*Singer Announces Date for a New Song Release
The Kokomaster, D’banj is celebrating his two decades on stage with new music. Born Dapo Oyebanji, the 44-year old singer declared this on X.
“Next Friday, I’m dropping a track that is dear to my heart. One of my favs yet. Been at it since ‘04 and I feel like I’m just starting.”
D’banj broke into mainstream popularity with his 2005 hit “Tongolo” and later “Why Me?” and “Fall in Love.” He shot into international limelight with another hit “Oliver Twist” which was first released in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2012, as the first single from DB Records’ compilation album, D’Kings Men (2013). For the chart week dated 26 May, “Oliver Twist” debuted at number nine on the UK Singles Chart becoming the musician’s first chart appearance and first Nigerian song to ever debut on the chart. It was a watershed in the growth of a new movement in African music branded later as Afrobeats. The song’s video featured a cameo appearance by American rapper, Kanye West who later signed a deal with D’banj.
The music video surpassed 21.5 million views making it the Nigerian song with the highest number of views on YouTube at the time.
While reflecting on his past relationships and estranged music associates who contributed to the global rise of Afrobeats, D’banj wrote:
“When I look back at my journey as your favourite entertainer, many names pop up in my mind for their various contributions to D’banj. Today, I celebrate Mo’ Hits.. the group and our team. What a SOLID team we had. Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Dr. Sid, D’Prince and Kay Switch. My brothers were the best! Together we elevated this game and showed them things that could happen.
“We’ve spent many years focusing on the blame game but I’m not playing that game anymore. If you feel I wronged you at any time, forgive me. The philosopher in me is grateful for everything that went right and those that went wrong. Without those things, we won’t all be the Kings we are today killing it in our different endeavours 👌🏿. To all who have worked behind the scenes from Baba Are, Chuchu Lee, General Jay, Kamal, Bankuli , Ayo Sonaiya , Mozenge lee , Cheekychizzy , Bizzle ,Special Ed , Killz , Vanessa Amadi , Davin Philips, Tonya Merit and so many more. Banga is grateful. God bless us all.”
The new song “Since 04” is due for release on May 3rd, 2024.
