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| Biography of Reekado Banks and his Music |
Early Life and Background
Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, popularly known by his stage name Reekado Banks, was born on December 6, 1993, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the last child of a music-loving family — his father is a pastor, his mother a caterer, while his siblings played active roles in shaping his early career.
Raised in a Christian home, Reekado developed a passion for music from an early age, writing songs and recording demos as a teenager. He studied History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, balancing academics with his rising interest in music.
Musical Journey and Breakthrough
Reekado Banks’ big break came in 2014 when he signed with Mavin Records, under the leadership of Don Jazzy. His signing marked the beginning of a successful journey into the Afrobeats scene.
He gained recognition with singles like “Turn It Up” (featuring Tiwa Savage) and later solidified his presence with hits such as “Katapot”, “Sugar Baby”, and “Chop Am.”
In 2015, Reekado Banks won the Next Rated Award at The Headies, a major career milestone that positioned him among Nigeria’s top rising stars.
Albums and Popular Songs
Reekado Banks has released multiple hit singles and albums that showcase his versatility in Afropop, Afrobeats, and R&B.
Albums/EPs:
Spotlight (2016)
Off the Record (EP, 2020)
OTR, Vol. 2 (EP, 2021)
Popular Songs:
Katapot
Oluwa Ni
Sugar Baby
Easy (Jeje)
Like ft. Tiwa Savage & Fiokee
Ozumba Mbadiwe (one of his biggest anthems)
Transition to Independent Artist
In 2018, Reekado Banks parted ways with Mavin Records to establish his own label, Banks Music. This move gave him creative freedom and allowed him to shape his brand independently, while continuing to drop chart-topping records.
Style and Influence
Reekado Banks is celebrated for his smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and lyrical versatility. His music often blends Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary pop and R&B influences, appealing to both Nigerian and global audiences.
He cites influences from legendary Nigerian artists as well as international stars, which reflects in his diverse sound.
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Reekado Banks has earned recognition for his impact on Afrobeats, including:
Headies Next Rated Award (2015)
Multiple nominations at The Headies, Soundcity MVP Awards, and AFRIMA
International acclaim for Ozumba Mbadiwe, which gained massive global streams and remixes
Personal Life
Reekado Banks is known to keep his private life away from the spotlight, focusing mainly on his music career. However, he often shares moments of gratitude, studio sessions, and life experiences with his fans on social media.
Legacy and Impact
From his breakthrough at Mavin Records to becoming an independent hitmaker, Reekado Banks has cemented his place as one of Afrobeats’ most consistent and versatile stars. With timeless hits and a global fanbase, his influence continues to grow as he contributes to the rise of African music on the world stage.
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