Jacob Banks

Jacob Banks, born Jacob Akintayo Akinoso on July 24, 1991, in Nigeria, is an English singer and songwriter. His musical journey began to gain traction in 2012 when he won both the MOBO UnSung regional competition in Birmingham and the Adidas ‘Are You In’ music competition. These early victories provided a foundation for his career, which is characterized by a distinctive sound that combines soul, R&B, and hip-hop influences. Banks has continually developed his craft, releasing several EPs and albums that have resonated with a broad audience.

Banks released his debut EP, “The Monologue,” in January 2013, following its recording in October 2012. A track from this EP, “Worthy,” received significant airplay from BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe, who featured it as his “Next Hype” record. This exposure led to additional plays on other prominent radio stations like 1Xtra, XFM, 6Music, and Annie Nightingale. In April 2013, Banks performed his first headline show at the St Pancras Old Church in London. He further expanded his reach by supporting Emeli Sande on her UK tour during the same month. Throughout his career, Banks has collaborated with various artists, including Wretch 32, George the Poet, Chase and Status, All About She, Bondax, Jake Gosling, Knox Brown, and Plan B.

His career progression includes notable releases such as the EP “The Paradox” in 2015, which featured Avelino, and “The Boy Who Cried Freedom” in 2017. In November 2018, Banks released his album “Village,” which quickly climbed to No. 1 on Spotify’s new and upcoming albums chart. He is currently signed with the American label Interscope Records and has continued to release music, including “Lies About the War” in 2022 and “Our Time Together” in 2024, demonstrating his consistent output and evolving artistry. His music has also been featured in popular culture, appearing in video games and television series, further solidifying his presence in the music industry.