Born in Wembley, London, on 14 July 1971, Adegoke Odukoya, known professionally as Ade Bantu, is a Nigerian-German artist, producer, and activist. He leads the band BANTU and founded the popular music festival Afropolitan Vibes in Lagos, Nigeria. Ade Bantu is also the visionary behind the Afro-German group Brothers Keepers. In 2005, BANTU was honored with the prestigious Kora Award for their album Fuji Satisfaction.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Adegoke Odukoya |
| Date Of Birth: | July 14, 1971 |
| Place Of Birth: | Wembley, London, England |
| Nationality: | British, Nigerian |
| Spouse: | Aramide |
| Occupation(s): | Musician, Record Producer, Activist |
| Net Worth: | $3.5 Million |
Early Life
Ade Bantu, a musician of mixed heritage with a German mother and Nigerian father, was born in Wembley, London. His family moved to Lagos, Nigeria in 1973, where he grew up with his mother Barbara and father Adeleke until the passing of his father in 1986. Following this loss, Ade Bantu moved with his mother and three siblings to Germany. He is the older brother of musician Abiodun.
Career
In the late 1980s, Ade Bantu, performing under the stage name “Duke T,” joined the German hip hop group Exponential Enjoyment. They released notable singles and albums, including the multilingual hip hop album “Chop or Quench” in 1993.
Ade later formed the band “Weep Not Child” and collaborated on various albums addressing social issues like racism. In 1996, he co-founded the band BANTU, changing his stage name to Ade Bantu. Their debut album “Fufu” was a hit in Nigeria.
Inspired by racist attacks, Ade established the Afro-German collective Brothers Keepers, known for their anti-racism anthem “Adriano” which became a hit in Germany. Subsequent releases and collaborations followed, including the influential single “Liebe und Verstand” by Sisters Keepers.
Ade Bantu, a Nigerian-German musician and social activist, is celebrated for his work with his band BANTU. In 2005, BANTU won the prestigious Kora Award for their album “Fuji Satisfaction”, which blended genres like Fuji, hip hop, Dancehall, Afrofunk, and Afrobeat.
Ade Bantu also founded the Afro-German collective Brothers Keepers and created the popular concert series and music festival, Afropolitan Vibes. Over the years, he has collaborated with various artists, released successful albums, and used his music to address social issues.
TV and Films
Ade Bantu’s presence extended to television and film, with notable appearances in various projects. He was featured in the documentary “Yes I Am”, directed by Sven Halfar, which focused on Afro Germans.
Ade Bantu also made a cameo with his band BANTU in an episode of the German soap opera Lindenstraße (Episode 710). Additionally, he appeared in Harry Belafonte’s documentary film “Sing Your Song”. Notably, from 2012 to 2015, Ade Bantu served as a judge on the music reality show Project Fame West Africa.
Activism And Advocacy
Ade Bantu is a Nigerian-German activist and musician who founded the NGO Brothers Keepers e.V. in Germany to advocate for asylum and anti-discrimination laws. He co-led the Anti Shell campaign and organized the Ken Saro-Wiwa week in 1997.
Known for addressing racism and social issues, he has spoken at events hosted by officials like German Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Bantu’s band BANTU has participated in cultural exchange programs in African countries. He has also led efforts against racial slurs in music and co-founded BornTroWay, an arts project for underprivileged youth in African cities.
Personal Life
In October 2014, Ade Bantu made a significant change by cutting off his iconic dreadlocks, which he had sported since the age of 20. In 2022, he married his wife, Aramide.
Ade Bantu Net Worth
Ade Bantu is believed to have amassed a wealth of approximately $3.5 million, making him a successful and prosperous individual in the music industry.
Discography
Here are some notable songs and albums by Ade Bantu:
Songs
- Nzobu
- Fire Inna Dancehall
- Rudie (Hold It Down) (featuring UB40)
- Fuji Satisfaction
- Everybody Get Agenda
- Yeye Theory (featuring Seun Kuti)
Albums
- Chop or Quench (with Exponential Enjoyment, 1993)
- BANTU (2004)
- Fuji Satisfaction (with BANTU, 2005)
- Agberos International (with BANTU, 2017)
- What Is Your Breaking Point? (with BANTU, 2023)
