Often referred to as one of the true superstars of Afrobeats, singer, rapper, businessman and co-founder of Mo’ Hits Records D'banj, is all set for another season at the Nigerian Idol judges’ table.
D’banj is best known internationally for his 2012 summer smash “Oliver Twist” an up-tempo dance fusion of Afrobeats and electronic dance music that topped the charts in 2011 and was a Top 10 hit on the UK singles chart in 2012, reaching number 2 on the UK R&B charts.
Entertainment was not always the path for this star. He studied mechanical engineering at the Lagos State University then decided to withdraw, for several reasons. He then moved to the United Kingdom in 2001 with plans to continue his studies as a mechanical engineer in London.
Those plans quickly changed however when he met Don Jazzy who was putting in work as a songwriter and producer. D'banj started hanging around the studio while working as a security guard to supplement his income.
The rest, as they say, is history! D'banj's debut album, ‘No Long Thing’ was released in 2005 and proved to be the breakthrough he needed. The lead single titled Tongolo became a hit and introduced his Koko Master persona.
He then went on to release many more critically-acclaimed albums including ‘King Don Come’, that featured collaborations with international stars such as Gucci Mane, Wande Coal, Harry Songs, Bucie, Busiswa, Big Sean and Snoop Lion.
D'banj has also been lauded for his humanitarian work. He is the founder of the Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development and was also Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace.
In 2015, he was applauded by World Bank Chief, Jim Yong Kim for using his music power and high celebrity status to bring attention to serious and critical issues in Africa with a special focus on agriculture and poverty alleviation.