virgin Music, announced that the label will be in charge of distributing Banks and Darkoo's music.[18]
^ abOluwadahunsi, Olawale (12 November 2014). "I do all genres of music -Reekado Banks". National Mirror. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
^Otokpa, Regina (14 November 2014). "Dorobucci craze hits church". National Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
