A-Q, born Gilbert Bani on August 1, 1986, is a renowned Nigerian rapper and songwriter. He gained notable recognition for his single “Agu Ji Ndi Men”, which earned a nomination for Best Rap Single at the prestigious Headies Awards in 2016.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Gilbert Bani |
| Date Of Birth | August 1, 1986 |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Star Sign: | Leo |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Labels: | Hustle Inc 100 Crowns Chocolate City (Former) |
| Net Worth: | $800,000 |
Early Life And Education
Gilbert Bani, better known by his stage name A-Q, was born on August 1, 1986 into a family of six as the youngest child. He was raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Surulere, Lagos, where he has spent the majority of his life.
A-Q’s educational journey began at Kings College Lagos, a prestigious secondary school, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He later pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most esteemed institutions.
A-Q’s fascination with hip-hop music began at a tender age, when he started collecting tracks from various artists and memorizing their lyrics. He would often mimic his favorite rappers, honing his skills and developing his own unique style. This early passion eventually led him to start writing his own lyrics, marking the genesis of his rap career. Through his dedication and hard work, A-Q has since become a prominent figure in the Nigerian hip-hop scene.
Career
A-Q’s music journey began in 2001 when he signed with Big Leaf Records, where he spent two years honing his craft. In 2003, he went solo, releasing his debut single “(W)rap Nigeria” in 2004, followed by a music video and a compilation album, Listen and Understand, in 2005. The single “Things That We Do” earned him an international online distribution deal.
After a brief hiatus to complete his education at the University of Lagos, A-Q returned to music in 2010, co-founding Hustle Inc and launching the Black Friday Twitter Freestyles series, which earned him recognition from industry heavyweights like Don Jazzy. He released several successful projects, including The Past Present and Future album, the Make Your Best Rapper Look Stupid EP, and collaborations with Vector, Loose Kaynon, and Pamela.
In 2018, A-Q was part of the LAMBAugust rap campaign and released the Crown album with Loose Kaynon, winning the Lyricist on the Roll award at The Headies. He left Chocolate City record label in 2020 and established a music incubator for African artists.
A-Q’s subsequent albums, God’s Engineering (2020) and God’s Engineering 2 (2023), solidified his position as a leading figure in Nigerian hip-hop, earning him multiple awards, including Best Rap Album and Lyricist on the Roll at The Headies.
Personal Life
A-Q is a private person and keeps his personal life out of the public eye, so there is limited information available about his personal life and relationships. He prefers to maintain his privacy and focus on his music career.
A-q Net Worth
A-Q’s net worth is estimated at $800,000, primarily earned through his successful music career and endorsement deals. His music sales, streaming, and performances have contributed significantly to his wealth.