Reekado Banks: Nigeria’s Melodic Hitmaker

Early Life and Background

Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon, known professionally as Reekado Banks, was born on 6 December 1993 in Lagos State, Nigeria.

He grew up in a musical family — his father is a pastor, his mother a caterer, and his elder brother, a producer, introduced him to music production. Reekado Banks completed his secondary education in Lagos and studied History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos.

Initially performing under the name Spicy, he later rebranded to Reekado Banks, a stage name chosen with help from his brother.

Musical Career

Mavin Records Era

Reekado Banks got his big break in 2013, when he signed with Mavin Records, owned by Don Jazzy. He was selected through an online talent search where he stood out among thousands of entries.

In 2014, he was featured on Mavin’s collective hit “Dorobucci”, which became an anthem across Africa. Other collaborations like Adaobi, Looku Looku, and Arise further established him as one of Mavin’s brightest stars.

His career skyrocketed in 2015 with the release of his debut single “Katapot”, a Don Jazzy-produced love ballad. That same year, he won the prestigious Headies Next Rated Award, edging out competitors like Lil Kesh and Kizz Daniel.

In 2016, Reekado Banks released his debut album Spotlight, which featured hits like Easy (Jeje), Ladies and Gentlemen, and Oluwa Ni.

Independent Era

In 2018, Reekado Banks exited Mavin Records and launched his own imprint, Banks Music. Since then, he has continued to release successful singles and collaborations, maintaining his reputation as a consistent hitmaker.

Style and Influence

Reekado Banks is known for his:

• Smooth vocals and catchy hooks,
• Blend of Afropop, R&B, and Highlife,
• Love-themed and feel-good lyrics that resonate with a wide audience.

His versatility allows him to create soulful ballads as well as dancefloor anthems.

Discography

Studio Album

• Spotlight (2016)
  • Oluwa Ni
  • Katapot
  • Ladies and Gentlemen
  • Problem
  • Sugar Baby

Extended Plays (EPs)

• Off the Record (2020)
  • Rora
  • Speak to Me (feat. Tiwa Savage)
  • People Dey (feat. Mr Eazi)
  • You Dey Mad (feat. AttiFaya)
• OTR Vol. 2 (2021)
  • Ozumba Mbadiwe
  • Pulling Up
  • Lupita Nyongo
  • Selection

Selected Hit Singles

• Katapot (2015)
• Oluwa Ni (2016)
• Ladies and Gentlemen (2016)
• Easy (Jeje) (2017)
• Like (feat. Tiwa Savage & Fiokee, 2017)
• Blessings On Me (2018)
• Rora (2019)
• Speak to Me (feat. Tiwa Savage, 2020)
• Ozumba Mbadiwe (2021) 🎶
• Jeun To Da (2022)

Notable Collaborations

• Dorobucci (Mavin All Stars, 2014)
• Adaobi (2014)
• Problem (2016)
• Collaborated with artists like Davido, Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi, and Harmonize.

Awards and Recognition

• Headies Next Rated Award (2015).
• Headies Award for Video of the Year (Katapot).
• Multiple nominations at City People Entertainment Awards and Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
• His single Ozumba Mbadiwe became one of the most streamed Nigerian songs of 2021.

Conclusion

Reekado Banks has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most versatile and consistent hitmakers. From his Mavin Records breakout to his independent career with Banks Music, he has proven his staying power in Afropop with smooth vocals, relatable lyrics, and evergreen hits. His journey reflects the evolution of Nigerian music from local stages to global playlists.