Reekado Banks

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born December 6, 1993, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria), widely known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a prominent Nigerian singer and songwriter in the Afropop genre. He is recognized for his unique sound and contributions to modern Nigerian music. Reekado Banks is the last-born child of a family with a strong affinity for music; his parents are both involved in Christian ministry, with his mother serving as a caterer and pastor, and his father as a clergyman from Ondo State. He was raised in a disciplined household. Banks completed his secondary education at the age of 14 and began actively recording music in 2008. In 2014, he graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in History and Strategic Study. He has cited Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide, and M.I as his key musical inspirations. His professional career gained significant momentum after he signed with Mavin Records in 2014. Banks quickly rose to prominence, winning Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014. A major achievement came when he received the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. Reekado Banks released his debut studio album, *Spotlight*, on September 1, 2016. The album was a notable success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Some of his notable works include popular singles that have cemented his place in the Nigerian music industry. Following his departure from Mavin Records in 2018, Reekado Banks founded his own imprint, Banks Music. He continues to be active in the music scene, consistently releasing new material and performing globally, maintaining his status as an influential figure in Afropop.