In a culture built on speed and convenience, Jacob Banks prefers to slow it down. But you wouldn’t have guessed from the velocity of his ascent: The self-taught musician, born in Nigeria and based in the UK, vaulted into the public eye at 21, winning competitions for MOBO Unsung and Adidas in 2012, and releasing his acclaimed debut EP, The Monologue, the following year. On the strength of his silky, resonant voice (Sam Cooke, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Al Green are influences) and genius for observation, Banks’s vintage soul–meets–present-tense sound won him a critical notice and a cult following. It wasn’t long before major collaborators (Chase & Status, A$AP Rocky, Timbaland), and major labels, came calling.
But creative longevity is an endurance game, more marathon than sprint. After a productive dalliance with the industry mainstream—headline tours, sold-out shows, year-end Best Of lists—Banks took the bold decision to forge his own path. In 2022, he launched Nobody Records, and the liberating effects on his creativity were immediate. Released from commercial concerns—and control—Banks is free to pursue his instincts wherever they may take him, producing ambitious, idiosyncratic records that break new ground in form and theme. Authenticity is the object, whether he’s challenging damaged attention spans with the riveting three-part anthology Yonder (2024-25) or dismantling cliched narratives about romantic love by mining its darker side on his latest release, Limerence (2026). Whatever vein Banks taps next, it will be worthy of your notice.
How did you get started in music?
Purely by chance. I started with playing the guitar and things got out of control. I don’t remember ever making the conscious decision, but it was always fun to me and I stayed for the fun.
What tools are essential to your creative practice?
Not really a tool, but play. I think there needs to be a play element and freedom to explore my emotions and creativity. I find as I get older it’s even more important to find play, and to always make sure I’m searching for new ways to tell old stories. Music has been incredibly kind to me and I’ve gotten more than I need from it, so if I’m going to be here then I need to at least enjoy it. What’s also helped is creating other forms of income outside of music, which means I can approach creating from a place of worship and play and I’m not relying on getting anything back.
In what environment do you feel most inspired?
I’m most inspired when I’m paying attention, there’s so much magic and prompts everywhere. I get inspiration from everyday conversations, lines in movies, random TikToks. It’s easy for magic to find me when I’m paying attention.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your work?
There’s a few people, but at this stage I think it’s Beyoncé. I admire her determination to keep pushing the envelope and searching for more when she’s already won.
Do you have a favorite sound?
The cold start of a V8 G63 or a V12 of any kind.
Do you collect anything?
I collect art, and recently started collecting classic cars and vinyls. Recently got a 1979 Mercedes 350sl and a classic Range Rover Defender 90. I also got some art from South Africa that I’m excited about. But I’m not some cool collector—I only gather things that I genuinely love.
What is your most treasured possession?
A healthy body, although my old knees are doing their best to derail that.
What is your everyday uniform?
I own about 50 pairs of Weekday Scuba tracksuits. I’m an owner of long legs, so finding bottoms that fit well is an adventure. When I find something that fits, I abuse it.
Do you have any vices?
I enjoy gaming and playing basketball with the gang.
What are your personal rituals?
I'm not really a ritual person. It is what it is. I just try to put my best foot forward and deal with the consequences.
How do you unwind?
Ruining someone else’s day on Call of Duty. There’s someone, somewhere, who also games to unwind and they unfortunately have to go up against me. I whoop them and make their day worse. What a blissful feeling.
Can you share an experience of art that made a lasting impact?
There have been so many things that have moved me. At my lowest, I read a book called The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Granted, it’s the only book I’ve read since escaping the walls of academia (blaming my ADHD), but it changed my life. I’m aware it’s a very cliche thing to say about this specific book, but it really gave me something to hold onto when I had nothing.
What’s the most valuable piece of wisdom you’ve received?
“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence,” aka Hanlon’s Razor. Like most things lately, I came across this on a random TikTok and it really stuck with me. Most people are just lost in their world. They’re not thinking of you anywhere as much as you think of yourself.
What are you most proud of?
So much. Recently, I’m most proud of my friends. It’s so joyous to experience life at the same pace as my friends. Seeing them do the things they always wanted to do is special.
What has been your greatest challenge?
Trying to keep the joy alive in a world that is constantly trying to steal it. And the guilt of finding said joy when too many people are suffering.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Buy Bitcoin. Lots of it.
What are you excited to create next?
Looking forward to creating more wonderful memories in general with my work, with friends and family.