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.
Celebrity fashion designer Victoria James, popularly known as Veekee James and her husband, Femi Atere, have announced the arrival of their first child, Eliana.
Veekee James announced this in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealing that the baby girl was born on May 2, 2026.
She wrote, “She’s Here. #elianaatere. 02-May-26. Eliana Adeife Atere.”
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James with her daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
The designer further explained the meaning behind her child’s first name, saying, “EL (God) and ANA (He has answered), signifying ‘My God has answered.
“1 Samuel 1:27 – ‘For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.’”
Commenting on Veekee James announcement, Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu wrote, “Congratulations, my darling, we give God all glory, she is beautiful.”
Social media influencer Tomike Adeoye wrote, “Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful Testimony!!! Congratulations, Mama ati Papa Eliana.”
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
“Congratulations, Oremii, we are so happy! Enitojokosibiikokoogaogo is here! Oluwasheun! Veekee, strong woman!” Skit maker Folagade Banks commented.
Actress Osas Ighodaro wrote, “God is so good! Congratulations, my darling!! AND SHE IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, sooooo pretty!”
“What the Lord has done for you is marvellous, and His Joy will never depart from you. Congratulations, Veekee,” content creator and actress Kie Kie added.
Veekee James’ husband, Femi Atere, and their daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
PUNCH reported that the couple had earlier announced the pregnancy on February 3, similarly sparking widespread reaction from celebrities and fans who congratulated them.
See more photos below:
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James’ husband, Femi Atere, and their daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
Fans and followers of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo across social media platforms have expressed sadness over his demise, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning since Tuesday when news of the actor’s passing surfaced online.
Social media posts by his close colleagues, and trending media reports, stated that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The incident has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes to the late thespian.
A fan, @Mr. Rekindled of AFC, asked: “Is this some late April Fool joke. God, what kind of news is this? Rest in peace bro I don’t even know what to type”.
@perpetua Ebubech wrote: “Rest well Alex I am done pressurising myself and being ungrateful. Being alive is enough. Aaaaaah Alex”.
@Amed Oshiorenua commented: “This one hurts me ooo”.
@sheismirah_bakr noted that: “Indeed, every soul shall taste death. May we leave behind kindness, love, and good memories May we be celebrated while we are alive, not only mourned when we are gone”.
@oheneba_nanayere_joyce wrote: “Ooo my God, have mercy on us”.
@SAMPSOLO on X wrote: “Omoh, sometimes when I hear such news I just sit down and think about life.
“Everything we’re struggling for can just end in one moment. It’s really scary”.
@nyarkowai23 said: “Aww fine boy. May his soul rest in peace”.
@_emefaaa wrote: “This is really sad, may his soul rest in peace”.
@ceeyahs_xclusivcollection commented: “Social media makes a lot of us look like we are living happily when we are actually fighting our battles. Remember we are all passing through something. Stay humble, stay kind”.
@DOG3tt said: “What’s wrong with Nollywood, why is everyone dying young?”
@bbelleamieeee wrote: “I loved him in Keeping My Man with Ramsey and Ini. Sad news… rest easy Alex”.
Ekubo’s passing has also attracted tributes from his colleagues and other celebrities, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote: “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.
“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.
“Sleep well, our dear Alex.”
Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Singer Peter Okoye simply posted: “RIP”.
Actor Chinedu Ikedieze wrote: “Jesus, how?”
In a post on his X page, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a “rare talent”.
“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi.
“He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”
NAN reports that Alex Ekubo, born on April 10, 1986, was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in several hit films and television productions.
However, his prolonged absence from the public had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for a long time.
His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.
Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has broken his silence over the viral altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before allegedly assaulting her during a family confrontation.
In a voice note purportedly from Odiniya, and shared on Facebook on Sunday by Kogi-based journalist, Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, now circulating online, the father said the incident was not driven by hatred for his daughter but by frustration over what he described as her changed behaviour after winning the reality TV show.
“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.
He claimed he made sacrifices and mobilised support for her emergence as the winner of the BBNaija All Stars edition.
“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.
According to him, their relationship allegedly deteriorated after her victory, accusing the reality star of becoming disrespectful and physically aggressive towards him.
“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.
The father further criticised her lifestyle, particularly her alleged cosmetic procedures.
“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that,” he said.
Emmanuel also alleged that his daughter had physically attacked him on previous occasions.
“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.
Speaking on the latest confrontation, he alleged that the reality TV star assaulted him first before the situation escalated.
“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he said.
He also accused her of neglecting him financially despite his health challenges.
“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding,” he alleged.
The father further alleged that his daughter negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in his marriage.
“She has also influenced her younger brother with drugs, and he was expelled from school because of it. She once advised me to divorce her mother,” he added.
Despite the accusations, Emmanuel maintained that he still loved his daughter and wanted reconciliation.
“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he said.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ilebaye, alongside members of her family, including her father and younger brothers, were hospitalised following the confrontation at their Abuja residence.
The incident became public after the reality TV star shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking concern among fans and followers online.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital,” Adeh had said.
She also stated that the siblings were under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.
