Aguero Banks: Hip-Hop’s New Hero From The East

In an era where Nigerian hip-hop has been reignited through swaggering personalities and authentic storytelling, Aguero Banks stands out as one of its most compelling voices. His debut album, The Hero, has turned casuals into believers. Its raw honesty and emotional depth resonate deeply with listeners and make for an engaging and moving listening experience. “When I head to the studio, I’m going there to make melody to my emotions,” he tells me during our conversation. “I’m going there to say what’s happening in my life and the life of everybody around me.”

For Aguero Banks, authenticity isn’t just an artistic choice—it’s a necessity. Aguero Banks describes himself as “A real life Hip-Hop artist.” The rapper from Enugu State in the southeastern region of Nigeria doesn’t just tell stories of success; he maps out his journey, complete with its losses and victories, while offering hope and inspiration backed by real-life experience. “If you are a street boy, you had the same experience as me,” he tells me.

His honesty and authenticity have helped him establish a deep connection with his audience and have become the foundation of his artistry, as well as a crucial element of the new wave of Igbo hip-hop that’s currently dominating Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

Aguero Banks: From Covers to Stardom

Aguero Banks’ journey began in a household where music wasn’t just entertainment—it was family business. “I was born into a music family; my dad was a DJ,” he recalls. “Growing up, my dad had a music store, so I’ve always been around music.” However, it wasn’t until his secondary school days that he discovered his voice. Starting with covers of popular songs like Vector’s King Kong, Designer’s Panda, and Phyno’s 48, Banks honed his talents.

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His entry into the professional music scene came through childhood friendship rather than industry connections. “Shout out to my friends, the owners of the label,” he says, referring to Arise Ifeanyichuwku and Victor, his childhood friends who would become his first label partners, signing him to Fomo Records in 2020. It was under the label that he released his debut single, Olisa featuring Peruzzi. He also headlined his first major concert, Chronicles of Banks, at his now alma mater AE-FUNAI, an event that recorded a massive success with about 6,000 people in attendance.

His debut EP, Pains and Sacrifice, followed not long after as Banks delivered a proper introduction to his person and artistry with six songs that cut across drill, trap, and hip-hop. Pain, the opening record on the tape, is a typical Aguero Banks record. It’s a deeply personal and introspective song that chronicles the trials, disappointments, and resilience of an artist striving for success against all odds. Blending raw storytelling with emotional depth, the song paints a vivid picture of hardship, sacrifice, and the burning desire to make it in the music industry.

The New Wave

Aguero Banks is part of a new wave of Igbo rappers who have invaded Nigeria’s hip-hop landscape. Acts like Jeriq, Highstarlavista, Evado, MoeC, and Hugo P have taken the Nigerian hip-hop scene by force, connecting to the streets through honest storytelling and aspirational lyrics.

As Nigeria’s economic landscape becomes increasingly tough, financial stability and freedom have become even more elusive for Nigerian youths. These rappers offer solace through their music by chronicling their own gritty upbringings and arduous journeys to success, providing a sense of relatability and hope to the listener. In the process, these rappers have become motivational speakers, urging young listeners to take control of their destinies and pursue financial empowerment.

Anybody that idolises Ronaldo is a hard worker.

Aguero Banks (2025)

“The new generation has a new spirit and a new approach, and we’ve taken it to the next level,” he says, acknowledging this current wave he is a prominent part of. Banks is also quick to note the legacy they’re building upon. “It has been there; it has always been there, he tells me, referring to indigenous Igbo rappers like Mr. Raw, Illbliss, Phyno, Mc Loph, and Ruffcoin, who laid the foundation for the explosion Igbo hip-hop is enjoying today.

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When I ask about the secret behind the new wave’s street appeal, he tells me bluntly, “Originality.” The new wave of Igbo rappers dominating Nigeria’s hip-hop scene is unapologetically raw and honest. Their music is a reflection of their real-life struggles and success laced with street wisdom, which makes their narratives extremely compelling. By championing their Igbo identity, culture, and stories, these rappers are not only revitalising Nigerian hip-hop but also proving that authenticity remains a powerful tool in music.

I’m saying everything that’s happening to me. I’m not faking anything. I’m not trying to write the best lyrics, even though they come out as the best lyrics.

Aguero Banks (2025)

The Hero (Onyiko)

His latest album, The Hero, has been a revelation, exceeding expectations and converting casual listeners to believers in his gospel. The positive reception the album received did not come as a surprise to Banks, who tells me a lot went into the creative process of the album. “We spent time making that project, and we were more concerned about the originality of the project because we just wanted to tell my story.”

The album’s creation process was organic and collaborative. “Whenever I want to talk about the album, I don’t say me, I say we. Because it took a lot of dedication, resources, and ideas from a whole lot of people,” he acknowledges. This approach is evident in a record like 4am in Accra, which he says he wrote at exactly 4am during a trip to Ghana. “Everything on the album was natural. Even the interlude was a conversation between me and my friends.”

Everything about me is organic. I don’t do things with expectations. I just sing. I make real-life music; I just rap; I just talk the way I feel.

Aguero Banks (2025)

The album houses the record Hero, which features Nigerian hip-hop legend Phyno, someone Aguero Banks describes as a mentor. He tells me he always had a strong connection with Phyno, a connection that was beyond a fan and artist connection, one he describes as a father and son connection.

Their first collaboration, Stay Sober, came naturally, he says, with Phyno connecting deeply to the street narrative in the original version. “I played a whole lot of songs for him, a whole lot of dope songs. When he heard Stay Sober, he connected to the song. He’s also a street boy, like every one of us. He made it out of the street; he was one of the first people to make it out of the street with rap. He connected with that song on a deeper level. You know, according to him, I was saying what was happening on the streets.”

When I head to the studio, I’m going there to make melody to my emotions,” he tells me during our conversation. I’m going there to say what’s happening in my life and the life of everybody around me.

Aguero Banks (2025)

The connection between music and football lies in the shared emotional highs and lows, with both art forms evoking passion, energy, and a sense of community among fans. This synergy is evident in the work of Aguero Banks, who drew inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless dedication and hard work, someone he believes should be everyone’s favourite footballer. “Anybody that idolises Ronaldo is a hard worker.” He states, reflecting his approach to his craft.

As for what’s next, Aguero Banks confirms new music is coming, with his next project being “97% ready” and slated for release in 2025 with a new single scheduled for March. For those just discovering his music, he recommends starting with four records: Preach, Stay, Still Sober, and Real Life—a perfect introduction to an artist whose authenticity is his biggest strength.