Friday, October 4, 2013

“I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke” – Banky W

 In a recent interview with a national newspaper, Tribune, E.M.E label boss, Banky W debunked claims that he was dating a certain Ghanian celebrity, adding that he is still very much single at the moment. He further addressed the controversial Forbes/Channel O list of the Top 10 Most Bankable African artists 2013 where he was placed at No.10, saying he would rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.
See excerpts below: Is Banky in a relationship?
Not at the moment.
Tell us something no one knows about you.
I’m not sure how many people know this, but I shave my head and shape my beard myself. I’m my own barber. I’ve been doing it for years. It started when I was in University and didn’t have a lot of money, I learnt to maintain it myself so I didn’t need to spend money on it every week. And now I’m good at it so I’m my own barber. I will probably open a barbershop at some point.
What differentiate you from other artist?
I’d like to think it’s the totality of what I bring to the table, creatively and musically. There are better vocalists than me, for sure. But I not only sing.. I write, I rap, I produce, I entertain… I’m a motivational speaker and philanthropist, I act and I direct. It’d be hard to line up a lot of people who are able to do everything that I do… but of course, we give God the glory and the fans the thanks for letting me be myself.
Coming up at the 10th position of the Forbes rating, how did you feel?
I don’t believe very much in such things. Let’s be honest, the real wealthy people are the businessmen like Dangote and the politicians (some of whomgot there by looting Nigeria). They’re the ones with real money. This entertainment business is too much hype. It is more fame than fortune. So I’m not thrilled to it and I don’t think any of us should buy into it too much. I’d rather be wealthy and quiet than famous and broke.
What is your normal day like?
I try to pray but I definitely need to do a better job at that. At least three or four times a week, I try to put in work-out sessions with my personal trainer. After that it’s a mix of things; meetings, press obligations, social outings and performances or appearances that I’m booked to make.
Banky seems to be humble, what is the secret?
The truth is, the same people who love you and hail you today might be the ones crucifying you tomorrow, so you owe it to yourself to keep a level head. Don’t get too excited by the success, and don’t get too depressed by the failures. I just try to do the best job I can, and I remember my parents and how they raised me, and I surround myself with people that keep me in check (my manager, partners, etc). Some people make the deadly mistake of surrounding themselves with “Yes Men” the minute they become successful and the danger in that is there’s no balance. If everyone around you agrees with everything you do or say, and says you’re the best all the time, you’re taking a risk. Even the President of the USA, the most powerful man on earth, has a system of checks-and-balances in place, with congress and the Judiciary having the power to check him if his actions are too far out of line… how much more us?

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