Full Biography
D’Banj was born as Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo in the
Northern city of Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria to an artillery Officer
and a church dignitary whom hailed from Shagamu in Ogun state.
Due to his father’s job, D’Banj moved several times within Nigeria as well as abroad to India.
He was sent to Nigerian military school at age 11
and was expected to enter the military like his father, but at 14 D’Banj
picked up a weapon of different kind and altogether more peaceful; the
harmonica. He was introduced to this instrument by his late elder
brother, Femi Oyebanjo who tragically died in a plane crash at age 17 on
his way en route Lagos from NigerianMilitarySchool, Zaria. His
brother’s harmonica was one of his possessions recovered after the
incidence and D’BANJ started to cherish it. His incredible harmonica
skills are self taught; he says, “I play the harmonica like it was built
for me”.
D’Banj became more and more involved in music and
he cannot see himself doing anything else with the same passion. His
song “All The Way” is about the struggles he has faced with his parents
over his chosen career.
Dapo has now adopted the elegant, almost
French-sounding name “D’Banj”, a combination of his first name Dapo and
his surname Oyebanjo.
He has recorded songs with established artistes
like Ruggedman, JJC & 419 Squad, Weird MC, El Dee Da Don, Ikechukwu,
SID and the newest sensations like; Wande Coal and D’ Prince among
others.
He has also performed along side many
international artiste here in Nigeria; Bennie Man, Wayne Wonder, Kevin
Little, Ja Rule and was adjudge the best Nigerian performer at the THIS
DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL which was held in Nigeria in October, 2006. He
performed at the mentioned show along side international music icons
like Beyonce, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliot, En Vogue,
Ciara.
He performed at “History of love 101 concert”
alongside Donell Jones, 112, Kenny Lati Moore and Chante Moore on the
10th Of February, 2007.
D’Banj is moving from height to greater height
everyday, the beginning of his achievement recognition came when he won
MOST PROMISING MALE ARTISTE AT THE KORA AWARDS, 2005.
He had won so many awards afterwards which include:
REVELATION OF THE YEAR - Hip Hop World Awards, 2006
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR - Nigerian Music Awards, 2006
UK ROLE MODEL AWARD - Delta State University Awards, 2006
BEST NEW COMER - Channel O Music Awards, 2006
SONG OF THE YEAR - Hip Hop World Awards, 2007
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR - Global Excellence Awards, 2007
ARTISTE OF THE YEAR - City People Awards, 2007
AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR - Ghana Music Awards, 2007
BEST AFRO POP OF THE YEAR - Nigerian Music Awards US 2007
HOTTEST SINGLE OF THE YEAR - Nigerian Music Awards US 2007
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS - Channel O Music Awards 2007
BEST AFRICAN ACT - MTV Europe Music Awards 2007
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR - Future Awards 2008
ARTIST OF THE YEAR - UNIPORT AWARDS 2008
ARTIST OF THE YEAR - HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2008
He was recently appointed Nigeria’s first UNITED NATIONS YOUTH AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE
D’Banj is a natural charismatic, energetic and infectious performer that can hold his audience captive for as long as he wants.
Without a doubt, D’Banj is the KOKO MASTER.
NO LONG THING!
THE STORY CONTINUES AS THE ACHIEVEMENTS ABOUND……
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