Nigerian recording artiste and record executive Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, has revealed that he once spent $14,000 on a fake Rolex to fit into certain circles and gain validation.
Speaking on The Mentality podcast with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Banky W recalled that an unnamed artist once asked him why he wasn’t wearing a Rolex. When he explained that he wanted to prioritize real estate and investments, the artist told him there were “some rooms” where people wouldn’t respect him unless he was wearing a luxury watch.
He said the artist linked him with a seller, and he eventually bought what he believed was a bargain.
“I actually went through the process and bought a fake Rolex for like $14,000. Yes, I confess it,” Banky W said.
He admitted the watch gave him a brief sense of validation, but “maybe six to nine months down, the Rolex started having k-leg,” with parts falling off and the watch malfunctioning.
Banky W added that about a year later, the watch completely fell apart, and he later discovered that the man who sold it had been arrested by the police for selling fake watches.
The singer said the experience taught him that chasing status symbols and external validation is unhealthy and not worth it.