Biography of Reekado Banks

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, popularly known as Reekado Banks is a fast rising Nigerian musician and songwriter, formerly signed to Mavin records. Today, he owns his music label called “Banks music”.

Early life and background of Reekado Banks

Reekado Banks was born December 6, 1993 in Lagos, Nigeria, having root in Ondo state. He’s from a musically inclined family. His father is a pastor while his mother is a caterer. His elder brother is a music producer and his elder sister is also a gospel singer. No wonder he pursued music as a career. He’s the last child of the family.

Reekado grew up under strict family setting due to his parents pastoral ministry. He completed his secondary education at the age of 14 and started recording his first set of songs in 2008. His brother, Temi took special interest in his singing career and tutored him on the rudiments of singing, writing and producing. The star was also inspired by top musicians including 2face Idibia, M.I, Don Jazzy, Olamide and DJ Jimmy Jatt. In 2014, he bagged a degree in history and strategic studies from the University of Lagos.

Reekado’s Rise to Fame

In 2014, he rose to stardom when his brother submitted some of his songs to Mavin records in an online talent hunt. Reekado Banks got signed to Mavin Records after his entries were selected from over 5000 entries. He was signed alongside Korede Bello and Di’ja. Prior to bagging a record deal with Mavin Records, he was formerly called “Spicy”. 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”, while the latter part loosely translates to “wealth”.

In an interview with the National Mirror, he stated that he’s a versatile artist who experiments with different genres of music. He confessed that his journey to the top was not an easy one. He sold blenders in traffic and also worked as a manual laborer at a construction site to raise money for his first record.

Reekado Banks premiered his single “Turn it up” on February 21, 2014, same day he got signed to Mavin Records. He featured Tiwa savage in it. Few months later, he also featured in the song Dorobucci, Adaobi, Arise and Looku Looku alongside other artists like Korede Bello, Dr SID, Tiwa Savage, Di’ja, D’Prince and Don Jazzy.
On 13 February 2015, he released the Don Jazzy-produced song “Katapot”. It was alleged to be a diss track towards D’banj and Wande Coal. Don Jazzy refuted the allegations in a series of tweets.

His studio albums “Spotlight” was released on September 1, 2016. It has 21 tracks on it. According to research, spotlight album is one of the highest selling in the World Album Category. Similarly, it debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

On December 7, 2018, he announced his departure from Mavins Records after 5 years. He also announced the launch of his independent outfit Banks Music.

In 2015, Reekado bought a duplex for his parents, in appreciation for their love and affection in his life so far.

Awards and Recognition

Reekado Banks was declared Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014 and won the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015.  He also won City People Award for Promising Act To Watch in 2015.

Reekado Banks has an endorsement deal with Nigerian telecommunications company Globacom. He was signed as a Globacom brand ambassador in 2015 alongside some of his fellow Mavins Record artists.

Reekado Banks’ Relationship

Reekado was previously in a relationship. In 2017, he called it quit with his girlfriend, Emem. In 2019, the picture of him and Tolani Otedola sparked a dating rumour. There’s been speculations about his relationship life. He’s presently not dating anyone.

Reekado Banks’ Net Worth

Reekado Banks is currently worth about $1.8 million.

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