Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known by his stage name D’banj, was born on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur, television personality, and music executive, widely celebrated as one of the most influential African entertainers and a pioneer of modern Afrobeats on the global stage.
Early Life and Background
D’banj was born into a military family. His father was a Nigerian Army officer, while his mother worked as a church official and businesswoman. Because of his father’s military career, D’banj lived in several cities across Nigeria, which exposed him to diverse cultures and music styles. He attended Nigerian Military School, Zaria, for a brief period before transferring to another institution to complete his secondary education.
In his youth, D’banj developed a strong passion for music, learning to play the harmonica, an instrument that would later become one of his musical trademarks. His early influences included Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whose Afrobeat rhythms and activism deeply inspired him.
Music Career
Early Career and Mo’ Hits Records
D’banj’s professional music journey began after he met Don Jazzy (Michael Collins Ajereh), a talented music producer, while living in London. The two shared musical chemistry and in 2004, they returned to Nigeria to establish Mo’ Hits Records.
Under Mo’ Hits, D’banj released his debut album, “No Long Thing” (2005), which featured his breakthrough single “Tongolo.” The song was a massive hit and earned him the nickname “Koko Master”, symbolizing his confident, humorous, and flirtatious style.
His sophomore album, “Rundown Funk U Up” (2006), produced hit songs like “Why Me,” “Mobolowowon,” and “Tongolo (Remix).” These tracks solidified his reputation as a vibrant performer with a unique blend of Yoruba expressions, Pidgin English, and humor.
In 2008, D’banj released “The Entertainer,” which remains one of the most successful Nigerian albums ever produced. The project included chart-topping singles such as “Gbono Feli Feli,” “Fall in Love,” and “Suddenly.”
International Breakthrough
D’banj’s charisma and international appeal led him to global recognition. In 2011, he signed a major deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music label, becoming one of the first Nigerian artists to achieve that level of international partnership.
Under G.O.O.D Music, he released the global hit “Oliver Twist” (2012) — a fusion of Afrobeats and EDM (Electronic Dance Music). The song topped charts across Africa, the UK, and parts of Europe, peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying video featured appearances from Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and Good Music members, further boosting his international profile.
Post–Mo’ Hits Era
After Mo’ Hits Records dissolved in 2012 due to internal disagreements, D’banj founded his own label, DB Records, signing artists such as KaySwitch (his younger brother), Tonto Dikeh, and 2Kriss.
Despite the split, D’banj maintained his star power, releasing singles like “Top of the World,” “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense,” “Emergency,” and “Bother You” (which appeared on the Half of a Yellow Sun movie soundtrack).
Entrepreneurship and Influence
Beyond music, D’banj is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist. He launched several business ventures, including:
Koko Holdings – encompassing products like Koko Water, Koko Mobile, and Koko Lounge.
C.R.E.A.M. Platform (Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts, and Music) – an initiative supporting young creative talents across Africa.
He has also served as a United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace and collaborated with international organizations for campaigns on youth empowerment and agriculture, such as ONE Campaign’s “Do Agric” initiative.
D’banj’s career is decorated with numerous awards and nominations, including:
MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act (2007)
BET Award for Best International Act: Africa (2011)
MTV Africa Music Awards – Artist of the Year (2009)
MOBO Award for Best African Act (2012)
The Headies – Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year (multiple wins)
His ability to fuse Afrobeats, pop, and dance music helped pave the way for the global success of Nigerian music today.
Personal Life
D’banj married Lineo Didi Kilgrow in June 2016, and they have children together. He has also experienced personal tragedy, notably the loss of his first son in 2018, which he has spoken about as a moment that reshaped his faith and perspective on life.
Legacy
D’banj is often hailed as a trailblazer of Afrobeats’ international expansion, credited for introducing African pop culture to mainstream audiences long before the global Afrobeats boom. His energetic performances, comedic lyrics, and bold personality have made him a cultural icon across Africa.
In summary:
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo — D’banj, the Koko Master, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential entertainers. From co-founding Mo’ Hits Records with Don Jazzy to breaking into the global music scene with “Oliver Twist,” his career embodies innovation, charisma, and resilience — marking him as a cornerstone of the Afrobeats movement.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
