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| Dbanj and Genevieve |
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.”
