Entertainer Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo also known as D’banj is currently celebrating his 10th anniversary in the Nigerian music industry, he shares the secret of his success.
The Ciroc ambassador in an interview with Tribune spoke about how he has worked hard to become one of the biggest entertainers to ever come out of Africa.
Read excerpts below:
Did you imagine how far you will get to when you started?
My first single was out in October 2004 and my first album was released on the 25th of March 2005. Yes. As at then, I always said I was an entertainer. I always said “I’m Dbanj” as loud as I could. And I hoped and prayed that I’d become the biggest entertainer to ever come out of Africa. I also prayed that I will be the richest entertainer and so on. I had a lot of dreams. And it has been a great challenge since ten years up until now. When I count my blessings I see that God has been faithful to me. There are places I have been to that I didn’t think I would ever get, although I dreamt big. There are a number of stages I didn’t foresee I’d get to that I am honoured to be in. It can only get better. And I am very grateful to God.
Can you tell us the highest point of your career so far?
Last year I gave a speech at the World Bank summit. That for me was different because it had nothing to do with music. Although I spoke briefly about music, my speech was mainly about the youths of my generation. And to be in that kind of gathering, to face such audience showed that I was not only an artiste, but also that I am capable of representing my generation. And that is the one thing I have always wanted to do: to be a good example for my generation.
Will you be taken up more official engagements this year?
Yes. But I would have to balance it with the music. This year I want to give back more than I did last year with agriculture. This year, there will be more talks, performances, parties and music. And who knows? I might get to Hollywood this year.
You recently kicked started your tenth anniversary with Amber Rose hosting the kick off. How do you feel after ten years?
I already told you when and how I started. It was a rough ride to the top but now we are here. It is, of course, an amazing feeling to still have been in the industry up till now, to have gotten so many recognitions and achievements. And just recently I signed the deal to become Ciroc ambassador. Wetin dey to talk for there again, my brother! God dey!
Congratulation on your ambassadorial deal. We are all happy for you. How do you feel about this deal?
I am happy to be here. Ciroc is a premium brand. It has built a lot of trust in the world’s space and it’s known as a brand for those who work hard and know how to celebrate hard. And it is particularly amazing that it took me ten years or a week after my tenth anniversary to get here. It feels like a certificate of honour and hard work. It sure feels great to be chosen among the practitioners of our great industry. It is indeed a great recognition and sharing this recognition and journey with my brother Banky W is going to be a wonderful experience. I have told him my only problem and we have sorted it out.
Do you want to share what the problem is?
No. Not yet. Una dey here.
Who are you referring to?
Una media people. But I am honoured and privileged to have been selected for this deal. You know we just kicked off the celebration of my tenth anniversary. It is a great feeling. Someone said out there that it is an award. Indeed, it feels like a reward; it feels like an award. And I am honoured.
How do you intend to help young artistes now that you have risen so high in the industry?
Beside being an entertainer, I also think I am a businessman. If you noticed last year we did something on agriculture. This year will definitely do more for young artistes. I have not really thought out the procedure, but we will definitely carry some of them along.
Now that Eja Nla is an ambassador of Ciroc what should the organization and the industry expect from you?
Ciroc is a premium brand. If you know what I stand for as an entertainer and business man I think you would be able to imagine what is about to happen in the industry. I must give a big thank you to Ciroc and to everyone out there who has been praying and wishing me well. Gba be!
Are you planning any musical collaboration with Banky W?
Definitely. This is what Ciroc has brought together. It is in the bag. You guys will definitely get something from us. We will turn up Lagos party.
Were there any specifics as to why you were chosen for the Ciroc deal?
Ciroc is a different type of brand. I believe we were chosen for the full package. I am sure they considered what we represent in the industry. Like I said, it is the full package: lifestyle, achievements, fan base and so on. It is all about the Ciroc life style. Bangalee has got it mehn. We will always turn up. There is no turning down mehn.