10 Things You Did not Know about D’banj Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo [Read]
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj is one of Nigeria’s foremost entertainers. He has consistently remained in the top 5 list of Nigerian Entertainers of this generation. We know a lot about D’banj, like, he was a former member of Mo’hits, he has a brother whose stage name is Kswitch, but are there things you may not know about Dbanj? Well in this Entertaining Africa Exclusive, we share with you, 10 things you did not know about D’banj.
10. D’banj was born in Zaria, in the Northern part of Nigeria but his parents are both Yorubas’ from Ogun State.
9. One of D’banjs first promoters was Nigerian Music Manager, Ayo Sonaiya, who has also managed the likes of Fuji Star KWAM 1. While still living in London, Mr Sonaiya would take D’banjs song, Tongolo, and play it for anyone who cares to listen in a promotional effort that got people inquiring about the music star. 9 years later, they do not keep in touch.
8. The first interview that was meant to position him to an America audience was conducted by BET’s April Woodard
7. D’banj signed on to Kanye West’s Good Music 3 years ago. 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. Mo’hits broke up shortly after.
6. D’banj is the first Nigerian Music Star to bring an array of foreign acts to perform in Nigeria at his concert tagged “Koko Concert”
5. D’banj is one of the most consistent and hard working Nigerian Entertainers of our time. He has not released an official album in 6 years but continues to remain relevant with album compilations, singles, music videos, controversy, and performances worldwide. He is one guy that knows when and where to position himself somewhere.
4. Ever since his rise to stardom, Nollywood Actress, Genevieve Nnnaji, is the first woman he made a public declaration of love to.
3. A few years ago, a certain London based girl simply known as “Feyi” tormented his girlfriend, Genevieve so much it put quite a strain on their relationship.
2. D’banj will officially mark 10 years of continued success in the Nigerian Music Industry in 2015. His first album “No Long Thing” was released in 2005.
1. Some of the awards he has won are;
##Most Promising Male Artist – KORA All African Awards 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 2007
##Hottest Single of the year “Why me” Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2007
##Best Special Effects – 2007 Channel O Music Video Awards(“Why Me”)
##Artist of the Year – MTV Africa Music Awards 2008
##Best Male MTV Africa Music Awards 2008
##Listeners Choice – MTV Africa Music Awards 2008
##Artist of the Year – MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
##Best International Act – Africa BET Awards 2011
##Best African Act – MOBO Awards 2012
