When discussing multi-hyphenates, the popular – albeit truncated – saying that the jack of all trades is a master of none often comes to mind. But as several individuals continue to show in this limitless world, mastery in multiple specialities is very much possible, and Sheye Banks fits nicely into this category.
He has been the voice of some of the best radio programs, provided A&R services to the top artists, even pioneered a subgenre of Afrobeats, and so much more en route to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Sheye Banks is a hardworking individual who has, directly and indirectly, influenced the lives of many in the decade that he’s been in the industry, making his story one that’s definitely worth spotlighting.
Seyebomi Ademuyiwa Adeniran Ogunsanya is best known as a radio personality, and that would not be too much of a surprise to those who knew him in his early years. Sheye Banks was born to a father who worked in the printing press. He was heavily inspired by his dad and even held an executive role in his secondary school’s press club. He seemed to be towing the same career as his father but took a detour during his gap year.
While away in Kent, United Kingdom, he worked as an intern at Ashford Hospital Broadcasting Service (AHBS). That short experience altered his perspective, and he decided to pursue broadcast media as opposed to print. Upon returning to Nigeria to continue his undergraduate studies at the University of Lagos, he immediately joined the team at the school’s radio station.
Sheye Banks worked as an on-air personality during the remainder of his stay at UNILAG and brought a refreshing voice to the various shows he hosted on the station. He did take a break for a while to try his hands at marketing but returned to the airwaves in 2015 with Kiss FM Abuja. Banks would later return to Lagos to work with Kiss FM Lagos and SoundCity FM.
At every stop, Sheye Banks has left a trail of excellence thanks to his spell-binding voice, insightful takes, and top-notch conversation skills that make his music and lifestyle shows worth listening to. He has accolades to show for it, too, bagging awards such as Scream Award’s Youth Favourite OAP of the Year in 2018 and Campus Hubb’s OAP of the Year in 2019, amongst others.
Music has always been an important part of Sheye Banks’ life. His job as an OAP helped him build a network within the music industry. It also helped him stay abreast with the sounds that resonated with the populace, so it made perfect sense that he became an artist & repertoire (A&R) executive.
For several years now, Banks has helped push upcoming acts one step closer to fame through his podcast, The Next Big Thing and his music management company TSC Management. Additionally, he has worked as an A&R for several big names, providing his knowledge of what gets people going to the likes of Davido, Kizz Daniel, Reekado Banks, Buju, and Iyanya.
One thing about being a jack of many trades is it creates an insatiable appetite for more. Banks’ response to that urge was to create a new wave of music he tagged Afro-Hype. In this subgenre, a hypeman jumps on a beat and essentially gingers the listeners to get into the vibe of the beat, which is usually a danceable instrumental. Sometimes, he does it with the assistance of other artists; other times, he does it solo. But what remains constant is he brings an infectious energy to his tracks, making the music all the more enjoyable.
He has released several singles over the years, and merely hours ago, he released his debut studio album “Statement of Account.” The project includes some of his old releases like “Ifunanya” featuring CKay and Bella Alubo, “Ban Money,” “Change Your Style,” and “Appy” featuring Falz, M.I. Abaga, and Chillz. Also listed on the delightful 13-track project are new tracks like “Talk” with Prettyboy D-O and the Crayon-assisted “Cranberry Juice.” With a versatile individual like Sheye Banks in the pictures, there’s no point trying to answer the question of what to do next. There’s really no telling what his genius mind is cooking up at the moment. We can only be sure that it’ll be for the betterment of the entertainment industry he loves so much.
