Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known by his stage name D’banj, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter and rapper. In this article, we will be telling you about his biography, birthday, career, music, net worth, awards and other interesting facts.

In addition to his music career, he is also an entrepreneur and a television personality.

Biography of D’banj

D’banj was born in Zaria, in the Northern part of Nigeria into the family of Mr Oyebanjo.

His father, a military officer commanded an artillery unit while his mother, a God-fearing church dignitary, is a businesswoman from Shagamu in Ogun State.

Early life & education

Being born into a military family, D’banj joined a military school when he was only eleven. He was also a member of renowned drum corps of the Nigerian Army.

After spending three years in the military school, he left there and joined another military school “Nigerian Navy Secondary School”, Ibara in Abeokuta where he obtained his secondary school certificate. 

He had plans to study mechanical engineering at the Lagos State University. However, due to the constant strike in the school, he decided to step back on his Plans.

In 2001, when he arrived in the UK to continue his studies as a mechanical engineer, he then met with Don Jazzy who was a producer at that time.

They both started working together on their music career.

Age & Birthday; How old is D’banj?

He was born on 9th June 1980. Hence he is currently 43 years old.

If you are one of his fans, you might want to create some time to send him some good wishes on his special day.

Is D’banj married? any kids?

The koko Master is married to Lineo Didi Kilgrow, they got married in June 2016.

One year after, the couple had a son, Daniel Oyebanjo III. However, they lost their son to a drowning incident which occurred in their home in Lagos on the 25th of June, 2018.

The musician who was away for a Grammy Awards in London came back to the saddening news of the loss of his son.

The family is now in good shape and they welcomed another baby boy on the 19th of September, 2019.

Career

The singer adopted his stage name D’banj, from a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo. He came into limelight for his hit record Oliver Twist.

The koko master who came into the music world in 2004 has made a name for himself.

D’banj struggled to get his parent’s approval to do music. In his debut album, ‘No long thing’ he used the hit track, ‘All Da Way, to show his love for music over his parent’s military aspirations.

The singer was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo.

Femi lost his life in a plane crash at age seventeen. Following the death of his brother, D’banj continued playing his harmonica to keep his memories alive.

”I’d play it to remember him”, Wikipedia quoted him as saying.

After coming in contact with Don Jazzy in London where he went to further his education, the two decided to work something out on their love for music.

Don Jazzy saw some potentials in D’Banj and thought he was a star in the making. Seeing how the music industry in Nigeria was booming, they both returned to Lagos in 2004.

That same year, the single, “Tongolo” was released. D’Banj’s mother paid for the video.

Obviously, it became a success and it gained wide spread recognition across the country.

He had his first endorsement with an energy drink called Power.

Having Fela as his mentor he made a tribute to him. He used a fusion of Afropop and Afrobeat to bring life to his music.

D’banj also brought Afropop and Afrobeat into the 21st century. He performs in Pidgin, Yoruba, and English.

List of songs

If you are fan of D’banj and you are looking for some of his songs to listen to, below is a list of some of his songs compiled for you.

Here are some of his songs:

• The Entertainer
• No Long Thing
• King Don Come
• RunDown Fuck U Up
• An Epic Journey
• Oliver Twist
• Fall IIn Love
• Suddenly
• Gbono Feli Feli
• Kimon
• Igwe
• Olorun Maje
• No Long Thing
• Knocking On My Door
• On Top Of The World
• Shy
• D Kings Men
• It’s Not A Lie
• Everything Is Ok
• OBIMO
• Mr Endowed

Net worth

The artist has not come out to say anything about his net worth. However, some online sources “Forbes” has estimated him to be worth $2 million.

Awards and nomination

Over the years, the popular singer has many awards to his credit. Below is a list of awards and nominations he has won so far.

• Best Newcomer at Channel O Music Video Awards (2006).
• Artist of the Year at Nigerian Music Awards (2006).
• HipHop World Revelation at HipHop World Awards (2006).
• Best Special Effects ‘Why Me’ at Channel O Music Video Awards (2007).
• Best African Act at MTV Europe Music Awards (2007).
• Listeners Choice at MTV Africa Music Awards (2008).
• Artist of the Year at MTV Africa Music Awards (2008).
• Artist of the Year at MTV Africa Music Awards (2009).
• Best International Act at Headies Awards (2010). 
• Award for Best International Act, Africa at BET Awards (2011). 
• Best African Act at MOBO Award (2012).
• Awarded Best Selling African Artist at World Music Awards (2014) 
• Best African Collaboration ‘Cocoa Na Chocolate’ All African Music Awards (2014).   
• Evolution Awards at MTV African Music Awards (2015).
• BEFFTA African Legend Award (2016).                                                                                                                                                                                               

Other interesting facts about D’banj

The singer was accused of rape by one Miss Seyitan Babatayo on the 3rd of June 2020. According to the story told, he raped Seyitan in an All-White party in December 2018.

Although the singer came out to deny those rape claims, saying he is innocent. He demanded a public apology and N100m fine for compensation.

However, a few days later there were reports of D’banj sending disguised policemen to go and abduct his accuser.

Due to the circumstances and allegations of ‘oppression of victim’ surrounding the case, the Inspector General of police got involved in the case and ordered an investigation.

In 2012, his agents said D’banj became the first Nigerian to be named the United Nations Youth Ambassador For Peace.

However, after his rape saga in 2020, in a chat with popular MSM, The Punch, the United Nations debunked news of him being their ambassador.

According to the UN, he was never their ambassador, let alone the first Nigerian to be named their Youth Ambassador for Peace.

He got signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music record label through Mo’Hits in 2011. However, Mo’Hits split up months later. 

In 2012, he signed a deal with Sony Entertainment. In addition to singing, D’banj has featured in several films, including Kanye West’s film “Cruel Summers’’.

Why did Mo’Hits split?

In an interview with Premium Times, D’banj revealed that Mo’Hits record label split because of Dr Sid’s Jealousy.

Although he also noted that some disagreement ensued between him, Don Jazzy and the other members of the label.

D’banj, however, singled out Dr Sid at another point. “He (Dr Did) was jealous. He felt I was overshadowing his glory,” he said.

Mo’hit split in 2012. Thereafter, Don Jazzy formed Mavin Records which initially included Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid and Tiwa Savage.

On the other hand, K-Switch went with his brother, D’banj, who created DB Records.

Quick summary

Here’s a summary of Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo’s profile:

• Full name: Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo
• Date of birth: 9th June 1980
• Age: 43
• State of Origin: Ogun state
• Marital status: married
• Years active: 2004 till present
• Nationality: Nigeria