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 includes;
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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