In this special edition of Custodian Conversations, we’re honored to journey through the blossoming path of Shalom Oluwabanke Adetumbi, known to many simply as Banké, a woman whose voice carries both the tenderness of a lullaby and the fire of a rising phoenix. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the glittering stages of the UK, Banké has carved her lane with a voice that soothes, lyrics that uplift, and a presence that commands both stage and screen.
An artist, actor, and radiant storyteller, Banké’s creative path has been anything but ordinary. With roots grounded in soulful beginnings and branches stretching boldly into uncharted skies, her evolution has been guided by a fierce independence, an unshakable faith, and a calling that echoes in every note she sings. Whether she’s performing in grand halls, leading musical theatre, or pouring her heart into songs like Nifemito, her artistry carries the glow of lived experience and the hope of something greater.
As you settle into this virtual heart-to-heart, prepare to be wrapped in the warmth of her journey, one filled with grit, grace, and the unrelenting pursuit of purpose. This is more than an interview, it’s a celebration of becoming.
A Portrait of Becoming
Hi Banké, it’s a pleasure to have you here with us. 2024 has already seen you step boldly into new spaces from the heartfelt release of Nifemito, which was featured in the film Fame and Fury. If you could pause and take a snapshot of your spirit this year, what would it reveal about the woman and artist you’re becoming?
MC: Your journey has crossed continents and disciplines from Nigeria to the UK, from recording studios to film sets and live stages. If you close your eyes and rewind to the very beginning, what’s a memory, maybe a moment of silence, joy, or spark that first whispered to you that music and performance would be your calling?
BANKÉ: “I’m truly grateful to God for the journey so far. Lagos showed me love and support, but I reached a point where I craved more, a new challenge, a new perspective. Moving to the UK wasn’t easy, but it’s been rewarding. I’ve found myself performing in spaces I never imagined, from stage plays to BGT, Formula 1, and even a rugby game! These moments have taught me so much about growth, culture, and the power of simply putting yourself out there. At the end of the day, it’s the gift God gave me that continues to open doors.”
MC: Your single, Mirror, dropped back in 2018. When you look back at that moment now, what emotions surface? Who was Banké then compared to who she is now?
BANKÉ: “When I wrote Mirror, I had just finished school. A lot of my friends were landing jobs, and there I was with a music degree and no clear path into the corporate world. It felt a little isolating at the time. One of my close friends, Yela, encouraged me to write something personal, and when I asked myself, ‘What do I see when I look at Banke?’ the answer was simple: a reflection—someone who just needed a reminder to be herself, to keep going, and trust that it would all come together in time. That’s how Mirror was born.”
“It was a song for me first, something I needed to hear. And I think that’s the thread that runs through most of my music. Songs like Light and Count My Blessings came from similar moments, times when life felt heavy, but I still found reasons to be grateful. Even when things weren’t perfect, I knew others might see what I had as a blessing. So I wrote from that place. I’ve always hoped that in sharing those messages with others, they’d find strength in them too.”
MC: Your sound beautifully blends soul, Afro-pop, and heartfelt lyricism. How do you describe your musical identity in your own words?
BANKÉ: “I’d say I’m a deeply expressive musician, soulful at heart. Studying classical music in school shaped my technique, but artists like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston taught me how to sing with emotion. That blend shows up in my sound. While I can do Soul, R&B, even Afro or Pop, what matters most to me is the feeling behind the song. I want people to feel what I’m singing, whether I’m slowing down a reggae track or performing something original. I make music for people who love music, and I don’t like to be boxed in. If the message connects, then I’ve done what I came to do.”
MC: A recurring theme in your songs, One Wish, Count My Blessings, and Patewo, is emotional honesty. How do you approach songwriting when you’re tapping into vulnerable places?
BANKE: “A lot of the time, I already have an idea in my head something I want to say or feel—and I ask myself, does this make sense if I sing it this way? While I do work with songwriters sometimes, there are songs like One Wish that are deeply personal. I wrote it after losing my mum. It was my way of saying all the things I wish I’d told her when she was still here. That kind of pain never really leaves you, but turning it into music gave me a way to release it and hopefully, comfort anyone who’s lost someone they love too.”
“Then there’s Patewo, which feels like a mirror to me. It’s a celebration of small wins, of appreciating how far you’ve come, even if everything isn’t perfect yet. Sometimes you just have to clap for yourself because you’re doing well, and that matters.”
MC: Your voice carries both softness and strength. Do you think music is your form of healing, or is it more a way to empower others?
BANKÉ: “For me, it’s a bit of both. I’m a storyteller and a showgirl. There are moments where I lean into soft melodies because I want the audience to truly hear the words, to soak in every emotion. And then there are moments I just want to sing my heart out and let my voice fill the room. People often look at me and say, ‘You’re so small, where’s that voice coming from?’ And I just smile and say, ‘It’s God.’”
“I’ve always known my voice is a gift, it’s expressive, it’s powerful, and I hope it carries the kind of weight that moves theatre rooms and stadiums, the way Aretha Franklin did. My voice is my healing tool. It’s how I share strength, emotion, and faith. So if you hear ‘Banke,’ think of the women who made you feel something, Whitney, Aretha, Celine, Jennifer. That’s the space I see myself in.”
The Journey of ‘Nifemito’
MC: Let’s talk about Nifemito. It’s soft, evocative, yet powerful. What inspired this song, and how did it feel seeing it featured in Bimbo Ademoye’s Fame and Fury?
BANKÉ: ‘Nifemito’ will always hold a special place in my heart. The song was originally written by the incredibly talented David McCoy. When he shared it with me, I immediately connected with the emotion behind it. We both had slightly different visions, but something magical happened when we brought our ideas together, his words, my rhythm, and soul, we created something special.”
“The track speaks to that feeling of loving someone deeply and wondering if they love you just as much. It’s tender, a bit heartbreaking, but honest. I remember performing it live during a musical because we often use original songs for our performances, and every time I sang it, people would come up to me in tears. That’s when I knew the song had power.”
“Bimbo Ademoye heard me sing it during one of those performances, and eventually, ‘Nifemito’ made it into a film. There’s a scene where the actor is crying, and that’s my song playing in the background. That moment, seeing how it fit so perfectly, was everything. The film went on to hit over a million views on YouTube, and I started getting messages from people who found my music through that scene. It’s just such a beautiful feeling to know your voice and story touched someone like that.”
MC: You’ve released Count My Blessings with different remixes and producers. What draws you to collaboration, and how do you ensure your essence remains intact in different versions of the same song?
BANKÉ: “For Count My Blessings, after releasing the original version, I had this feeling in my heart that the song could go even further and reach even more people in different spaces. You know, it’s one of those songs that carries a message I want everyone to feel, even while they’re dancing. I wanted the words to sit in people’s hearts and move their feet at the same time.”
“So, I thought, why not reimagine it in ways that speak to different audiences? I reached out to a few producers and simply said, ‘Hey, these are my raw vocals, what does it sound like in your world?’ That’s how the remixes came to life, one in EDM for that energetic, international vibe, and another in Amapiano, which has this beautiful rhythm that instantly connects with people.”
“I pushed the remixes out across streaming platforms and shared them with radio stations, too. And I’m really glad I did, because it opened a door to new listeners, people who may not have found me otherwise. It felt like a win-win for everyone involved. And honestly, it reminded me that music has no boundaries, just feelings, stories, and sound.”
Stage & Screen: Banké as a Performer
MC: You’ve not only taken center stage as a singer but also as an actor and stage performer. What does acting give you that singing doesn’t, and vice versa?
BANKÉ: I’m someone who can’t sit still; life’s too short to stay boxed in. While music is at the heart of everything I do, I’m a creative through and through, and I love exploring new experiences, from acting to content creation. One of my favorite moments was being in a musical with Bimbo Ademoye, Kehinde Bankole, and Nedu—it brought together my love for singing and acting most beautifully. I’m truly grateful to Mr. Tunde Adegboola for trusting me with his vision. Creativity is what keeps me alive, and I’ll always say yes to it.
MC: How do you prepare mentally and emotionally when switching between intimate musical sets and large-scale theatrical performances?
BANKÉ: First and foremost, I always start with a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity. After that, I plan—because aside from music, I also work as a project manager. Those skills help me plan strategically, manage my time, and avoid gaps while making sure I take care of myself. Of course, I still stress sometimes, especially during rehearsals, but I remind myself to rest my voice and take breaks. When nerves kick in, I calm myself down and remind myself, “Banke, you’ve performed in front of your lecturers before, so this is just another opportunity to shine. You’ve got this!”
Music is my happy place, where I can just be myself and not put too much pressure on my performance. I’ve fully embraced that feeling. While I still have plenty of work to do as a recording artist, especially improving my writing and collaborations, I make sure to enjoy the process. Any mistakes I make, I learn from them, always striving to do better next time.
Recognition, Milestones, and the Independent Grind
MC: Being the lead actor in MW The Musical and performing with the NSO Choir at the British Grand Prix and Britain’s Got Talent finals, what were those moments like for you?
BANKÉ: When I arrived in the United Kingdom, music was always on my mind, but I knew I was stepping into a completely new environment. It felt like starting fresh all over again. Somehow, someone heard my voice and believed I had potential, and from there, it all snowballed. One recommendation led to another, and soon enough, I was introduced to Gareth Fuller, the NSO choir director here. Singing with him has opened doors I never even dreamed of. Being part of a community choir, doing regular gigs, and then suddenly finding ourselves on national TV with millions of viewers—it’s been surreal. The fact that we made it to the finals is an experience I’ll cherish forever.
MC: What has the independent journey been like for you as a Nigerian artist thriving in the UK scene while staying connected to Lagos’ alternative community?
BANKÉ: It’s honestly been encouraging. Here in the UK, there’s a system that works—one that gives creatives room to thrive, no matter who they are. It’s not so much about how many followers you have, but how well you show up and express yourself. Opportunities are more accessible—you can go online, register for a gig or a program, and if you’re a good fit, you’re picked. Simple as that.
It’s quite different from back home in Nigeria, where most times, you have to create the opportunities yourself. I remember doing that a lot. But I’ll always be grateful for platforms like The Backyard Lagos and Make Music Lagos. They reached out and gave me the chance to perform—without them, I probably would’ve been another frustrated artist, constantly doubting myself.
Being here and still able to chase music while holding a job is something I don’t take for granted. The reality is different, but it’s a blessing I’m deeply thankful for.
MC: BBC Introducing has spotlighted your music. What did that platform mean for you at this stage of your career?
BANKÉ: It was such a beautiful moment for me to be able to share my music with a completely new and diverse community here in the UK. Back in Nigeria, getting airplay felt almost impossible sometimes, but here, I simply pitched my music, and to my surprise, they listened… and they liked it! They said they’d play it, and just like that, it aired.
But it didn’t stop there—they reached out again and invited me for an interview, which led to me being featured on the lead show BBC Introducing. That was such a big deal for me because Northamptonshire, where I live, covers several counties, and BBC is a major station here, with millions of listeners, not just locally, but all over the UK, including London.
It was such a special experience. I felt seen, appreciated, and most importantly, I felt like I was living out the dream I had from the very beginning to make music that travels beyond borders.
MC: This year alone, you’ve been nominated for The Northamptonshire Local Music Awards and won Rhythm & Poesy’s Performance of the Year. How do you stay grounded amidst the spotlight and accolades?
BANKÉ: For me, everything starts with family, my husband, my baby. They’re my heart, my balance, my biggest cheerleaders. I’m learning to wear all my hats gently: being a mom, a wife, and still showing up as a musician. I don’t want any part of that to suffer, so I try to be intentional with my time and energy.
I honestly couldn’t do this without the support they’ve given me both at home and even from afar. It means the world, especially because I’m an independent creative. No label, no big team, just me being the manager, the artist, the editor, sometimes even the producer. So when I’m feeling overwhelmed, they step in. They remind me I’m not alone. And that kind of support? It keeps me grounded, always.
Writing from the Deepest Places
MC: Your songs often carry undertones of self-love, longing, resilience, and romantic hope. What do you want your listeners, especially young Black women, to take away from your music?
BANKÉ: I want my words to paint a picture that stays with people. It’s not just about hearing something on the surface, but about feeling it, reflecting on it, and believing in themselves. I want listeners to grow, to love deeply, and most importantly, to never shut themselves down. When things don’t go as planned, I want them to give themselves a little praise, a pat on the back, and count their blessings—especially when they feel the urge to compare themselves to others. I want them to look in the mirror and say, “Be yourself. You’ve got this. You are enough.”
I also want them to stay strong, especially when they’ve lost someone close to them, and to know it’s not the end. One day, they’ll look back and realize they have the chance to say everything they wished they had said while that person was still here.
For me, it’s all about the journey—painting a picture with my music. I want my audience to listen, enjoy, and take time to reflect on the deeper meaning behind the words.
MC: Do you consider your music spiritual in any way? Does faith, culture, or personal experience drive your lyrics more?
BANKÉ: I’m a Christian, and I deeply love God, so even though I wouldn’t necessarily classify my songs as gospel, the inspiration for my music always comes from Him. Music, for me, carries a spiritual element. It’s not just about singing; I truly believe that music has the power to connect with people’s emotions. Words are incredibly powerful—what we say can shape our reality, and I’m very mindful of the words I use in my songs.
I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re insulting themselves. Instead, I want my music to touch people emotionally and help heal or inspire them, no matter where they are in their lives or what they’re going through. Whether they’re growing personally, professionally, or in their relationships, I want my songs to bless them. I just choose to express myself in a way that I hope resonates with others and helps them feel uplifted.
What’s Next: Dreams, Goals & Message to the Fans
MC: With Nifemito marking a major chapter in your artistry, what’s next for you musically and perhaps on screen?
BANKÉ: Oh, I have something exciting in the works, and trust me, people better watch out because NAYA is coming! I’ve been part of a writing camp, working on this new body of work, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Right now, I’m in a reflective space, looking back at my journey from Lagos to London and thinking about what I’ve accomplished and what the next step is. That’s why I say NAYA is coming, it’s a rebirth for me, and I’m so excited for everyone to experience it.
MC: Are there any dream collaborators, producers, or film directors you’d love to work with in the near future?
BANKÉ: Hmm, if I could dream up the perfect collaborators, it would be Christian Argurellera, R. Kelly, and Adele—although I’m not sure if Adele does collaborations, but hey, let’s keep our fingers crossed! Can you imagine Adele and Banke on a track together? That would be phenomenal!
MC: What’s one story, whether personal, cultural, or imagined, that you’re dying to tell through your music or acting?
BANKÉ: Growing up was tough for me, and not many people know this, but after some of my performances, I ended up in the hospital because of my sickle cell. Having so much energy while dealing with that condition is something I can’t quite put into words. There was a song by Adekunle Gold, IRE, that resonated with me; it captured so much of what I was feeling at the time, and I even did a cover of it. But now, as BANKE, I’m here to share my own experience, my pain, and to encourage others who are struggling with sickle cell.
I want them to know that it’s not the end of the world. Yes, it can be incredibly painful, and not everyone has access to the treatments, like bone marrow transplants, that can make a difference. But it does get better. I’ve started speaking out about it more, which is something I didn’t do before. I used to keep it to myself, understanding that everyone has their battles. But now, I realize I have a platform, and this is my own story—I’m living it every day. I want to be there for those who feel like they’re struggling alone, to let them know that they can keep going.
MC: If your music were a letter, who would it be written to, and what would it say?
BANKÉ: I would write this message to the world, not just to men or women, but to everyone. The core message would be one of encouragement, reminding people to be content with their journey and to embrace their growth. I’d say, “Write a letter to yourself today, and then read it 10 years from now. Take a moment to reflect on where you were and see how far you’ve come.” Because, truthfully, 99.99% of the time, you’re probably in a better place than you were before.
But sometimes, it’s easy to feel stuck or like you’re not moving forward because of the noise around you. So, to everyone out there, just keep going. Mafo. Keep pushing, because even if it feels slow, progress is happening. You’re on the right path.
As you’ve just read in this exclusive chat, Banke’s journey is a beautiful blend of resilience, passion, and relentless dedication. As she keeps shining and making her mark, we’re all buzzing with excitement for what her upcoming project, NAYA, has in store.
Be sure to check out her latest track and discover the hidden gems she’s shared on our Custodian Gems playlist. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more from this rising star—her musical journey is just getting started, and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single beat.
Hear more from Banké on our curated Custodian Gems playlist.
