Charismatic, charming, easy-going and humble, talented and ambitious…these are just few of the words that can be used to describe Nigeria's biggest artiste, D’banj aka the Kokomaster. Born Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo on June 9, 1980 he has come a long way in his quest, as he once stated, to be the biggest living African artist in the world.
Early Years
D'banj was born in Zaria, a city in the Northern state of Kaduna, Nigeria. His father was an army colonel and his mother a business woman, both from the southern Ogun State. He has a brother and three sisters. At 15, D'banj lost his elder brother, Femi, who was 17 when he was killed in a plane crash. D'banj was drilled early on to join the military cadre like his father, but he chose a different path: music.
Turning Points
Harmonica Player. At age 14, D'banj was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi. This was to start a budding love for music which he carried all through his young days playing for the school band, and up till the time he went to further his music dreams in the UK in December 2002.
Chasing the Dream. D'banj meets JJC aka Skills in February 2003, and over the next several months he was going with them to their shows or just playing the harmonica on some tracks including "See Me See Wahala". Along the line, D'banj also met producer Don Jazzy in what was to be one of the most profitable and lasting friendships/business ventures in Naija history.
The Start of Stardom.The year 2005, when D'banj released his debut album "No Long Thing" provided the breakthrough in his career. Lead single "Tongolo" and "Mobolowowon" were massive hits, breaking him into the thriving Nigerian music scene - and introducing Koko Master D'banj to the world.
Musical Influences
D'banj has made no bones about his musical leanings and how they have been influenced by the great Afrobeat king Fela. D'banj style in music and fashion, his showmanship and charisma, have been compared on countless occasions to his mentor Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Through D'banj, Afrobeat has been brought to life and into the 21st century. D'banj performs in Yoruba, English and Pidgin English, showing that no matter what or where, he sticks to his African roots.
Good Music, Great Year
2011 so far has been a fantastic year for Naija's D'banj. He has broken cultural and musical boundaries with his international collaborations and record signing. Here's the way it's been for the hard working and talented star:
January 2011 D'banj features American rapper Snoop Dog in the remix of the hit song, "Mr.Endowed.
April 2011 In a 125-minute interview on BET titled "Welcome to America", D'banj introduces himself to the American Music industry/audience.
June 2011 D'banj and his music label Mo'Hits sign up with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music.
June 2011 D'banj alongside 2Face Idibia emerge joint winners of the BET 2011 Best International Act (Africa) in Los Angeles, California.
August 2011 The Koko Concert holds in London, headlined by D'banj and the Mo'hits AllStars, with surprise guest performance by American rapper/producer Kanye West.
Sept 2011 D'banj releases hit single "Oliver Twist" and causes a Youtube/internet sensation with his Dancing/Jonzing Competition offering prizes as high as $2,500.
Humble As Ever
D’Banj has always shown that success will never go to his head and he'll always remember where he came from. Only recently he tweeted on his official Twitter account @iamdbanj, “Just like yesterday myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7yrs later Mo’Hits signs with Good Music. Best birthday gift ever. God thank u"
No comments:
Post a Comment