New bride, new album for Banky W

June 15, 2012 by Agency Reporter

Well, not exactly a bride in the actual sense. The rapidly balding R n B heartthrob, Bankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington, has not taken a wife. Rather, his Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, label, where best-selling debutant, Wizkid, also calls home, has announced the signing of its first female act, Niyola, and the completion of an EME album, ‘Empire State of Mind’. To be released exclusively on Nigeria’s premiere digital distribution platform, Spinlet, on Monday, the EME album features its flag-bearers; Banky W, Wizkid, Skales, Niyola, Shaydee, DJ Exclusive, and guest appearances from Ghana-based rapper, XO Senavoe and US-based singer cum actor, Rotimi. The album also contains three fun skits by comedian, Basketmouth.

In a statement by the label boss, he states, “We’re very proud of the EME Album. We took our time to put together a fantastic blend of our talents as a collective, while also showcasing what each artiste is able to do individually. It felt like the right time to drop this record; each artiste is bringing his/her A-game, and the production quality is out of this world. There is something for everybody, songs to dance to, songs to listen to, songs that make you think. We’re very excited about being able to share this with our fans worldwide, and we hope that we’ve been able to live up to and/or surpass their expectations of us. Our work is done. All that remains is for our fans to sit back, relax and press play.”

The label states that it took almost one year to produce the EME album, boasting production from Nigeria’s finest such as Masterkraft, Legendary Beats, Spellz, Sarz, Shizzy and Kid Konnect, together. In regards to its new signings, which also includes Shaydee, the label states, “Empire Mates has come a long way since Banky W and our first single. The entire continent and the rest of the world have accepted and supported us and that support has birthed so many great things. Today, we are happy to announce our expansion, as we take up new talents, new challenges and seek new ways to deliver beautiful African music to the world.”