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Tag: D’banj

  • D’banj, 9ice, Shina Peters to headline Rewind Concert

    D’banj, 9ice, Shina Peters to headline Rewind Concert

    Veteran disc jockey Jimmy Jatt and media platform Yaw Naija TV are set to host the ‘Rewind Flashback Concert’ on December 30, 2025, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

    The concert, themed, ‘The Legends Are Back,’ is expected to bring together several artistes whose music dominated Nigeria’s airwaves in the late 90s and 2000s, a period many regard as a defining era in the country’s pop culture history.

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    Leading the lineup are D’banj, 9ice and Juju music icon Shina Peters. Other artistes billed for the event include African China, Dr Sid, Cynthia Morgan, Bigiano, Black Reverendz, Style Plus, DJ Zeez, J Martins, Zulezoo, Inferno, Danfo Driver, Kas, Marvellous Benji, Ayangba and Lexy Doo.

    Industry watchers say the concert reflects a growing interest in catalogue music and legacy acts, as audiences continue to show strong demand for live performances built around familiar sounds and shared memories.

    With DJ Jimmy Jatt on the turntables, the organisers are expected to curate performances that cut across genres such as hip hop, Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall and Juju, highlighting the diversity that shaped Nigerian music in earlier decades.

  • D’banj unveils Nigerian youth positively driven initiative

    D’banj unveils Nigerian youth positively driven initiative

    Following Afreximbank’s recent equity acquisition of his C.R.E.A.M Platform, global entertainer and tech entrepreneur D’banj has announced a national call to all Nigerians through the launch of the Nigerian Youth Positively Driven (NYPD) initiative. The launch took place at the UN@80 celebration in Abuja, where the Creative Alliance for Peace was also unveiled.

    NYPD is a nationwide movement inviting Nigerians to document positive actions, inspiring deeds, and community impact happening around them.

    Through the NYPD portal, featured individuals can win ₦1,000,000 Grant while uploaders earn ₦250,000 grant. Rewards are issued weekly, making the platform one of the largest ongoing positive-impact reward systems in the country.

    After the C.R.E.A.M Platform rewards the NYPDians, the selected entries are transferred to the Creative Alliance for Peace for further amplification, development, and long-term impact execution.

    A major focus of the alliance is the promotion of renewable energy solutions and sustainability projects that uplift communities across Nigeria.

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    D’banj describes the initiative as a national call to redirect attention from negativity and highlight the real stories shaping Nigeria’s future.

    Speaking more about the opportunity, D’banj disclosed, “When you talk about the creative industry, we all know that today, content is the biggest export that we have as a nation. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough strong alliances or platforms where the youth can effectively access support.

    “Africa is the biggest when it comes to creativity, and we have not even scratched 20%. I think it is so important to come together to have that voice. We’re moving, and the movement is called Nigerian Youths Positively Driven (NYPD). With it, we have created the alliance, and we now need the youths who are positively driven to jump on it.

  • Eminent Music, ONErpm clear air on Nasboi’s deal with D’Banj

    Eminent Music, ONErpm clear air on Nasboi’s deal with D’Banj

    Eminent Music has officially debunked reports suggesting that its signee, Afrobeats star Nasboi, has joined the CREAM Platform, a DIY distribution and gaming service owned by Nigerian music icon D’banj.

    In a statement released by Eminent Music’s management, the label clarified that Nasboi remains contractually signed to Eminent Music, a partnership that has been in place since February 2023. Additionally, his music is exclusively distributed by the globally renowned company ONErpm, whose support has been instrumental in his artistic growth.

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    The label emphasized that while Nasboi is a versatile entertainer, content creator, and influencer, often collaborating with different platforms, these partnerships should not be mistaken for a label signing. His flourishing music career remains solely under Eminent Music and ONErpm, both of whom continue to guide and support his artistic journey.

    “The public is hereby enjoined to uphold this statement as true. We regret any confusion the circulating reports may have caused our partners at ONErpm, as well as Nasboi’s fans and admirers of our work,” the statement read.

    Eminent Music also highlighted Nasboi’s impressive achievements under its management, including the release of his hit-packed EP ‘INIT’, his sold-out concert in December 2024, and his recent nomination for the prestigious Headies Next Rated award.

    The label reassured fans and stakeholders that its relationship with Nasboi remains stronger than ever, as they continue to push his career to greater heights.

  • D’Banj unveils talent funding, distribution

    D’Banj unveils talent funding, distribution

    Afrobeats legend, D’Banj, has enlisted sensational artistes, Nasboi and Berry Tiga, as brand ambassadors for his revolutionary music tech enterprise, Cream Platform. They join the Koko Master to drive inclusivity among budding talents.

    The new brand ambassadors, who epitomize the aspirations of CREAM Platform to empower independent talents across Africa, were unveiled at a press conference in Lagos on last Wednesday.

    CREAM, an acronym for Creative Reality Entertainment Art and Music, leverages technology to provide resources that independent talents need to achieve excellence and take their gifts to the next level. Its unique offerings include MTN Best Of The Streets competition, talent management, distribution and publishing, as well as funding and grants.

    The platform ensures inclusivity for all talents in urban and remote areas through its website, and a MTN USSD code, allowing talents to share their gifts with the world at the click of a button. Talents also have the opportunity to earn money through the gaming features where they can win juicy prices with as low as 100 naira.

    The talent development platform recently embedded digital distribution as part of its unique offerings, providing access to funding and grants, talent management, gaming, and other tools. Its efficient delivery is propelled by crucial partnerships with MTN Nigeria and the Bank of Industry, who provide access to funding and grants to talents.

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    At the press conference, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj, founder of CREAM Platform, reiterated the platform’s value proposition to break barriers and unlock new opportunities for talents across Africa. He explained, “I have always said content is the new crude. This is Africa’s first DIY platform by Africans and for Africans. It is more than just a platform; it is also a community, an ecosystem, and a one-stop shop for talent discovery, digital distribution, access to funding and grants. It is the gateway to the heart of Africa’s creative hub.”

    According to D’Banj, the choice of brand ambassadors reflects what CREAM Platform represents. He said, “Nasboi has proven that you don’t have to sign a recording deal to become successful in the music industry. He has become the source of visible hope to all aspiring artists. Likewise, Berry Tiga, who first uploaded his song on CREAM Platform at 16 while still a student. From that time, he has grown and emerged as one of the biggest testimonials from Cream Platform.”

  • 20 minutes with D’banj on next big move, Afrobeats future

    20 minutes with D’banj on next big move, Afrobeats future

    For over two decades, D’banj has remained a dominant force in the Nigerian music industry. From his early days with Mo’Hits to becoming a global ambassador for Afrobeats, the self-styled Koko Master has constantly evolved. Now, as he celebrates 21 years in the industry, D’banj is channeling his energy into a new frontier—technology and artist empowerment.

    Balancing Music and Business

    Transitioning from an artist to a tech entrepreneur isn’t the typical trajectory for a musician, but for D’banj, it was a natural evolution.

    “I know that I’ve always loved the business side of music and I’ve always tried to key into it because even the music is a business and most people don’t focus on that but I’ve always focused on that. Music could get you into the room but what you do in that room is totally up to you. So that’s why I have evolved. Working as a tech pro over the last few years hasn’t been very easy but I’m glad that that is the line that God pushed me and I’m glad that the vision is very clear. I am also glad that I’ve created a platform that everyone can access. Celebrating twenty one years in the industry, I know the problems and difficulties I went through, if it is possible for me to create something that the next generation would have less stress and still protect themselves that’s what I’m trying to do.”

    He acknowledges that the journey hasn’t been easy, but he sees it as a necessary step.

    “I had to go back to school, build the best tech team and also find the best partners that have helped me to get here,” he reveals.

    Bridging the gap for the next Generation

    Reflecting on his own career struggles, D’banj is keen on ensuring that emerging artists face fewer obstacles. One of the major challenges he identifies is access to information.

    “Number one is access to information is one of the number one things. There’s no platform in Africa that focuses on you as a creator. You find all these people on social media which is a bit distracted but Cream platform is solely dedicated to growing a community that would be an ecosystem that will be able to cater for itself. So, if you are on the platform, the first information and offers that you would be hearing which is one major thing- knowledge is power. If you know the direction to go is better that someone even signing you into any record deal.

    “Even globally, there are platforms that you pay and subscribe to and then you can get distribution. You don’t need to know them. That’s what we are trying to do now instead of you waiting, we can give you a level playing ground. So access to information, access to funding is what we are trying to solve.  With the way social media is today, it’s not even about how great your song is, it is how great you are marketed and presented to the people so we are growing a community that we can give that to you..”

    His goal, he explains, is to build an ecosystem where upcoming talents can access knowledge, funding, and proper industry guidance.

    Collaborating with the next Generation

    D’banj has always had an eye for talent, and his recent partnership with Nasboi and Berry Tiga is a reflection of that.

    “When you look at Nasboi, he is a typical example of what Cream platform stands for. Everyone like I said have a creative side to them, every household in Nigeria has one or two creative people but imagine the fact that you can now make it by yourself. he started a musician, he’s been singing since 2008, that is even close to me singing as well but he never had the chance, he didn’t sit down there but evolved, he became a comedian, a skit maker and made name for himself as one of the best in the industry and from there he could now go back to his dream.

    “All these, he did by himself and that is what cream platform stands for. So we thought it right to pick Nasboi as an ambassador because first of all he already showed that visible hope to people that yes I can do it. Imagine switching to the music industry and being nominated for the next rated award.

    “Berry Tiga is a product from the platform. When he uploaded on the platform a few years ago, he was about 16 years old but look at him today, he is one of our testimonies. And like we said, our job is to mentor you and put you in the right direction.”

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     What’s next for D’banj?

    Musically, D’banj isn’t slowing down. Following the release of The Entertainer Sequel last year, he is already planning a deluxe version with fresh remixes featuring artists from across Africa.

    “You are going to be seeing a lot of collaborations. My most recent album The Entertainment Sequel is six months old, it came out last august, so part of the collaborations we will be doing with Cream is that we would have new talents from across Africa to make remixes on the album. The plan is to make a deluxe version of that album. Have received a lot of messages from people asking for remixes of both new and old songs.

    “When I checked my wrapped for the year, even though I spent a lot of money in marketing my new album, my number one stream song on the catalogue is Fall In Love which I released 17 years ago. Why don’t I give them a remix to that and also use that to elevate talents. See Seyi Sodimu and Tems with Love Me Jeje. We love it because we knew it when it just came out and the new people love it because it is Tems. So we are going to mix that together and educate the youth.”

    The idea of a Mo’Hits reunion remains a hot topic among fans, and while D’banj remains tight-lipped on specifics, he hints that something is in the works.

    “The plan is very clear, if you look at the trailer of my album last year which has Don Jazzy in it, that’s because the works are already in place. We know that the people want that and we are going to give it to the people but it is very important for us to do it at the right time and there’s no better time than now. I remember flying back from America with Wande Coal and we were talking about it and it’s not just about Mo’ Hits reunion but about celebrating Afrobeats, watch out for the collaboration.”

    Finding balance between business and music

    With so much focus on his business ventures, does D’banj worry about his music career taking a backseat? Not at all.

    “I don’t think so. We will be having partnerships with other brands that can take them on road trips. It will be reminiscent of what Nigerian Breweries did for me in 2004 with Star trek that put me on the world map. People ask me what I stand for and I tell them I stand for visible hope for Nigeria’s many talents and I am proud to say I can see myself rendering help to more with support from our partners. When asked about how he manages his personal life amid the spotlight, he said “When I wear my glasses, I am Dbanj. When I remove the glasses I am Daniel. On a serious note, I believe you have to keep your personal life as private as possible. That is why it’s called a private life. I have had my fair share of being in the public eye, coming under public scrutiny and exposing myself to the public. Sometimes I tell people that in the daytime I am Daniel; at night when I go out for my shows I am Dbanj. My business side is Daniel while my entertainment side is Dbanj. I just keep staying focused. Whatever I do not want the public to know, I try to keep it away from them.”

    Final thoughts

    D’banj’s journey has been one of reinvention, resilience, and staying ahead of the curve. Whether through music, business, or artist empowerment, one thing remains clear—he is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

    “People have always called me a pacesetter, and I take that seriously. My goal is to create something that outlives me and continues to elevate young talents long after I’m gone.”

  • D’Banj dazzles in HUE on Lanre Da Silva fashion runway

    D’Banj dazzles in HUE on Lanre Da Silva fashion runway

    On Sunday, November 17, HUE, the rising Nigerian fashion brand led by Abisoye Olorunnimbe, made a stunning impression at Lanre Da Silva’s Runway Renaissance Initiative on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    HUE was one of the shining lights at the classy evening of fashion and glamour attended by the creme-de-la-creme of Nigerian society.

    HUE pulled a major surprise on the cheering audience by closing the runway with Nigerian music legend, D’Banj modelling a beautiful golden hoodie.

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    “We are thrilled to have been part of this incredible platform that promotes sustainability and empowers emerging designers,” said Abisoye Olorunnimbe, founder of HUE. “Our Blossom collection celebrates individuality, confidence, and the vibrant spirit of Nigerian fashion.”

    Olorunnimbe, a University of Manchester Law graduate with over a decade of experience, has grown HUE into one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising brands. “By sourcing unique fabrics worldwide and blending Nigerian textiles with haute couture, we aim to put the country’s talent on the global stage sustainably,” she added.

    The star-studded event, which included celebrities like Bisola, Aiyeola, Mimi Onalaja, Kate Henshaw and Funke Kuti, aligned with Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s mission to promote collaboration and sustainability in fashion.

  • D’Banj: 20 years an entertainer

    D’Banj: 20 years an entertainer

     For 20 straight years, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’Banj has remained a recurring decimal on the Nigerian entertainment scene as one of its highly successful practitioners.

    His trade is music. And his career kicked off in London when he had a stint with the JJC Crew and 419 squad but didn’t blossom until his return to Nigeria at the age of 22 years when his monster hit single, Tongolo, ignited a new spark on the music scene.

    D’Banj teamed up with Collins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy to form Mo’Hits records and went on to become the first signee on the label. His success as a singer and entertainer saw the defunct record label signing more music acts that included his younger brother, K-Switch, Don Jazzy’s younger brother, D’Prince, the incredibly talented Wande Coal, and rapper cum singer, Dr Sid.

    In five years, D’Banj became the posterboy of the Nigerian music industry, he hobnobbed with the high and mighty and his popularity grew across Africa. He was dubbed the Koko master and his legend was spoken across the world with Kokolets and Mamalets never getting tired of his musical escapades.

    To cap his musical success, D’Banj met and recorded songs with American famous rappers, Snoop Dogg and  Kanye West with whom he got signed on his GOOD Music records. Though Mo-Hits suffered the decision greatly, it also strained the relationship D’Banj and his erstwhile partner, Don Jazzy once shared.

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    However, D’Banj admitted his imperfection and apologised to everyone he has ever wronged, noting that he is ‘is grateful for everything that went right and those that went wrong.’

    “When I look back at my journey as your favourite entertainer, many names pop up in my mind for their various contributions to D’banj. Today, I celebrate Mo’ Hits – the group and our team.

    “What a solid team we had. Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, D’Prince and Kay Switch. My brothers were piping hot! Together we elevated this game and showed them things that could happen. I’ve spent many years focusing on the blame game but I’m not playing that game anymore. If you feel I wronged you at any time, forgive me,” he wrote on X.

    Traversing different entertainment paths as a thorough entertainer in 20 years, and mending fences, one can rightly say D’Banj has been there and done that.

    Hence, it was, indeed, no surprise when the 44-year-old singer and entertainer teamed up with Idris Olorunnimbe’s Temple Management Company and Ogidi Studios to celebrate his 20-year-long musical career with a list of activities that kicked off on Friday, June 8, 2024.

    A horde of Nigerian celebrities, dignitaries and notable personalities from the diplomatic community gathered together at the Knowhere restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos in honour of the accomplished singer and record label executive.

    The event had D’Banj’s parents and wife in attendance as well as several celebrities from the film and music industry including Funke Akindele, Bovi, Spyro, Keke Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, ID Ogungbe, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Ayo Animashaun, Mr Macaroni, Tobi Bakre, Femi Kuti and son, Made Kuti, Funke Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Ini Edo, Olumide Ogunade, aka ID Cabasa and several others.

    After entertaining fans around the world, the event, which was well planned and executed by Temple Management company, had D’Banj sitting down to watch as tributes and accolades pour in from various individuals, whom he had touched over the years, come across and has been part of his illustrious career in the last two decades.

    The classy evening saw Funke Akindele showering accolades and prayers on D’Banj while Bovi took turns in reeling out some of the best jokes on D’Banj and his entire career.

    Another highlight of the event was when organisers exhibited some of D’Banj’s awards which included the Mobo Award, Headies Award, BET award and more. The gallery took all attendees down memory lane while Ayo Animashaun, owner of Smooth productions and organiser of Headies award gave a moving tribute about D’Banj before presenting to him a gigantic Headies gong to celebrate his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry in the last 20 years.

    The train of activities lined up for the celebration moved to the 2000 capacity Afrikan Shrine where D’Banj performed to the delight of a filled venue.

    It was a Tuesday, June 11 and D’Banj gave what will, for long, be considered one of his best performances ever. He sang with his heart and left attendees asking for more. He was the darling of every one and he couldn’t help but get support from his sidekicks, K-Switch and Jimmy.

    In his words after the show, D’Banj admitted he gave one of his best performances saying, “Last night hit different, huge thanks to everyone who came out,”

  • ICPC, police clear D’banj of fraud allegations

    ICPC, police clear D’banj of fraud allegations

    Singer, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, has been cleared of rape and fraud allegations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), The Nation has learnt.

    The police and the anti-graft agency gave the ‘Fall-In-Love’ crooner a clean slate in separate clearance reports upon completion of investigations with incontrovertible outcomes on the innocence of the Kokomaster singer.

    In an affidavit obtained by The Nation, deposed by Toheeb Lawal of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, before the District Court of Abuja, wherein the reports of the Nigeria Police Investigation and Clearance from the anti-corruption agency were exhibited and marked exhibit A and B, the legal practitioner averred that the police and ICPC cleared the singer of rape and fraud allegations.

    In 2020, the singer was accused of rape and the Inspector General of Police ordered an investigation into the allegation.

    In a report dated November 14, 2023, with case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284, and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police said the matter was investigated but there was no evidence to substantiate the claim.

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    The report partly read: “The allegation was investigated. The complainant, witnesses and suspects made their statement. The investigation was expanded across the board but there was no prima-facie evidence, adduced facts or corroborative evidence to establish the offence of rape and sexual assault against the singer.”

    Also, in 2022, D’banj was wrongly accused of the diversion funds associated with the N-Power programme of the federal government.

    However, in a separate outcome after its investigation, the ICPC said that D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.

    In response to an inquiry, the commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.

    The clarification was dated November 29, 2023, with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.

    “The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima-facie case of fraud against him.

    “Kindly be advised that Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the statement partly read.

    The lawyer, in his deposition filed before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, also averred that the singer was never a government official and never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.