D’banj
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. Continue.................... 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

I love Dapo Oyebanjo, he remains truly inspiring. I take that line for today...' Nothing can stop a Moving train.' D'banj we got your back.