Reekado Banks

Biography

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born 6 December 1993), 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, and went by the stage name Spicy before his record deal with the label. Banks won Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2014, and received the controversial Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. His debut studio album, Spotlight×Spotlight1 September 2016 · Album · CompilationSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 21 tracks1Hey Stranger3:292Killah Whyna3:173Problem3:054Koloba2:245Biggy Man3:226Ladies and Gentlemen2:577Baby Oku3:218All Your Love3:069Change3:0510Skit2:0211Move3:4912Gbagbe2:4813Love My Baby3:2614Na Ur Boy3:4815Olaoluwa3:4116Today3:2617Dangote3:2018Turn the Lights On4:1619Katapot4:0020Oluwa Ni3:3021Standard2:49, which was released on 1 September 2016, debuted at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

Early life and education

Reekado Banks is the last-born child of a family that adores music. His mother is a caterer and pastor, while his father is a clergyman from Ondo State. He grew up in a disciplined household, as both of his parents were pastors. He completed secondary school at the age of 14 and started recording music in 2008. All of his previous songs were produced by his older brother Temi Solomon, who taught him the fundamentals of writing, singing, and producing. He derived the stage name Reekado Banks by combining the meaning of the two names; the former part of his stage name translates to "strong ruler", while the latter part means "wealth". In 2014, Banks 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.

Mavin Records deal and artistry

After his older brother submitted some of his songs to Mavin Records through an internet talent search, the label selected his entries from over 5,000 submissions and signed him to a record deal. 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 said he is a versatile artist who makes music with the thought that people are different and have varying taste.

2014–present: Singles and Mavin Records departure

On 21 February 2014, Banks premiered the single "Turn It Up", 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. The highly regarded song "Dorobucci" included Banks, Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Savage, Di'Ja, Dr SID, and D'Prince. Additionally, he collaborated on the tracks "Adaobi", "Arise", and "Looku Looku" with the previously mentioned musicians. 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. In a March 2015 interview with newspaper Vanguard, Banks said he created "Katapot" for his fans.
In July 2015, Banks and the Nigerian cellular provider Globacom inked an endorsement agreement. He declared his exit from Mavin Records and the debut of his recording outfit, Banks Music, on 7 December 2018. Vanguard revealed in September 2019 that Banks had fired his older brother as manager. In 2021, he released the single "Ozumba Mbadiwe". 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.
In July 2025, Banks released his second studio album, The Game Needs You.