Introduction
Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur, and television personality. Born on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Nigeria, D’banj has become one of Africa’s most prominent entertainers. With his infectious energy, captivating stage presence, and a string of hit songs, D’banj has earned his place in the annals of Nigerian music history.
Early Life and Background
D’banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a businesswoman from Shagamu in Ogun State. Growing up in a military environment, he moved around Nigeria frequently. His passion for music was evident from a young age, and he often clashed with his father, who wanted him to follow a more conventional career path.
D’banj eventually left Nigeria for the United Kingdom to pursue higher education in Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University. It was in the UK that he met Don Jazzy, and their meeting would change the course of his life and career.
Music Career
Mo’Hits Era
D’banj’s career took off in 2004 when he teamed up with producer Don Jazzy to form Mo’Hits Records. Their debut album, “No Long Thing,” was released in 2005 and was an instant success. The hit single “Tongolo” became a massive hit across Nigeria and introduced D’banj to a wider audience. This was followed by another successful album, “Rundown Funk U Up,” which solidified his status as a star.
G.O.O.D Music and International Recognition
In 2011, D’banj signed a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music, making him one of the first African artists to sign with an international label. His hit single “Oliver Twist” became a global sensation, topping charts in the UK and other countries. The song’s success opened doors for collaborations with international artists and increased his visibility on the global stage.
DB Records
After his departure from Mo’Hits Records, D’banj founded his own record label, DB Records. Under this label, he continued to release music and nurture new talents. He has worked with several artists and producers, maintaining his relevance in the ever-evolving music industry.
Net Worth
D’banj’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including music sales, endorsements, and business ventures. He has endorsed several brands such as Ciroc, Slot, and Heritage Bank, which have significantly contributed to his income.
Business Ventures
D’banj is not just a musician but also a savvy businessman. He launched Koko Garri, a line of garri products, and has invested in various other business ventures, including agriculture and technology. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped him diversify his income streams and build a robust financial portfolio.
Family
D’banj is married to Lineo Didi Kilgrow, and they have a son together. The couple faced a tragic loss in 2018 when their first child, Daniel Oyebanjo III, drowned in a swimming pool. Despite this heart-wrenching incident, they have remained strong and supportive of each other.
Houses
D’banj owns several luxurious properties in Nigeria and abroad. His mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, is a testament to his success and taste for luxury. The house features state-of-the-art facilities, including a swimming pool, a home theater, and a well-equipped gym.
Other Properties
Apart from his Ikoyi mansion, D’banj owns properties in other parts of Nigeria and the United States. His investments in real estate are part of his strategy to secure his financial future and ensure a comfortable lifestyle.
Cars
D’banj is a car enthusiast and owns an impressive collection of luxury cars. His garage boasts several high-end vehicles, including a Bentley, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and several other exotic cars. His love for automobiles is evident in the way he flaunts them on social media and during public appearances.
Luxury Lifestyle
D’banj’s lifestyle is characterized by opulence and extravagance. He is often seen wearing designer clothes, expensive jewelry, and accessories. His social media profiles are filled with pictures of exotic vacations, private jets, and lavish parties, showcasing his penchant for the finer things in life.
Controversies
Mo’Hits Split
One of the most notable controversies in D’banj’s career was his split from Mo’Hits Records. The breakup of the partnership between D’banj and Don Jazzy was highly publicized and speculated upon. While the exact reasons for their split remain unclear, it is believed to have been due to creative and business differences.
Debt Allegations
D’banj has also faced allegations of debt from various individuals and organizations. In some cases, these allegations have led to legal battles, which have been widely covered by the media. Despite these controversies, D’banj has managed to maintain his reputation and continue his career.
Rape Allegation
In 2020, D’banj was accused of rape by a Nigerian lady, Seyitan Babatayo. The case attracted significant media attention, and there were various developments and twists. Eventually, the case was settled out of court, but it left a lasting impact on D’banj’s public image.
Top 30 Most Searched Questions About D’banj
- What is D’banj’s net worth? D’banj’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, accumulated from music, endorsements, and business ventures.
- Who is D’banj’s wife? D’banj is married to Lineo Didi Kilgrow.
- How many children does D’banj have? D’banj has one son with his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow.
- What happened to D’banj’s first child? D’banj’s first child, Daniel Oyebanjo III, tragically drowned in a swimming pool in 2018.
- Where does D’banj live? D’banj lives in a luxurious mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
- What cars does D’banj own? D’banj owns several luxury cars, including a Bentley, Rolls Royce, and Ferrari.
- What is D’banj’s real name? D’banj’s real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo.
- How old is D’banj? D’banj was born on June 9, 1980, making him 44 years old as of 2024.
- What are D’banj’s most popular songs? Some of D’banj’s most popular songs include “Oliver Twist,” “Fall in Love,” “Suddenly,” and “Tongolo.”
- Is D’banj still making music? Yes, D’banj is still active in the music industry, releasing new songs and collaborating with other artists.
- What record label is D’banj signed to? D’banj is the founder of his own record label, DB Records.
- Did D’banj sign with Kanye West? Yes, D’banj signed with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music in 2011.
- What businesses does D’banj own? D’banj owns several businesses, including Koko Garri and investments in agriculture and technology.
- Has D’banj won any awards? Yes, D’banj has won numerous awards, including MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, and Nigerian Music Awards.
- What controversies has D’banj been involved in? D’banj has been involved in several controversies, including his split from Mo’Hits Records, debt allegations, and a rape allegation.
- How did D’banj get his nickname? D’banj’s nickname is derived from a combination of his first name, Dapo, and his surname, Oyebanjo.
- What was D’banj’s first hit song? D’banj’s first hit song was “Tongolo” from his debut album “No Long Thing.”
- Has D’banj acted in any movies? Yes, D’banj has made appearances in a few movies and TV shows, though his primary focus remains music.
- What is D’banj’s educational background? D’banj studied Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.
- Is D’banj active on social media? Yes, D’banj is very active on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
- What philanthropic activities is D’banj involved in? D’banj is involved in several philanthropic activities, including initiatives to support agriculture and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
- What genre of music does D’banj perform? D’banj primarily performs Afrobeat, Afropop, and hip-hop music.
- Who are D’banj’s musical influences? D’banj’s musical influences include Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, and Kanye West.
- Has D’banj collaborated with international artists? Yes, D’banj has collaborated with several international artists, including Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Big Sean.
- What is D’banj’s most successful album? D’banj’s most successful album is “D’banj Entertainer,” which features several hit singles.
- How did D’banj start his music career? D’banj started his music career after meeting producer Don Jazzy in the UK, leading to the formation of Mo’Hits Records.
- What awards has D’banj won? D’banj has won several awards, including MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, and Nigerian Music Awards.
- What is D’banj’s relationship with Don Jazzy? D’banj and Don Jazzy were once close collaborators, but their professional relationship ended in 2012 when Mo’Hits Records disbanded.
- What is D’banj’s most viewed music video? D’banj’s most viewed music video is “Oliver Twist,” which has garnered millions of views on YouTube.
- What are D’banj’s future plans? D’banj plans to continue making music, expanding his business ventures, and engaging in philanthropic activities to support Nigerian communities.
Conclusion
D’banj’s journey from a young boy in Zaria to an international music sensation is nothing short of inspiring. His talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a household name in Nigeria and beyond. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies, D’banj continues to thrive, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and setting a benchmark for future generations of Nigerian artists.