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 aboutMo’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.”
Thegazellenews
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