Handsome, multitalented and every ladies man, best describe music star, Bankole Wellington, a.k.a Banky W, one of the hottest showbiz stars who rule the entertainment sector. He is a singer, songwriter, producer, director and most recently added another feather to his cap, “acting” with his spectacular role in the multiple awards winning movie “Wedding Party.
In an interview with City People Head of Movie Desk, VIVIAN ONUORAH, he speaks on how he delved into acting among other issues.
How Does it feel being a part of the Wedding Party movie?
It feels great and it’s a great privilege to be part of the project and associated with the calibre of cast, crew and executive producers. This is probably the first time in my entertainment career that am the least experienced person on a crew in terms of film making.
How challenging was it for you?
It was challenging in the sense that you don’t want to be the one that lets everybody down, I grew up watching RMD, Ireti Doyle and Shola Shobowale so you don’t want to come on set with them not prepared so for me, that was really huge. I wasn’t scared rather excited and anxious that I need to go into that job prepared in order to pull my weight and that’s what I did.
What spurred your interest in movies?
Ironically I had always wanted to get into film so even when I was younger, I was always writing and directing my school plays but obviously music finally came first so if you recall about 2014, I went to a film school and the idea was that all the video we have in EME I am actually the one that writes and co direct them .But this time I felt like in life you should never be satisfied with one achievement, as you are reaching one goal, you need to create another one. For me this was like a natural progression because it’s something I have always wanted to do but I didn’t want to be arrogant about it and say I have done music videos so I need to do my own film now, no.I wanted to first be a part of a few good productions and from there I can now do mine. Right now am writing my script on the side but am going to take my time.
What made you think The Wedding Party was a right start for you?
Really it was a couple of reasons, one was the calibre of people on it RMD, Ali Baba, Ireti Doyle, Sola Sobowale and co, these are people who are literally at the top of their game. I like being around great talents. Also the director Kemi Adetiba is very dear to my heart and we go a long way. We have worked on so many videos together and of course Mo Abudu is someone I have great respect for. All these put together and also after I read the script, I felt it was a great start. I have been offered roles before but a lot of times it just didn’t work out or it wasn’t the kind of thing I wanted to do but this one felt like this is me.Also I never wanted my first feature film to be something that was given to me because am Banky W, I wanted something where I would be called and auditioned and earn the role. For wedding Party that’s what they made me do and I feel very happy about it.The day I went for the movie audition, there were so many people there who were like Banky W please go home, we don’t come to your concert to take your shine (laughs)it was a real audition and I felt very good about it.
What kind of roles would you love to play?
Am pretty open to any good role and if I have my way I would not want to play Banky W in any film, I have done it for Funke Akindele but she is a sister but I wouldn’t want to do that again. I want a challenging and good script and can do anything once it’s a good script.
There was a lot of chemistry between you and Adesua ,you both also passionately kissed in the movie, was that real?
As a warm blooded male if they put you next to Adesua and you don’t try to create some chemistry then I don’t know what to say to you. She is lovely and greatly talented, and she made it a lot easier for me.Because I was new to the movie thing, I wanted to go over my line again and again to make sure I was doing it right and she and RMD were kind and gracious enough to work with me and am very grateful to all the cast.
Was that kiss real or acting?
It was very real, not acting. We kissed for real.
Hope your music career is not going to suffer because of acting?
Not at all, I have completed my new album called Songs about You.
Have you found your right woman?
Not yet but I believe God that she is coming soon.
How do you cope with women?
For me ,the thing I have learnt about being in this business is that you can’t be too excited or too depressed because the same people that love you today may turn around and throw stones at you so the wise thing to do is keep a level head and concentrate on what you do.
“The day I went for the movie audition, there were so many people there who were like Banky W please go home, we don’t come to your concert to take your shine (laughs) it was a real audition and I felt very good about it”
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