Artiste Spotlight: D Banj

 

Adedapo Oyebanjo popularly known by his stage name D’Banj, he is a Nigerian singer, entrepreneur, and entertainer. His genres of music are Afropop, R&B, and pop, D’banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. His father was a soldier, his family usually had to move to different locations within the country. D’banj was enrolled into the Nigerian Military School at a younger age, with hopes that he may grow up in his father’s footsteps.

 

However, D’Banj opted to pursue his music career and pulled out of the school after 3 years. He later completed his secondary education at Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Abeokuta.

 

 

D’banj then proceeded to the Lagos State University to study Mechanical engineering but due to the constant strikes in the school, he decided to withdraw. He later continued his studies as a mechanical engineer in London. He met Don Jazzy who was trying to make it as a songwriter and producer. D’Banj started hanging around the studio.

 

The pair returned to Lagos in 2004, and founded the now defunct and famed MoHits records. MoHits was home to popular Lagos based afrobeat music hit makers including: Wande Coal, Dr Sid, D’Prince and K-Switch.

 

D’banj has gone on to have several hit songs, and some albums, “No Long Thing” (2005), “RunDown Funk U Up” (2006), “The Entertainer” (2008), huge hit singles ‘Tongolo’, ‘Fall in Love’, ‘Emergency’, ‘Gbono Felifeli’, ‘Suddenly’, ‘Scapegoat’, ‘Oliver Twist’, and ‘Mr. Endowed’, among many others. He has also his own business brands including Koko Garri and DB records. He even nicknamed himself, ‘The Kokomaster’, ‘Mr. Endowed’ and most recently, Ejanla which means Big Fish.

 

In 2011, American hip-hop artiste, Kanye West signed D’banj on to his G.O.O.D Music record label as an artiste, D’banj went on to form DB Records and as expected, he signed his younger brother Kayswitch to the label alongside two producers, Jaysleek and Deevee.

 

 

This is a list of some awards received by D’banj:

 

• 2012 “Best African Act”(Mobo Awards)
• 2012 “Oliver Twist” “Song of the Year”(Headies)
• 2012 “Artiste Of The Year”(Headies)
• 2011 “Best International Act (Africa)
• 2006 “Revelation of the Year”(Headies)
• 2007 “Why Me” “Song of the Year”(Headies)
• 2008 “Artiste of the Year”(Headies)
• 2005 “Most Promising Male Artist”(Kora Awards)