Who Is Reekado Banks? Early Life & Background

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, widely known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer who has become one of the standout figures in Afropop music. Born on December 6, 1993, in Lagos State, Reekado grew up in a close-knit, musically inclined family. His parents, both pastors from Ondo State, instilled strong moral values and discipline in him from a young age, while his environment cultivated his early love for music.

His father, a clergyman, and his mother, a caterer, provided a balanced upbringing that valued both spirituality and creativity. Reekado’s elder brother, who was also a music producer, played a huge role in shaping his early interest in music. He introduced him to songwriting, music production, and vocal techniques. This mentorship would later become the foundation upon which Reekado built his successful career.

By the time he was 14 years old, Reekado had already completed his secondary education and was beginning to record his own tracks. His academic journey didn’t end there — he went on to attend the University of Lagos, where he obtained a degree in History and Strategic Studies. Although this course didn’t directly relate to music, it equipped him with analytical and organizational skills that would later help him manage his career more strategically.

Music Career: Rise to Fame and Breakthrough

Getting into Mavin Records

Reekado Banks’ professional music journey began in 2013, when his brother secretly submitted some of his songs to Mavin Records during an online talent search organized by Don Jazzy, the label’s founder. Out of over 5,000 entries, Reekado’s submission stood out due to his distinct voice, songwriting prowess, and musical versatility. In 2014, he was officially signed to Mavin Records, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Shortly after joining the label, he released his debut single under Mavin titled “Turn It Up”, featuring Tiwa Savage. The track immediately gained attention, showing his potential as a fresh voice in Afropop. It was a perfect introduction — vibrant, melodic, and full of promise.

Hits, Albums, and Recognition Under Mavin Records

During his years with Mavin, Reekado Banks became an integral part of the label’s golden era. He featured on several of Mavin’s biggest collaborative songs such as “Dorobucci,” “Adaobi,” “Looku Looku,” and “Arise.” These songs didn’t just dominate charts — they also showcased his ability to blend with other top acts while maintaining his individuality.

His solo releases under Mavin, including “Katapot,” “Oluwa Ni,” “Corner,” “Easy (Jeje),” and “Standard,” gained massive airplay across Nigeria and beyond. His melodic delivery and emotional connection to his lyrics made him one of the most promising young voices of his generation.

Reekado Banks’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He won the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies 2014, and a year later, he clinched the highly coveted Next Rated Award at The Headies 2015 — an honor previously won by big names like Wizkid and Davido. This award cemented his position as a fast-rising star to watch.

In 2016, he released his debut studio album, Spotlight, under Mavin Records. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. It included collaborations with artists like Patoranking, Sarkodie, Falz, and Vanessa Mdee, among others. Songs like “Oluwa Ni,” “Problem,” and “Standard” became instant fan favorites, helping him reach a global audience.

Life After Mavin: The Birth of Banks Music

After five successful years with Mavin Records, Reekado Banks decided to take control of his career. In December 2018, he announced his departure from the label and launched his own record company, Banks Music. This move symbolized maturity and independence — a bold step that many young artists hesitate to take.

His first major release as an independent artist was “Rora” in 2019 — a smooth, sensual track that showed his growth and confidence. The song’s success proved that Reekado didn’t need the backing of a big label to make hits. He followed this up with other well-received singles like “You Dey Mad,” “Speak to Me” (featuring Tiwa Savage), and the highly acclaimed “Ozumba Mbadiwe.”

Released in 2021, “Ozumba Mbadiwe” became more than just a song — it was a reflection on societal issues and a tribute to the victims of the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. The track earned critical praise for its message and became a staple on African music charts.

Reekado Banks continued his evolution with the release of two extended plays:

• Off The Record Vol. 1 (2020)

• Off The Record Vol. 2 (2021)

These projects highlighted his versatility and maturity as an artist who could blend storytelling with entertainment effortlessly.

Musical Style, Influence, and Personality

Reekado Banks’ sound is a fusion of Afropop, R&B, and Highlife. His ability to blend soulful vocals with rhythmic Afrobeat melodies makes his songs appealing to a wide audience. His lyrics often revolve around love, ambition, personal growth, and social commentary — themes that resonate deeply with young Nigerians.

He draws inspiration from artists like 2Baba, Don Jazzy, Olamide, and MI Abaga. Over time, Reekado has also developed his own unique artistic identity — one that’s built on emotional delivery, relatable lyrics, and a calm, polished stage presence.

Unlike many of his peers, Reekado has managed to maintain a clean image, steering clear of major controversies. This quiet professionalism has helped him sustain a long-lasting career in an industry that’s often turbulent.

Discography Highlights

Albums & EPs

• Spotlight (2016) – His debut studio album that established him as a versatile artist.

• Off The Record Vol. 1 (2020)

• Off The Record Vol. 2 (2021)

Notable Singles

• “Turn It Up” (featuring Tiwa Savage)

• “Dorobucci” (Mavin All-Stars)

• “Katapot”

• “Standard”

• “Oluwa Ni”

• “Rora”

• “Speak to Me” (featuring Tiwa Savage)

• “Ozumba Mbadiwe”

Net Worth and Sources of Income

As of 2025, Reekado Banks’ estimated net worth is around $2 million USD. His wealth comes from multiple sources that reflect his success as both an artist and entrepreneur.

1. Music Sales and Streaming:
   His songs enjoy millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, generating consistent revenue.

2. Live Performances:
   Reekado is a regular performer at concerts, music festivals, and private shows across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., earning significant performance fees.

3. Brand Endorsements:
   During his time with Mavin, he landed endorsement deals with brands like Globacom. Such partnerships contributed greatly to his financial growth.

4. Banks Music Ownership:
   As the founder of Banks Music, Reekado enjoys full ownership and control of his catalog, which increases his earnings from royalties and licensing.

5. Side Ventures:
   Though private about his business dealings, it’s believed he invests in other ventures and merchandising.

Awards and Achievements

Reekado Banks’ contribution to Afropop has earned him numerous awards and recognition, including:

• The Headies Rookie of the Year (2014)

• The Headies Next Rated Artist (2015)

• Multiple nominations across local and continental music awards.

His debut album Spotlight debuting on the Billboard World Albums Chart remains one of his most remarkable milestones.

Challenges and Growth

Reekado’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Leaving Mavin Records meant stepping away from the massive promotional machinery that initially built his fame. However, his decision to go independent proved that he could sustain relevance and creativity on his own.

He’s faced the challenge of maintaining visibility in a fast-changing Afrobeats scene — one that constantly introduces new stars — but he’s done so by focusing on quality, consistency, and authenticity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Reekado Banks

Reekado Banks continues to evolve musically, experimenting with new sounds and collaborations. His partnership with Virgin Music Nigeria for distribution has expanded his reach globally. Fans eagerly await another full-length album, and if his recent work is any indication, it’s bound to be worth the wait.

Reekado’s calm confidence, business acumen, and artistic growth position him as one of Nigeria’s most balanced and enduring music stars. His journey from a pastor’s son in Lagos to a global Afropop sensation is not only inspiring but also a blueprint for younger artists.

Conclusion

Reekado Banks’ story is one of talent, discipline, and reinvention. From his early days under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records to becoming an independent powerhouse with Banks Music, he has shown that with passion, hard work, and strategic thinking, success in the music industry can be both artistic and financial.

His estimated $2 million net worth is not just a reflection of fame but a reward for consistency, integrity, and vision. Whether it’s his smooth vocals, hit songs, or business decisions, Reekado Banks continues to prove that he is more than just another Nigerian artist — he’s a legacy in the making.