Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known as D’banj (born June 9, 1980), is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, rapper, music executive, event host, and television personality. Often referred to as the “Kokomaster” or “Bangalee,” he is a leading figure in the African music scene, recognized for his role in bringing Afrobeats to the global forefront.
Early Life and Education:
D’banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, to a military father and a religious businesswoman mother from Shagamu, Ogun State. Growing up in a military family, he frequently moved across Nigeria. His parents intended for him to follow his father’s footsteps into the military, enrolling him at the Nigerian Military School at age eleven. However, after three years, he left the school, although he was part of the elite drum corps of the Nigerian Army during his time there. He completed his secondary education at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Ibara, Abeokuta.
Introduced to the harmonica by his late brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who tragically died in a plane crash, D’banj’s passion for music was ignited. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos and later moved to the UK for further studies. However, his musical dreams took center stage after meeting Don Jazzy, a songwriter and producer. D’banj worked as a security guard in London to support himself while pursuing his music career.
Music Career:
D’banj returned to Nigeria in 2004 and, in 2005, signed with Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits label, launching his music career. His debut single “Tongolo” was a major success, and his first album, “No Long Thing,” was released the same year. His second album, “Rundown Funk U Up” (2006), continued his rise in the music scene, with popular tracks like the remix of “Tongolo.” He was part of Mo’ Hits Allstars, alongside artists like Dr SID, Wande Coal, k-Switch, and D’Prince, and they released their debut album “Curriculum Vitae” in 2007.
D’banj’s third album, The Entertainer (2008), produced hits such as “Gbono Feli Feli” and “Entertainer.” His music blends Afrobeats with Nigerian highlife, often delivering insightful and humorous takes on life and the African dream. He sings in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin English.
In 2012, D’banj parted ways with Don Jazzy, leading to the dissolution of Mo’ Hits Records. He signed with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label and later founded his own record label, DB Records. Despite their separation, D’banj and Don Jazzy reconciled and continue to support each other’s work. D’banj celebrated his 20th anniversary in the industry in 2024, with plans for a new album, Entertainer: The Sequel.
Awards and Accolades:
D’banj has garnered numerous awards over his career, including:
- Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards (2006)
- Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards (2009, 2014)
- Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards (2011)
- Song of the Year at The Headies for “Why Me” (2007) and “Oliver Twist” (2012)
- Revelation of the Year at The Headies (2006)
- Best Pop Single at The Headies for “Oliver Twist” (2012)
- Several Channel O Music Video Awards, including “Best Newcomer” (2006) and “Most Gifted Video of the Year” for “Oliver Twist” (2012) He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2013 for his collaboration on Kanye West’s “All Of The Lights.”
Personal Life and Philanthropy:
D’banj is married to Lineo Didi Kilgrow, and together they have experienced the heartbreak of losing their first son, Daniel Oyebanjo III, who tragically drowned in a swimming pool in 2018. The couple later welcomed another son and a daughter. D’banj has spoken publicly about the deep impact of this loss.
In addition to his music career, D’banj is committed to philanthropy. He founded the Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development and serves as Nigeria’s first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace. He is also involved in initiatives like the One Percent Project, which provides scholarships to disadvantaged Nigerian children.
Business Ventures and Endorsements:
D’banj is known for his business savvy, securing numerous endorsement deals with major brands such as Globacom, Samsung Mobile, Ciroc, and Guinness Nigeria. He has expanded into various businesses, including:
- Koko Water (bottled water production)
- Koko Garri (garri exportation)
- Koko Mobile (mobile phone brand)
- Koko Bar (a lounge)
- Koko Mansion (a TV reality show)
D’banj has also invested in agriculture through his Koko Agropreneur initiative, aimed at empowering Nigerian youth in farming. In 2021, he signed an endorsement deal with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) to support women and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
