D'banj
Encyclopedia
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo is a Nigeria
n singer-songwriter
and harmonica
player. He has won several music awards including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007
, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
. and BET Awards of 2011
for Best International Act; Africa. He adopted the stage name D'banj, a combination of his first name Dapo and his surname Oyebanjo.
, Kaduna State
, Nigeria
to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a church dignitary mother who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State
. Due to his father's profession he moved several times within Nigeria
and also move]. england(D'banj was expected to follow his father's military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School
at age eleven. D'banj resisted the system and disenrolled from the school after three years. While at the Military school he was a member of the elite drum corp of the Nigerian Army. From the Nigerian Military School he proceeded to another military owned institution Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta where he completed his secondary school education
by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at age seventeen. With D'banj's love for music being greater than his parents' military aspirations, he struggled for his parents' approval; this can be best heard through an album track, All Da Way from his debut album.
's April Woodard. The interview titled 'Welcome to America' was a platform for D'banj to introduce himself to the American Music Industry and audience which he stated he was going to get into. In the interview, D'banj spoke on a wide range of topics like; his music, artistes he'd like to work with, his parents, Mo'Hits Records, his love life and his role models such as Kanye West, Usher, Jay-Z, R.kelly etc. among other things. The interview lasted 125 minutes.
to life and into the 21st century with breathless enthusiasm as well as a good dose of humour. His songs are based on his life, often hilarious but with a deeper meaning which documents the struggle of a young African trying to achieve his dreams. He performs in Yoruba
, English and Pidgin
English. All his albums are solely produced by Don Jazzy and himself.
, was released in 2005, yielding several singles, with Tongolo as the lead single. This proved to be his breakthrough single and a hit. It also provided his Koko Master persona, with the term, koko, taking on a variety of meanings. D'banj's debut success led to collaborations with other artists, this includes Dare Art-Alade's album track, Escalade Part 2 and Ikechukwu's album
, Wande Coal, k-Switch and D'prince). He has once been spotted with one of Nigeria's most talented singers, "Smile Lasisi". The collective's debut album, Curriculum Vitae, was released in December 2008. It included hit singles, "Be Close To You", "Booty Call" and "Move Your Body", which was the lead single.
D'banj was featured in Ikechukwu's 2008 hit, "Wind Am Well".
July 2008 saw the release of D'banj's third album, The Entertainer, with the singles "Gbono Feli Feli", "Kimon", "Olorun Maje" and "Entertainer".
of the Nigerian record label, MoHits Records, were both signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music record label as artiste and producer respectively. On June 9, 2011, D'banj wrote on his twitter account, @iamdbanj, "Just like yesterday, myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7 years later, Mo'Hits signs with GOOD Music. Best Birthday gift ever. God thank you."
’s new Afrikan Shrine in Lagos as well as the Shrine Synchro System’s regular London Night at Cargo. He performed at the Black President Concert in memory of Fela’s art and legacy at the Barbican
in London, and also alongside many international artists in Nigeria like Kelly Rowland at the 1st Edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria.
He was involved in one of the most anticipated events of the season ‘Koko Concert‘. This concert consisted of D’Banj, Don Jazzy, Dr. SID, Wande Coal, D’Prince, new Mo Hits recruit Ikechukwu plus a few guest appearances including May7ven and comedian Tunde Ednut. The stage was set for a thrilling night – the Koko effect is definitely LIVE in London as fans of D’Banj and Mo’ Hits filled the O2 arena to capacity. As expected, the hits just kept coming and the momentum was sustained with on-stage antics from all the artists. In December, 2010, the Mo' Hits All Stars brought Koko Concert to Lagos and D'banj kept belting out energetic performances that kept the audience screaming till they were hoarse. Colleagues like M.I, eLDee, Jesse Jags, Wizkid also joined up on stage. There was also a global premiere of the highly anticipated Mr Endowed remix ft Snoop Dogg
.
Youth Ambassador for Peace.
Nominated
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
n singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
and harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
player. He has won several music awards including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007
MTV Europe Music Awards 2007
2007 was the 14th MTV European Music Awards, taking place at the Olympiahalle in Munich with hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg as host. The show attracted 78 million votes, the biggest in MTV Europe Music Awards history....
, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
The 2nd MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 10, 2009 at the gymnasium of the Moi International Sports Centre complex in Nairobi, Kenya and were hosted by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean.- Performers :There were several performers, such as:...
. and BET Awards of 2011
BET Awards of 2011
The 2011 BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 26, 2011. The awards recognized African-Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Actor Kevin Hart hosted the event for the first time. ...
for Best International Act; Africa. He adopted the stage name D'banj, a combination of his first name Dapo and his surname Oyebanjo.
Childhood
D'banj was born in ZariaZaria
Zaria may refer to:*Zaria, a city in Kaduna State, Nigeria*Zaria , or Zoria, the Slavic goddess of beauty*Countess Zaria of Orange-Nassau, Jonkvrouwe van Amsberg, a member of the Dutch royal family...
, Kaduna State
Kaduna State
-History:The state is the successor to the old Northern Region of Nigeria, which had its capital at Kaduna. In 1967 this was split up into six states, one of which was the North-Central State, whose name was changed to Kaduna State in 1976. This was further divided in 1987, losing the area now part...
, Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a church dignitary mother who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State
Ogun State
Ogun State is a state in South-western Nigeria. It borders Lagos State to the South, Oyo and Osun states to the North, Ondo State to the east and the republic of Benin to the west. Abeokuta is the capital and largest city in the state...
. Due to his father's profession he moved several times within Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
and also move]. england(D'banj was expected to follow his father's military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School
Nigerian Military School
The history of the Nigerian Military School Zaria dates back to 1954 when the Boys-Company of Nigeria was established under the auspices of Nigerian Regiment Training centre of the Royal West African Frontier Force . The school was established along with three others in the British Colonial West...
at age eleven. D'banj resisted the system and disenrolled from the school after three years. While at the Military school he was a member of the elite drum corp of the Nigerian Army. From the Nigerian Military School he proceeded to another military owned institution Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta where he completed his secondary school education
Musical beginning
D'banj was introduced to the harmonicaHarmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at age seventeen. With D'banj's love for music being greater than his parents' military aspirations, he struggled for his parents' approval; this can be best heard through an album track, All Da Way from his debut album.
BET Interview
In April, 2011, D'banj was interviewed by BETBet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
's April Woodard. The interview titled 'Welcome to America' was a platform for D'banj to introduce himself to the American Music Industry and audience which he stated he was going to get into. In the interview, D'banj spoke on a wide range of topics like; his music, artistes he'd like to work with, his parents, Mo'Hits Records, his love life and his role models such as Kanye West, Usher, Jay-Z, R.kelly etc. among other things. The interview lasted 125 minutes.
Music career
As a tribute to his mentor Fela, D'banj brings AfrobeatAfrobeat
Afrobeat is a combination of traditional Yoruba music, jazz, highlife, funk and chanted vocals, fused with percussion and vocal styles, popularised in Africa in the 1970s. Its main creator was the Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Fela Kuti, who gave it its name, who used it to...
to life and into the 21st century with breathless enthusiasm as well as a good dose of humour. His songs are based on his life, often hilarious but with a deeper meaning which documents the struggle of a young African trying to achieve his dreams. He performs in Yoruba
Yoruba language
Yorùbá is a Niger–Congo language spoken in West Africa by approximately 20 million speakers. The native tongue of the Yoruba people, it is spoken, among other languages, in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo and in communities in other parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas...
, English and Pidgin
Pidgin
A pidgin , or pidgin language, is a simplified language that develops as a means of communication between two or more groups that do not have a language in common. It is most commonly employed in situations such as trade, or where both groups speak languages different from the language of the...
English. All his albums are solely produced by Don Jazzy and himself.
2005: No Long Thing
D'banj's debut album, No Long ThingNo Long Thing
No Long Thing is a the debut album by D'banj,it was released in 2005.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 1:35# "Tongolo" – 4:11# "Socor" – 4:17# "Pastor " – 1:21# "All Da Way" – 2:46# "Iya Mi" – 5:08# "Mr. Olopa" – 4:27...
, was released in 2005, yielding several singles, with Tongolo as the lead single. This proved to be his breakthrough single and a hit. It also provided his Koko Master persona, with the term, koko, taking on a variety of meanings. D'banj's debut success led to collaborations with other artists, this includes Dare Art-Alade's album track, Escalade Part 2 and Ikechukwu's album
2006: Rundown Funk U Up
D'banj's second album, Rundown Funk U Up, which was released in 2006, yielded several singles including the club single, Tongolo (Remix) and the lead single, Why Me?. This proved to be another hit.2007-2008: Curriculum Vitae & The Entertainer
D'banj, as an artist of Mo' Hits Records, is also a member of its collective group, Mo' Hits Allstars (includes artists Dr SIDDr SID
Sidney Onoriode Esiri , known commonly as, Dr SID is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and Dentist, who is originally from Delta state, but was raised in Lagos...
, Wande Coal, k-Switch and D'prince). He has once been spotted with one of Nigeria's most talented singers, "Smile Lasisi". The collective's debut album, Curriculum Vitae, was released in December 2008. It included hit singles, "Be Close To You", "Booty Call" and "Move Your Body", which was the lead single.
D'banj was featured in Ikechukwu's 2008 hit, "Wind Am Well".
July 2008 saw the release of D'banj's third album, The Entertainer, with the singles "Gbono Feli Feli", "Kimon", "Olorun Maje" and "Entertainer".
Mo'Hits/ G.O.O.D. Music
In June 2011, D'banj along with his producer Don JazzyDon Jazzy
Michael Collins Ajereh , better known as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian Multi award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter, musician and CEO of Nigerian record label Mo' Hits Records founded in 2004...
of the Nigerian record label, MoHits Records, were both signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music record label as artiste and producer respectively. On June 9, 2011, D'banj wrote on his twitter account, @iamdbanj, "Just like yesterday, myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7 years later, Mo'Hits signs with GOOD Music. Best Birthday gift ever. God thank you."
Live performances
D'banj is an energetic, charismatic and infectious live performer. He is a regular performer for the annual ThisDay Africa Rising Music Festival. He has performed at Femi KutiFemi Kuti
Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti popularly known as Femi Kuti, is a Nigerian musician and the eldest son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti....
’s new Afrikan Shrine in Lagos as well as the Shrine Synchro System’s regular London Night at Cargo. He performed at the Black President Concert in memory of Fela’s art and legacy at the Barbican
Barbican
A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from medieval Latin barbecana, signifying the "outer fortification of a city or castle," with cognates in the Romance languages A barbican, from...
in London, and also alongside many international artists in Nigeria like Kelly Rowland at the 1st Edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria.
He was involved in one of the most anticipated events of the season ‘Koko Concert‘. This concert consisted of D’Banj, Don Jazzy, Dr. SID, Wande Coal, D’Prince, new Mo Hits recruit Ikechukwu plus a few guest appearances including May7ven and comedian Tunde Ednut. The stage was set for a thrilling night – the Koko effect is definitely LIVE in London as fans of D’Banj and Mo’ Hits filled the O2 arena to capacity. As expected, the hits just kept coming and the momentum was sustained with on-stage antics from all the artists. In December, 2010, the Mo' Hits All Stars brought Koko Concert to Lagos and D'banj kept belting out energetic performances that kept the audience screaming till they were hoarse. Colleagues like M.I, eLDee, Jesse Jags, Wizkid also joined up on stage. There was also a global premiere of the highly anticipated Mr Endowed remix ft Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
.
Humanitarian work
D'banj is a founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria's first United NationsUnited Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Youth Ambassador for Peace.
Albums
- No Long ThingNo Long ThingNo Long Thing is a the debut album by D'banj,it was released in 2005.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 1:35# "Tongolo" – 4:11# "Socor" – 4:17# "Pastor " – 1:21# "All Da Way" – 2:46# "Iya Mi" – 5:08# "Mr. Olopa" – 4:27...
(2005) - Rundown Funk U Up (2006)
- The Entertainer (2008)
- Mr Endowed (2010)
Singles
- Tongolo ft tola HU (2005)
- Socor (2005)
- Mobolowowon (2005)
- Run Down (2006)
- Why Me (2006)
- Move Your Body (featuring Wande Coal) (2007)
- Kimon (2008)
- Olorun Maje (2008)
- Gbono Fele (2008)
- Entertainer (2008)
- Suddenly (2008)
- Fall In Love (2008)
- Igwe (2008)
- Scapegoat (2009)
- Mr Endowed (2010)
- Mr Endowed Remix (featuring Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
) (2010) - Oliver Twist (2011)
Featured singles
- Wind Am Well (Ikechukwu featuring Don Jazzy & D'banj) (2008)
- Give It to Me (D'prince featuring D'banj) (2010)
- Fi Mi Le (Kas featuring D'banj & Tu Face)
Awards
Won- Most Promising Male Artist (KORA All African AwardsKora AwardsThe Kora Awards are music awards given annually for musical achievement in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1994 by Ernest Adjovi, they are comparable to the American Grammy Awards in intent...
2005) - Hip Hop World Revelation (HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2006 hosted by Hip Hop World Magazine)
- Artist of the year (Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) 2006)
- Best Newcomer - Tongolo (fizz Awards 2006)
- Best African Act (MTV Europe Music Awards 2007MTV Europe Music Awards 20072007 was the 14th MTV European Music Awards, taking place at the Olympiahalle in Munich with hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg as host. The show attracted 78 million votes, the biggest in MTV Europe Music Awards history....
) - Hottest Single of the year "Why me" (NEA Awards 2007)
- 2007 Channel O Music Video AwardsChannel O Music Video AwardsChannel O Music Video Awards, also known as Spirit of Africa Music Video Awards are Pan-African music awards organised by South Africa -based Channel O television channel. The awards were first held in 2003 under the name Reel Music Video Awards. Since 2005 the awards have been held annually...
- Best Special Effects (“Why Me”) - Artist of the Year (MTV Africa Music AwardsMTV Africa Music AwardsThe MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel were established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa to celebrate the most popular music in Africa.-History:...
2008) - Best Male (MTV Africa Music AwardsMTV Africa Music AwardsThe MTV Africa Music Awards with Airtel were established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa to celebrate the most popular music in Africa.-History:...
2008) - Listeners Choice (MTV Africa Music Awards 2008MTV Africa Music Awards 2008The first annual MTV Africa Music Awards took place on November 22, 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria at The Velodrome. The show was hosted by Trevor Nelson. The nominees were announced on October 7, 2008.-Artist of the Year:* Aṣa* D’Banj* P-Square* HHP* Seether...
) - Artist of the Year (MTV Africa Music Awards 2009MTV Africa Music Awards 2009The 2nd MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 10, 2009 at the gymnasium of the Moi International Sports Centre complex in Nairobi, Kenya and were hosted by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean.- Performers :There were several performers, such as:...
) - Best International Act:Africa (BET Awards 2011)
Nominated
- Best Newcomer - Tongolo (Channel OChannel OChannel O is a South African-based music channel which first started transmission in the early nineties. Its main concept is African music in Africa and the diaspora. Over the years, this music channel has made household names of its presenters such as Mimi, Nonhle, KB, Miss Candy.Channel O can be...
African Music Video Awards 2006) - Best West African - Tongolo (Channel OChannel OChannel O is a South African-based music channel which first started transmission in the early nineties. Its main concept is African music in Africa and the diaspora. Over the years, this music channel has made household names of its presenters such as Mimi, Nonhle, KB, Miss Candy.Channel O can be...
African Music Video Awards 2006) - Best African Act - MOBOMoboMobo can refer to:*Shorthand for the motherboard in computers and other electronic equipment*Shorthand for a mobile [network] operator or MNO *Shorthand for a mobile bohemian, a person who embraces mobile technology...
Awards 2007 - Best African Act - MOBOMoboMobo can refer to:*Shorthand for the motherboard in computers and other electronic equipment*Shorthand for a mobile [network] operator or MNO *Shorthand for a mobile bohemian, a person who embraces mobile technology...
Awards 2008 - Best Live Performer - MTV Africa Music Awards 2009MTV Africa Music Awards 2009The 2nd MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 10, 2009 at the gymnasium of the Moi International Sports Centre complex in Nairobi, Kenya and were hosted by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean.- Performers :There were several performers, such as:...
- Best Male (MTV Africa Music Awards 2009MTV Africa Music Awards 2009The 2nd MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 10, 2009 at the gymnasium of the Moi International Sports Centre complex in Nairobi, Kenya and were hosted by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean.- Performers :There were several performers, such as:...
) - Best Performer (MTV Africa Music Awards 2009MTV Africa Music Awards 2009The 2nd MTV Africa Music Awards were held on October 10, 2009 at the gymnasium of the Moi International Sports Centre complex in Nairobi, Kenya and were hosted by Haitian-American artist Wyclef Jean.- Performers :There were several performers, such as:...
)