Dapo Oyebanji, aka D’banj, speaks with
JAYNE AUGOYE about his career and
relationship with the popular Nollywood
actress
Singer, Dapo Oyebanji, aka D’banj, finally
opened up on his love life in a rare
meeting with journalists in Lagos on
Wednesday.
The self-styled Kokomaster was clearly
in his elements as he talked at length,
amid occasional bouts of laughter, about
his career and other issues that were
important to him. One of the subjects
was about his rumoured relationship
with Nollywood actress, Genevieve
Nnaji.
Judging by the manner in which the
actress’ name kept popping off his lips,
it was obvious that D’banj had a very
soft spot for her.
Aware that the grapevine had bristled
with the rumour that he was
romantically involved with Genevieve,
ever since she appeared in the 2010
video of his hit song, ‘Fall in Love’, the
singer said the actress had played a role
in his success.
“Apart from the fact that she is my
friend, she has been a part of my
success. There is no way you are going
to tell my story that Genevieve’s name
will not come up because she featured
in my biggest song of all time, Fall in
Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria
to interview me, she will definitely be
called upon to tell my story,” he said.
As if to confirm that there was more to
his relationship with the actress than he
had always admitted, D’banj added, “I
would love to have Genevieve as my
wife. We never can tell what God plans
for us in the future. I have studied her
and I realised that anyone that has her
as his woman has found himself a
treasure. Just like the Bible says, any
man who finds a wife, finds a good
thing.”
Perhaps the fans and admirers of the
‘love birds’ will have to brace
themselves for a symbolic wedding of
two of the most celebrated artistes on
this side of the globe in the nearest
future.
Meanwhile, D’banj plans to celebrate
the 10th anniversary of his music career
anytime in 2014. As expected, the
singer aims to roll out the proverbial
drums to celebrate in style what he
describes as the overwhelming success
of his foray into the Nigerian music
scene.
The one-time harmonica wielding artiste
has, indeed, made tremendous progress
in his career since his monster hit,
‘Tongolo’ was released in 2004.
The artiste, who wormed his way into
the highly competitive international
music market after signing on to Kanye
West’s G.O.O.D Music in 2011, no
doubt, has finally found his bearing as an
entertainer since he parted ways with
Mo’Hits.
“So much has happened in the last 18
months and I am very thankful to God.
By the Grace of God, I have remained
relevant for nearly a decade in the
music industry and I have released hit
songs every year. Also, I am glad that I
have been chosen to headline the
Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one
brand that understands the importance
of aligning with the entertainment
industry.
“My career is barely 10 years old.
But with the success I have
achieved so far, it feels like three
decades already. Within my first 10
years as a musician, I have recorded the
biggest song and shot the most viewed
music video of all time, ‘Oliver Twist’. I
must say I am humbled and getting
ready to take over,” he said.
Without mincing words, D’banj noted
that the history of his career and the
resulting accomplishments will be
incomplete without mentioning his
humble beginning with the defunct
Mo’Hits Records. The mere mention of
his erstwhile colleagues, including Don
Jazzy, seemed to awaken nostalgic
feelings in him.
“If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am
lying. I have spent the better part of my
career with him. I was married to him
in a way (laughs). So I miss everything
about Mo’Hits: the family, the
movement, and the vibe of being in the
studio with him. I miss the jokes and
the arguments, but I have since keyed
into the notion that nothing can stop a
moving train.
“Nevertheless we can always do music
together. The track, ‘Top of the World’
was produced by a Grammy Award
Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t
Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my
producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was
produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I
have him on my 10 years anniversary
album?
“I have never said I am a musician; I am
an entertainer. Some people say I can
pick up a microphone and become a
comedian. Therefore nobody should
come and ask if I want to go into acting
because they should know I am already
an actor. It depends on when the right
script and concept lands in my hands.
“For now, I am concerned about
achieving new things and breaking new
grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood,
I believe that I’ll become as successful
as I have been as a singer. The movie
titled ‘I am Banga Lee’, starring
Genevieve, to be released in 2014,
won’t be a bad idea,” He said.
It seems that the world is at the
Kokomaster’s feet. Yet, he is not in
denial of the fact that his fans in Nigeria
are his greatest assets.
“The Hennessey Artistry Tour afforded
me the opportunity to meet my fans
here in Nigeria. I have not travelled
across the country in a long while
because I am abroad all the time. Most
of my fans complained that they have
not seen me since 2007 and I reallised
that I need to be in constant touch with
my fans down here.”
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