You all remember Azuka Ogujiuba right? She’s the writer who blasted OAP, Toke Makinwa’s misconduct at the Headies 2014.
Now she’s come for D’banj, read article below:
Me, Dbanj and Don Jazzy plus how the cookie crumbled
Do I even say that everything happened by sheer providence? I met
D’banj and Don Jazzy about nine years ago through Dumebi Kachikwu who
introduced me to these two burgeoning artistes then. When Kachukwu
called me, l told him l was on a three-month maternity leave and that l
would give him my colleague’s number to call so he could assist him with
whatever they wanted to do. He insisted he wanted me on board; that
D’banj and Don Jazzy would meet me at home or where ever l wanted.
Bewildered but I braved the odd somehow. I told him l couldn’t leave my
house because my baby was pretty young and was still breastfeeding.
However, l probed a little further why Kachikwu wanted me to do an
interview with them at all cost which in my modest submission, anyone in
my office could as well prosecute. And I still have a strong presence
of mind, don’t mind me, I just don’t forget certain things. These were
his exact words: “These guys are stars, they are going to big mark my
words” and l asked: “Which star? Nobody knows these your emergency stars
o.” l remarked jocularly. Kachukwu insisted that they were stars and
would be big soon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Well, as a
Christian, I know what the Bible says of our humble beginnings. Kachikwu
continued: “Azuka, l believe in these guys. They are talented, we must
support them, l really need you to come on board. You have to do this
for me, please.” He pleaded tenaciously. Words almost failed me. My
curiosity swelled almost to a crescendo as l pondered what was the might
of these men who was making Kachikwu plead this way. Now, this wasn’t
about playing hard to get; l just had a baby l wanted to spend time with
her. It was my maternity leave but Kachikwu’s constant calls and pleas
to interview these guy took my resolve out of the equation. I found
myself shifting grounds against my will. Even Israel Edjeren who was
part of the project then was also harassing me with calls on the other
side to the extent he had to visit me at home apparently to know if I
was playing hard to get but they found out the truth anyway. The truth
was my baby was ‘shacking’ me as they say and she was all that mattered
at that moment of my solitude.
Kachikwu had a valentine show coming up then tagged ‘History of Love
101’ which had American stars like Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, Donell
Jones and 112 all performing on that day. Kachukwu wanted to give Dbanj
and Don Jazzy a bigger platform to perform with these artistes. D’banj
and Don Jazzy finally came to my house the next day. I was even
breastfeeding my baby when they came, they waited patiently amid some
very exciting hobnobs. They were so cool, impressively affable and felt
so relaxed in my house that was inside one bush corner like that at
Akoka. I noticed D’banj was the talkative like me and the extrovert
while Don Jazzy had this sweet smile. He seldom talked. He just listened
to me and D’banj. They even gave my baby some monetary gift, saying
that in African culture they don’t see a new baby without giving him or
her a gift. In no time, we became not just friends, but like family
members. We exchanged numbers and called one another whether it mattered
or not and our ‘gists’ would drag on forever.
Their first major interview in Nigeria was done by me. It was a
three-page interview spread, no newspaper in Nigeria will ever do that
for an upcoming music group. But l guess God and luck were on my side
when l convinced my editor to give them that spread and he obliged. He
was not into entertainment like me, but he trusted my judgment on the
industry. I didn’t attend the concert but heard it was a success. After
that Kachukwu called again insisting he wanted stories on them in the
papers every passing week. Of course, l told him it was not possible
except they were doing any show or something special. So, l monitored
their progress even when my leave was over l visited them at home in
Maryland, Lagos a number of times.
On the other side, Kachukwu was investing heavily on them financially.
He spent money buying them exotic cars like the BMW Dbanj and Jazzy rode
to my house, can’t remember what year but it was so low to the ground
and looks like a racing car, pardon me, lam not into cars. He loved this
duo that later metamorphosed to Mo’hits. Authoritatively, I can tell
that he financed their first trip to America. He made sure he introduced
them to all his rich friends who invited them for gigs and paid them
heavily to perform, as the Mo’hits grew in fortune and fan base, they
gradually started manifesting their ‘true colours’. Now, permit me to
rest the innuendos. I could help people grow without desecrating the
fine ethos of journalism. I discern the lines whenever I inch towards
them. Finally, we fell out when l did a critic on Koko Mansion which l
felt was a debasement to womanhood. And D’banj was billed to perform at
Genevive Pink ball but did not. l was there and wrote about it. When it
was published, understandably, hell was let loose. Immediately, Dbanj
and Don Jazzy stopped taking my calls. By the way, it still beats me
that anything under the sun would be powerful enough to tear Don Jazzy
and D’banj apart. They operated like twins, if you hurt Don Jazzy, you
also hurt D’banj, if you hurt D’banj just be ready to face Don Jazzy
with a shield. Literally speaking, theirs was like a bond completed in
heaven. So strong was it that Don Jazzy had a greater influence on
D’banj than anybody, let alone anyone else. Anyway, back to my story,
Toyin Subair, who was the brain behind the show and a very good friend
was peeved beyond description about my article but l honestly didn’t
understand their anger. Did they expect me to say that D’banj performed
at the Genevive Pink ball when he did not? When I got the hint that they
felt terrible about my report, I tried to reach out to them to explain.
Remember, I still supposed we were friends but all efforts proved
abortive and that consequently soured the once chummy relationship.
I am naturally not a bitter person. So l moved on until l met Dbanj
again at an event in Kenya. We were all supposed to stay in the same
hotel, but immediately he sighted me, he told the promoters of the event
that he would not perform unless I was sent back to Nigeria and that l
was his number one enemy. In fact, his former P.A. Chuchu and manager,
Bankulli, kept threatening me. I ignored them and for the first time, l
insulted D’banj. l was tired of his petty and childish behaviours, so l
gave it to him fire for fire, while the D Prince, Jazzy’s younger
brother and Ramsey Noah where on that trip watched the drama closely .
And I dared them to advance with their threats. The promoters of the
show tried to intervene and they ended up taking me to another location
where I passed the night. When l got back to Nigeria, l did my report
and wrote about how D’banj shut down Kenya, which was the truth and l
never mentioned the fight and harassment from Chuchu and Bankulli. That
same day my phone rang, it was D’banj. He loved the article and he
apologized to me and he even said we should hook up at some point. He
told me to save his phone number and call him anytime, but l never did
till date. I later ran into him and Don Jazzy at events and we exchanged
pleasantries. I follow both of them on instagram at least to keep tab
on their works.
Celebrating 10 years of fame and infamy
If you ask me, I’d say that D’banj’s 10th anniversary could have been
more glorious if he’d invited people who supported his career through
the years when nobody knew him, especially Don Jazzy. Well, let’s set
off the chronicle. The show was supposed to start by 7pm, but l got
there by 8pm. l had a flat tire and l was hungry too. When l got there, l
called Dayo Showemimo of the Netng. l wanted to quickly eat the ‘mama
put’ rice l bought in his car knowing well that l might not get anything
to eat since my ticket was a regular one. But l got tickets for drinks.
I had my ‘Baba dudu’ candies too in case l feel like chewing anything
inside the hall. Even by 10 pm, nobody was allowed into the hall as
people hunged around, no popular face or a big celebrity had arrived
either. At the red carpet, TV presenters were passing time by merely
chatting away the night as they waited patiently for the colorful guests
they could interview. When l was approached, l politely refused because
l don’t do red carpet interviews. I’d only had to maybe once or twice
in the past, but l will pose for pictures if l have to because l am so
obsessed with that. l don’t waste time uploading them on instagram and
Facebook.
By 11.50 pm, the hall was finally opened. Kemi Adetiba was the first
face l recognized. l loved her sequins skirt as it shimmered noticeably
in the hall. Adetiba is a fun loving woman. She danced while she also
waited patiently like everyone else. By this time the hall was still
empty, l mean practically empty, l saw Toolz Oniru in a light brown knee
length dress as usual displaying her volumncious curves, l like her
because she carries herself well and l also like her body. I stood
directly opposite the stage where l thought Amber Rose would twerk and
give us an experience to last a lifetime. l made sure l took a vantage
position where nothing would obstruct my access to every bit of the
soiree.
Later l recognised Mubarak, the photographer, and we exchanged
pleasantries. l saw Aremo Segun Oniru and Tee Billz, they sat next to
each other. Tiwa Savage was also in the building, l guess she probably
wanted to seat in a corner where people will not harass her for
photo-up, l didn’t see her though but l was told. Aremu Oniru and
Teeblizz sat under a VVIP cabana directly opposite the stage l suspect
that was where Amber Rose would sit before she would go on stage. At
this point, my feet were aching l could have gone to meet Jojo and Akin
at their VVIP corner, but l knew l might miss out some enchanting
scenes, so l endured.
By 12pm, nothing was still happening; just a few guests that you could
count on your finger tips. At this point, my mind started racing with
many rhetorical questions. One of them was ‘where are the stars from
Nollywood, the comedians and the music industry?’ l only saw Seyi Law.
Didn’t they know it was Bangalee’s special day? Kemi Adetiba was still
dancing and enjoying herself. That’s the spirit: make yourself happy and
have fun at every point in time with or without an Amber Rose.
Jimmie of Beat FM: A Saving Grace
Jimmie Akinsola, He anchors sports extra on Beat FM. It probably won’t
suffice for D’banj to just hand the MC his fee, he should appreciate him
specially. The first time l saw Jimmie on stage was at the 2014 Headies
Award. l had asked about him. He was so good, and when he introduced
the hosts of the event, it was seamless and natural. He is a good host
and a good hype man. He saved Dbanj’s party, to be frank. l still don’t
know how to classify the event. He kept making the very boring and dull
atmosphere come alive, supported by music supplied by Dj Exclusive and
Dj Spinall. Jimmie kept screaming Dbanj’s new nickname ‘Eja Nla’ so much
to the anger of a guest by my table where l stood, who malliciously
asked: “Which yeye Eja Nla (big fish)? Dbanj is now a Titus or abi na
shawa fish” We couldn’t help but laugh at that.
By 12.25am, Uzoma Dozie, the managing director of Diamond Bank and his
wife, Adesuwa, after waiting almost endlessly for Dbanj and his special
guest, Amber Rose, left. Shortly after, l saw Ayona, and her husband,
Philip Trimmell, strolling out at 1.02am. l guess they were home bound
too. The hall was still empty. I sighted Praiz in his all round black
bespoke outfit designed by Jasonporshe. He was so dapper. He was my best
dressed male that night. Timaya strolled in too, Shaydee, Teckno and
Banky W who carried himself in a noble demeanor. Lynxx was so casually
dressed like who is taking a walk in the park with his bae.
I saw Chris Obosi and his wife walking around and I could easily sense
that they were also tired of waiting and were probably thinking of
leaving when Jimmie started announcing that Eja Nla and madam Amber Rose
were about to step in.
Excited and Happy ‘Eja Nla’
When Dbanj walked in with Amber Rose hand in hand like a couple walking
down the aisle, Eja Nla was so happy and you could tell that he had a
butterfly in him while feeling he’d achieved a great feat by standing
side by side with Amber Rose. Lo and behold, they both walked into a
practically empty hall. I am sure Amber Rose would be wondering why the
hall was that empty. Didn’t Dbanj tell Nigerians she was storming their
entertainment hub? Dbanj, Koko Master, Bangerlee or is it Eja Nla was
just shaking like a jelly all over Amber and you would think he stood by
one decent super star, well l think she is one in her own world and
they walked straight to where Aremu Oniru sat. I stood directly opposite
them and watched as Dbanj faked a chatty friendship with Amber Rose who
pretended to be flowing with him because of the cool cash breathing in
her account back in the United States. At this point, l asked myself:
what did Amber Rose come to do in Nigeria? What would her presence do to
Dbanj’s sinking image and career? Who advised Dbanj to go on such a
project?
How the Anniversary Party Should Have Been Held
Dbanj, no doubt is one of the big names in the entertainment industry,
not only in Nigeria but in Africa. He is loved and adored by many. Fame
took a rush on his career and Dbanj probably saw himself on the same
pedestal with big American acts like Kanye West. Of course, he did
everything to be with Kanye West which ended up in sham with all the
noise about being signed on to G.O.O.D Music after wasting so many
months in America. At the end of the day, he was relegated to playing a
‘waka pass’ role in one of Kanye’s videos. l remember when l ran into
him and Bankulli on a British Airways flight to the Cannes in south of
France, he wouldn’t even talk to me. He was so cold that Bankuli was so
embarrassed and immediately became his mouth piece; answering every
question on his behalf. I just thought this dude needs to grow up, l
just laughed at his behavior, l was not upset because l already know how
he operates. When it comes to fighting and keeping malice, he is worst
than a woman. l was going to attend the Cannes Film Festival and he was
catching a flight to attend the premiere of Kanye West’s movie.
Anyway, l think Dbanj should have celebrated his 10th anniversary on
stage by giving back to the music community and to the country whose
fans made him. He should have had a black tie event. Where family, close
friends and not ass lickers (that is if he still has close friends),the
big wigs in their Nigeria entertainment industry, his contemporaries,
young and old will come on stage and tell the world how he has inspired
their career, sing any of his hit songs or sing a tribute song specially
composed for him. D’banj loves everything America, so by now he should
have seen how BET organizes such events for their big stars or legends
and not spend hard earned money bringing Amber Rose, who is no nowhere
near a role model but a glorified stripper who felt too big to twerk but
ordered her ‘assistant’ like Dominic to twerk for sponsors like Diamond
Bank and made his guests look stupid because everybody who came wanted
to see Amber Rose twerk. Two lies D’banj told was that Amber will host
his show, she never did, for the host of the show was Jimmie of Beats
FM, and she also did not twerk like the impression D’banj gave.
Dbanj should have played the role of a god-father by inviting budding
artistes like Runtown, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Dija (l
call them the Mavin babies that is if Don Jazzy will release them
though) Brain, Skales, B-Red, Lil Kesh and Teckno. The list goes on.
These chaps would come and rivet all on how D’banj has inspired their
careers. And if he wants a big star to host his event, we have Genevieve
Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw or Omotola
Jolade-Ekeinde who are people’s delight any day. They will be supported
by my new favorite anchor man, Jimmie, he will soon be my “man crush”
after phyno, we would have had a beautiful and memorable night; biko.
He would have promised an unknown artist a record label deal in his
newly formed Bangalee family; though we are yet to hear any singles from
the ones on board.
Does D’banj have an inferiority complex problem even as big as he is in
Africa? Why does he think being in American will put him a better and a
bigger platform? Why doesn’t he think of ruling Africa and let the
likes of Kanye West, that he was one time chasing around, Jay Z, John
Legend and Common search for him? Why does he think these American stars
are better than him? Now he has brought in Amber Rose, only God knows
how much she got paid just for seven minutes on stage, to do what now?
This is exactly what Darey Art Alade did too with Kim Kadashian. What is
wrong with all these dudes? Meanwhile, ex- presidents like Bill Clinton
will visit and give lectures. They will stay till the end of the events
and the shallow and empty ones just spend three to seven minutes on
stage doing nothing yet they are heavily paid. D’banj and co please give
back to your society who made you and stop wasting money on these
American stars who don’t give a hoot about you. Now when Kim Kadarshian
was getting married to Kanye in Paris, did she remember that Darey
Art-Alade paid her so much money to be at his show? Did she send him an
invite? And what about Kanye West did he remember to send D’banj an
invite for his wedding? Nigerian artistes should please stop
worshipping these guys and build their brands. Nigerian artistes are so
big and talented, maybe the best after American artistes in the world.
And that’s why l like P-Square. Can’t D’banj take a simple cue from his
contemporaries like P-Square and 2baba, Flavor and Jay Martins who are
making cool millions all over Africa? I heard with all the money he has
made all through his career he is still living in a rented property like
me, while P-Square, 2face even the Dr Sid (whom he kept accusing broke
Mo’hits up) is happily settled in his career, marriage and has moved to
his personal house. I am still not married so l have no moral ground to
question why he is still single. When Dbanj is sober he should ask
himself what was the significance of bringing Amber Rose to Nigeria? l
think among all the celebrated women he dated, he lost a good woman in
Jennifer Obayuwana, a kind hearted hardworking and supportive woman. I
am sure he secretly regrets losing the newly engaged Jennifer, a smart
guy called Peter has taken over that jewel. Who knows? Jennifer may be
secretly thanking God the affair ended.
Diamond Bank’s Misadventure
What is wrong with some of our financial corporate institutions? Why
would Diamond Bank be involved in the sponsorship of bringing Amber Rose
to Nigeria or did they just pay for a cabana for their executive staff?
If an upcoming act approaches them for just hundred thousand naira loan
to pay for his studio session in order to release his single, will they
assist him? Why did a supposedly conservative bank like Diamond Bank in
the first place want to be associated with anything that has to do with
binging Amber Rose to Nigeria, to even do what in the first place? What
good has Amber Rose visit done to the Nigerian entertainment industry
or morals conveyed to the teeming Nigerian youths? Does Diamond not have
a proper PR department? Didn’t they do a research of what Amber Rose
does or represents? We don’t want our daughters to start thinking they
can be professional strippers. Everyday in the papers, people solicit
for funds to treat cancer or one form of ailments or the other. How many
of these patients get help? They’d rather approve funds to bring Amber
Rose to Nigeria. To do what? Did Diamond woman even sponsor last year’s
Genevieve Pinkball? but they loved to be associated with Amber Rose and
the other sponsors, goodluck to you all. There are so many young fashion
designers from less privileged homes or even artistes, why can’t they
invest their money on them? One won’t be surprised if some girls start
twerking publicly at parties from this point on as they think it is
right especially now that respected corporate institutions don’t see
anything wrong in it, why won’t they start twerking like Amber Rose? If
D’banj wanted some ladies twerking for him, he could have gone to isa
le eko or idumota and fish for those Yoruba girls who are local dancers,
they twerk well too, is it not all about a woman rolling and shaking
her butt?
And What of his List of Debts
Reported by ‘Dayo Showemimo of the online magazine, The Netng.
As things stand, D’banj may be dragged to court by a top oil and gas
industry player, Henry Ojogho, Vice Chairman of Broron Group. Ojogho,
who is also the Vice Chairman of MindHub Technologies, an integrated
rice farming and milling production company, alleges that D’banj,
through his company, DKM Media Limited, obtained a loan of over N60m
from him in January 2013 and has not paid back the said sum despite
signing an undertaking to do so.
WALTER WAGBATSOMA (200,000Pounds)
Mr Walter is a billionaire with investments in major areas, ranging
from oil and gas to real estate, banking, equities and even insurance.
He is the founder and executive Vice Chairman of Ontario Oil and he’s
one of the first men who were said to have handed money to D’banj, with a
whopping sum of 200,000 Pounds said to be involved.
PRINCE D. OKONKWO ($200,000)
He’s the chairman, Board of Directors of Tetrazini Group of Companies
and he is said to have given about $200,000 to D’banj in the name of
investing in entertainment. When the issue with Prince Okonkwo got out
of hand, D’banj was said to have sought help from Dapo Abiodun, boss of
Heyden Oil and Gas, who helped him take care of the debt through a
repayment plan.
The Koko Concert Drama
Still fresh in the memory of Nigerians is the controversial 2012
edition of Koko Concert in which people had to trek for miles before
getting to the venue and back. That concert, to me, was called suffering
and smiling with the unforgettable inhuman treatment meted out to those
with regular tickets. The former Don Jazzy partner reportedly made
close to N87m from tickets sales alone at that event and reports allege
he collected a whopping $500,000 from GTBank and other title sponsors of
the show. There is no doubt that Dbanj is yet to recover from the 2012
Koko concert though, which is believed to have led him not just into
debts but made him part ways with several of his closest allies. He also
had been alleged to be owing his ever first financier, Dumebi Kachukwu
and other wealthy friends that he met through him. But if Dbanj was in
such messy financial state, why would he spend one kobo bringing Amber
Rose here?
Back to the show or abi na party
By 1:06am, Don Jazzy produced songs ‘Shake your body’, ‘Why me’ and
‘Olorun maje’ were played as DNMT dance crew took over the stage,
obviously the tiresome and disorganized boring party had started
And Amber Rose hit the stage
By 1:39am, Amber finally came on stage, asking for someone to teach her
how to dance an African dance, nobody even obliged, the crowd ignored
her as she flashed her camera smile, she was ignored until she pointed
at one young girl, who came on stage to dance shoki with her. It was
even Jimmie who tactically reminded her to unveil D’banj’s new video
with Akon. She was so disconnected with the event, almost blabbing as
she announced, the video was not shown for more than three seconds.
Everything looked so haphazard and disorganised. D’banj looked confused
and lost but excitedly just standing by Amber Rose that you would think
he is standing next to Michelle Obama or Beyonce. He kept whispering
sweet nothing in her ears trying to make the crowd feel they were
buddies or they have a connection everything was mapped out to make the
bored crowd feel they were going to have a good time. D’banj kept
giggling into Amber’s ears l can bet she didn’t hear a word of what he
was saying but she kept this professionally prepared smile on her face
but l can tell you Amber is thinking about her cash chilling in her bank
account. D’banj was just shaking, jittering beside Amber Rose to the
extent of when she was about leaving the stage, D’banj was yet to find
the man in him. Pitiably, he even played the bride’s maid or as he
picked the tail of her evening dress and continued the long walk behind
her. That was such a hilarious sight. Will D’banj even treat Genevieve
Nnaji or any Nigerian female celebrity this way? All this for who? Amber
was on stage for seven minutes. Anyway, we were all told that she was
going to be back to twerk, instead Dominic twerked.
By 1:49am, Olamide, Phyno and Wizkid all strolled in like they came to
mark register at the event and not like they came to celebrate with him.
Like many others, l actually thought they would perform to support
their ‘big brother’s’ boring celebration. D’banj was on stage, confused,
acting to be happy and smiling sheepishly. My very good friend, Ayo
Shonaiya, was on stage with him too. l guess to support him, even Sunday
Areh was the only old face l recognised with Dbanj.
2:10am: He brought all the artistes like Olamide, Phyno, Seyi Shay and
Wizkid on stage, they sang one of Don Jazzy’s produced songs again. I
can’t remember the title again though. He introduced them and
immediately they left the stage, one by one they sneaked out of the hall
like Amber Rose. Before l could say Jack Robinson, all the artists were
gone.
2:22am: Thank God Oritsefemi was still around to render the remix of
Double Wahala. When Dbanj was truly the koko master, he would never do a
remix with Oritsefemi, like he has done with some artistes who had hit
songs.
By 2:22am: The next people l saw with him were Sesan and Fade Ogunro.
Dbanj knows the event was a big failure; a big crap but he was still
acting his koko movie. Now random guests and fans were going on stage to
do a photo up with him and Dbanj could not tell the crowd that Amber
Rose has sneaked out through the back door.
2:29am: Dbanj was still announcing Turn Up to a practically empty hall
so who is going to turn up when all the stars had disappeared including
Uzoma Dozie of Diamond Bank. Maybe the stars have gone to Quilox or
maybe MVP, the rave pubs, l suppose and that is where D’banj should have
held his celebration. Club venue best suits an Amber Rose and not such a
marquee.Even though the marquee had a club setting. The marquee was
beautiful with lovely ambience though, kudos to the Balmora team for a
such a lovely amsphere.
2.30am: Everybody had left, the party was over with long drawn
disappointed faces but Dayo Showemimo of the NET, Osagie Alonge of The
Pulse and l decided to stay until the celebrant goes home.
2:45am: Davido, his cousins, B-Red, Shina Rambo and other members of
the HKN gang trooped in making so much noise as they went on stage. They
were behaving like kids who attended a birthday party of another at a
school playing ground. l thought if it was Dbanj of those days, they
would have been there on time. After a while, l had to prevail on Dayo
that we leave because l needed to attend church that same morning. We
left by 3.30am.
Another puzzle which l don’t quite understand about Dbanj’s personality
is how he is quick to make enemies and forget those who genuinely
supported his career. Later, l found out that Dumebi Kachikwu, one of
Dbanj’s biggest financiers, was in Lagos that day for his elder brother,
Dr Ibe Kachukwu, the publisher of Complete Fashion’s daughter’s wedding
after the wedding. He could have still popped in if all was well. Don
Jazzy his former business partner and bossom friend was absent. Gbenga
Adeyinka the first. Dele Momodu of Ovation magazine was not invited, his
first show in Ghana was arranged by him. Seye Keyinde of City People.
Kunle Bakare of Encomium. Abisoye Fagade of Sodium Solution, Adekunle
Ayeni of Black House Media. Ayo Animashaun of Headies Award/Hip TV,
although his presenters were on the red carpet. Cecil Hammond (Dbanj was
the bestman at his wedding, later they started Koko lounge) Kelvin
Orifa of MTN. Mayor Akinpelu of Global Execllence. Afolabi Oyekoya,
Biodun Kupoluyi of E247, Justin Esade-Akpovi, entertainment editors like
Victor Akande, Nsebong of Thisday newspapers who pushed Dbanj’s career
to where it is today were deliberately not invited. Where are all the
bigwigs in the Nigerian Entertainment industry, from Nollywood, comedy
and the fashion industry like Okunoren twins and Alvince, I remember
these guys have kitted him with their designs when he started, why
didn’t he invite them or was his 10th anniversary event a money making
venture? Just asking though. Those days of the koko master, he cannot
cough without a big crowd all rushing and queuing to be at his show, but
now the crowd I saw of his heavily publicized Amber Rose coming to host
his show got me sad and thinking is the D’banj brand disappearing
slowly or is it even dead?
Now this not about beef or hating as some people might want to
misunderstand my article, but it is the fact that D’banj needs our
prayers and support. Something is wrong, no doubt. l miss the old Dbanj.
If we all truly care and love him, we should pray that his career is
revived again. l think Dbanj is acting as if all is well, but truth is
that the opposite is the case. I noticed that it was all the hit songs
produced by Don Jazzy that he played throughout and that means a lot. It
just signifies that Don Jazzy’s production put him on the world map.
Someone made this comment recently on social media “The guy aint don
jack since he left the Great Don, meanwhile Don is churning out hits
like he’s frying akara” For the first time, l am lending Dbanj my two
pennies: he should make up with Don Jazzy before this star finally dims
into oblivion. There is no pride in this anymore, he should come off his
high horse. Nigerians like me can’t wait to see them reconcile and make
us happy again musically. It is not late; family and genuine friends
should let by gone be by gone and intervene. Bring these men together.
An agreement can be reached. After Oliver Twist, l have tried to love
and dance to the songs he has released but my dancing steps can’t simply
find a place. Understandably, many might read a very wrong meaning to
my innocent article, please don’t bother starting any social media war
because l will never respond. I have said my bit, dusted my butt,
strolled into my house like Omoba, the cartoon character in Punch
Newspaper and locked my gates with heavy padlocks. So whatever is being
said forthwith, l am not interested and l pray God will not allow
sycophants destroy his beautiful career. C’est finis!