This article was written by Azuka Ogujiuba of ThisDay.
I met D’banj and Don Jazzy about nine years ago through Dumebi Kachikwu who
introduced me to these two burgeoning artistes then. When Kachukwu called me, l
told him l was on a three-month maternity leave and that l would give him my
colleague’s number to call so he could assist him with whatever they wanted to
do. He insisted he wanted me on board; that D’banj and Don Jazzy would meet me
at home or where ever l wanted. Bewildered but I braved the odd somehow. I told
him l couldn’t leave my house because my baby was pretty young and was still
breastfeeding.
However, l probed a little further why Kachikwu wanted me to do
an interview with them at all cost which in my modest submission, anyone in my
office could as well prosecute. And I still have a strong presence of mind,
don’t mind me, I just don’t forget certain things. These were his exact words:
“These guys are stars, they are going to be big mark my words” and l asked: “Which
star? Nobody knows these your emergency stars o.” l remarked jocularly.
Kachukwu insisted that they were stars and would be big soon in the Nigerian
entertainment industry.
Well, as a Christian, I know what the Bible says of our
humble beginnings. Kachikwu continued: “Azuka, l believe in these guys. They
are talented, we must support them, l really need you to come on board. You
have to do this for me, please.” He pleaded tenaciously.
Words almost failed
me. My curiosity swelled almost to a crescendo as l pondered what was the might
of these men who was making Kachikwu plead this way. Now, this wasn’t about
playing hard to get; l just had a baby l wanted to spend time with her. It was
my maternity leave but Kachikwu’s constant calls and pleas to interview these
guy took my resolve out of the equation. I found myself shifting grounds
against my will. Even Israel Edjeren who
was part of the project then was also harassing me with calls on the other side
to the extent he had to visit me at home apparently to know if I was playing
hard to get but they found out the truth anyway. The truth was my baby was
‘shacking’ me as they say and she was all that mattered at that moment of my
solitude.
of Love 101’ which had American stars like Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, Donell
Jones and 112 all performing on that day.
Kachukwu wanted to give Dbanj and Don
Jazzy a bigger platform to perform with these artistes. D’banj and Don Jazzy
finally came to my house the next day. I was even breastfeeding my baby when
they came, they waited patiently amid some very exciting hobnobs. They were so
cool, impressively affable and felt so relaxed in my house that was inside one
bush corner like that at Akoka. I noticed D’banj was the talkative like me and
the extrovert while Don Jazzy had this sweet smile. He seldom talked. He just
listened to me and D’banj. They even gave my baby some monetary gift, saying that
in African culture they don’t see a new baby without giving him or her a gift.
In no time, we became not just friends, but like family members. We exchanged
numbers and called one another whether it mattered or not and our ‘gists’ would
drag on forever.
was a three-page interview spread, no newspaper in Nigeria will ever do that
for an upcoming music group. But l guess God and luck were on my side when l
convinced my editor to give them that spread and he obliged. He was not into
entertainment like me, but he trusted my judgment on the industry. I didn’t
attend the concert but heard it was a success.
After that Kachukwu called again
insisting he wanted stories on them in the papers every passing week. Of
course, l told him it was not possible except they were doing any show or
something special. So, l monitored their progress even when my leave was over l
visited them at home in Maryland, Lagos a number of times.
financially. He spent money buying them exotic cars like the BMW Dbanj and
Jazzy rode to my house, can’t remember what year but it was so low to the
ground and looks like a racing car, pardon me, l am not into cars. He loved this
duo that later metamorphosed to Mo’hits. Authoritatively, I can tell that he
financed their first trip to America.
He made sure he introduced them to all
his rich friends who invited them for gigs and paid them heavily to perform, as
the Mo’hits grew in fortune and fan base, they gradually started manifesting
their ‘true colours’. Now, permit me to rest the innuendos. I could help people
grow without desecrating the fine ethos of journalism. I discern the lines
whenever I inch towards them. Finally, we fell out when l did a critic on Koko
Mansion which l felt was a debasement to womanhood. And D’banj was billed to
perform at Genevive Pink ball but did not. l was there and wrote about it. When
it was published, understandably, hell was let loose. Immediately, Dbanj and
Don Jazzy stopped taking my calls. By the way, it still beats me that anything
under the sun would be powerful enough to tear Don Jazzy and D’banj apart. They
operated like twins, if you hurt Don Jazzy, you also hurt D’banj, if you hurt
D’banj just be ready to face Don Jazzy with a shield. Literally speaking, theirs was like a bond
completed in heaven. So strong was it that Don Jazzy had a greater influence on
D’banj than anybody, let alone anyone else.
Anyway, back to my story, Toyin
Subair, who was the brain behind the show and a very good friend was peeved
beyond description about my article but l honestly didn’t understand their
anger. Did they expect me to say that D’banj performed at the Genevive Pink
ball when he did not? When I got the hint that they felt terrible about my
report, I tried to reach out to them to explain. Remember, I still supposed we
were friends but all efforts proved abortive and that consequently soured the
once chummy relationship.
met Dbanj again at an event in Kenya. We were all supposed to stay in the same
hotel, but immediately he sighted me, he told the promoters of the event that
he would not perform unless I was sent back to Nigeria and that l was his number
one enemy. In fact, his former P.A. Chuchu and manager, Bankulli, kept
threatening me. I ignored them and for the first time, l insulted D’banj. l was
tired of his petty and childish behaviours, so l gave it to him fire for fire,
while the D Prince, Jazzy’s younger brother and Ramsey Noah where on that trip
watched the drama closely . And I dared them to advance with their threats.
The
promoters of the show tried to intervene and they ended up taking me to another
location where I passed the night. When l got back to Nigeria, l did my report
and wrote about how D’banj shut down Kenya, which was the truth and l never
mentioned the fight and harassment from Chuchu and Bankulli. That same day my
phone rang, it was D’banj. He loved the article and he apologized to me and he
even said we should hook up at some point. He told me to save his phone number
and call him anytime, but l never did till date. I later ran into him and Don
Jazzy at events and we exchanged pleasantries. I follow both of them on instagram
at least to keep tab on their works.
have been more glorious if he’d invited people who supported his career through
the years when nobody knew him, especially Don Jazzy. Well, let’s set off the
chronicle. The show was supposed to start by 7pm, but l got there by 8pm. l had
a flat tire and l was hungry too. When l got there, l called Dayo Showemimo of
the Netng. l wanted to quickly eat the ‘mama put’ rice l bought in his car
knowing well that l might not get anything to eat since my ticket was a regular
one. But l got tickets for drinks. I had my ‘Baba dudu’ candies too in case l
feel like chewing anything inside the hall. Even by 10 pm, nobody was allowed
into the hall as people hunged around, no popular face or a big celebrity had
arrived either.
At the red carpet, TV presenters were passing time by merely
chatting away the night as they waited patiently for the colorful guests they
could interview. When l was approached, l politely refused because l don’t do
red carpet interviews. I’d only had to maybe once or twice in the past, but l
will pose for pictures if l have to because l am so obsessed with that. l don’t
waste time uploading them on instagram and Facebook.
the first face l recognized. l loved her sequins skirt as it shimmered
noticeably in the hall. Adetiba is a fun loving woman. She danced while she
also waited patiently like everyone else. By this time the hall was still
empty, l mean practically empty, l saw Toolz Oniru in a light brown knee length
dress as usual displaying her volumncious curves, l like her because she
carries herself well and l also like her body. I stood directly opposite the
stage where l thought Amber Rose would twerk and give us an experience to last
a lifetime. l made sure l took a vantage position where nothing would obstruct
my access to every bit of the soiree.
Later l recognised Mubarak, the photographer, and we
exchanged pleasantries. l saw Aremo Segun Oniru and Tee Billz, they sat next to
each other. Tiwa Savage was also in the building, l guess she probably wanted
to seat in a corner where people will not harass her for photo-up, l didn’t see
her though but l was told. Aremu Oniru and Teeblizz sat under a VVIP cabana
directly opposite the stage l suspect that was where Amber Rose would sit
before she would go on stage. At this point, my feet were aching l could have
gone to meet Jojo and Akin at their VVIP corner, but l knew l might miss out
some enchanting scenes, so l endured.
you could count on your finger tips. At this point, my mind started racing with
many rhetorical questions. One of them was ‘where are the stars from Nollywood,
the comedians and the music industry?’ l only saw Seyi Law. Didn’t they know it
was Bangalee’s special day? Kemi Adetiba was still dancing and enjoying
herself. That’s the spirit: make yourself happy and have fun at every point in
time with or without an Amber Rose.
probably won’t suffice for D’banj to just hand the MC his fee, he should
appreciate him specially. The first time l saw Jimmie on stage was at the 2014
Headies Award. l had asked about him. He was so good, and when he introduced
the hosts of the event, it was seamless and
natural. He is a good host and a good hype man. He saved Dbanj’s party,
to be frank. l still don’t know how to classify the event. He kept making the
very boring and dull atmosphere come alive, supported by music supplied by Dj
Exclusive and Dj Spinall. Jimmie kept screaming Dbanj’s new nickname ‘Eja Nla’
so much to the anger of a guest by my
table where l stood, who malliciously asked: “Which yeye Eja Nla (big fish)?
Dbanj is now a Titus or abi na shawa fish” We couldn’t help but laugh at that.
Bank and his wife, Adesuwa, after waiting almost endlessly for Dbanj and his
special guest, Amber Rose, left. Shortly after, l saw Ayona, and her husband,
Philip Trimmell, strolling out at 1.02am. l guess they were home bound too.
The
hall was still empty. I sighted Praiz in his all round black bespoke outfit
designed by Jasonporshe. He was so dapper. He was my best dressed male that
night. Timaya strolled in too, Shaydee, Teckno and Banky W who carried himself
in a noble demeanor. Lynxx was so casually dressed like who is taking a walk in
the park with his bae.
I saw Chris Obosi and his wife walking around and I could
easily sense that they were also tired of waiting and were probably thinking of
leaving when Jimmie started announcing that Eja Nla and madam Amber Rose were
about to step in.
couple walking down the aisle, Eja Nla was so happy and you could tell that he
had a butterfly in him while feeling he’d achieved a great feat by standing
side by side with Amber Rose. Lo and behold, they both walked into a
practically empty hall. I am sure Amber Rose would be wondering why the hall
was that empty. Didn’t Dbanj tell Nigerians she was storming their
entertainment hub? Dbanj, Koko Master, Bangerlee or is it Eja Nla was just
shaking like a jelly all over Amber and you would think he stood by one decent
super star, well l think she is one in her own world and they walked straight
to where Aremu Oniru sat. I stood directly opposite them and watched as Dbanj
faked a chatty friendship with Amber Rose who pretended to be flowing with him
because of the cool cash breathing in her account back in the United States. At
this point, l asked myself: what did Amber Rose come to do in Nigeria? What
would her presence do to Dbanj’s sinking image and career? Who advised Dbanj to
go on such a project?
industry, not only in Nigeria but in Africa. He is loved and adored by many.
Fame took a rush on his career and Dbanj probably saw himself on the same
pedestal with big American acts like Kanye West. Of course, he did everything
to be with Kanye West which ended up in sham with all the noise about being
signed on to G.O.O.D Music after wasting so many months in America. At the end
of the day, he was relegated to playing a ‘waka pass’ role in one of Kanye’s
videos.
l remember when l ran into him and Bankulli on a British Airways flight
to the Cannes in south of France, he wouldn’t even talk to me. He was so cold
that Bankuli was so embarrassed and immediately became his mouth piece;
answering every question on his behalf. I just thought this dude needs to grow
up, l just laughed at his behavior, l was not upset because l already know how
he operates. When it comes to fighting and keeping malice, he is worst than a
woman. l was going to attend the Cannes Film Festival and he was catching a
flight to attend the premiere of Kanye West’s movie.
anniversary on stage by giving back to the music community and to the country
whose fans made him. He should have had a black tie event. Where family, close
friends and not ass lickers (that is if he still has close friends),the big
wigs in their Nigeria entertainment industry, his contemporaries, young and old
will come on stage and tell the world how he has inspired their career, sing
any of his hit songs or sing a tribute song specially composed for him. D’banj
loves everything America, so by now he should have seen how BET organizes such
events for their big stars or legends and not spend hard earned money bringing
Amber Rose, who is no nowhere near a role model but a glorified stripper who
felt too big to twerk but ordered her ‘assistant’ like Dominic to twerk for
sponsors like Diamond Bank and made his guests look stupid because everybody
who came wanted to see Amber Rose twerk.
Two lies D’banj told was that Amber
will host his show, she never did, for the host of the show was Jimmie of Beats
FM, and she also did not twerk like the impression D’banj gave.
inviting budding artistes like Runtown, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello, Reekado
Banks, Dija (l call them the Mavin babies that is if Don Jazzy will release
them though) Brain, Skales, B-Red, Lil Kesh and Teckno. The list goes on. These
chaps would come and rivet all on how
D’banj has inspired their careers. And if he wants a big star to host his
event, we have Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw or
Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde who are people’s delight any day. They will be supported
by my new favorite anchor man, Jimmie, he will soon be my “man crush” after
phyno, we would have had a beautiful and memorable night; biko.
in his newly formed Bangalee family; though we are yet to hear any singles from
the ones on board.
as he is in Africa? Why does he think being in American will put him a better
and a bigger platform? Why doesn’t he think of ruling Africa and let the likes
of Kanye West, that he was one time chasing around, Jay Z, John Legend and
Common search for him? Why does he think these American stars are better than
him? Now he has brought in Amber Rose, only God knows how much she got paid
just for seven minutes on stage, to do what now? This is exactly what Darey Art
Alade did too with Kim Kadashian. What is wrong with all these dudes?
Meanwhile, ex- presidents like Bill Clinton will visit and give lectures. They
will stay till the end of the events and the shallow and empty ones just spend
three to seven minutes on stage doing nothing yet they are heavily paid.
D’banj
and co please give back to your society who made you and stop wasting money on
these American stars who don’t give a hoot about you. Now when Kim Kadarshian
was getting married to Kanye in Paris, did she remember that Darey Art-Alade
paid her so much money to be at his show? Did she send him an invite? And what
about Kanye West did he remember to send D’banj an invite for his wedding? Nigerian artistes should please stop
worshipping these guys and build their brands.
Nigerian artistes are so big and
talented, maybe the best after American artistes in the world. And that’s why l
like P-Square. Can’t D’banj take a simple cue from his contemporaries like
P-Square and 2baba, Flavor and Jay Martins who are making cool millions all
over Africa? I heard with all the money he has made all through his career he
is still living in a rented property like me, while P-Square, 2face even the Dr
Sid (whom he kept accusing broke Mo’hits up) is happily settled in his career,
marriage and has moved to his personal house. I am still not married so l have
no moral ground to question why he is still single.
When Dbanj is sober he
should ask himself what was the significance of bringing Amber Rose to Nigeria?
l think among all the celebrated women
he dated, he lost a good woman in Jennifer Obayuwana, a kind hearted
hardworking and supportive woman. I am sure he secretly regrets losing the
newly engaged Jennifer, a smart guy called Peter has taken over that jewel. Who
knows? Jennifer may be secretly thanking God the affair ended.
Netng.
and gas industry player, Henry Ojogho, Vice Chairman of Broron Group. Ojogho,
who is also the Vice Chairman of MindHub Technologies, an integrated rice
farming and milling production company, alleges that D’banj, through his
company, DKM Media Limited, obtained a loan of over N60m from him in January
2013 and has not paid back the said sum despite signing an undertaking to do
so.
ranging from oil and gas to real estate, banking, equities and even insurance.
He is the founder and executive Vice Chairman of Ontario Oil and he’s one of
the first men who were said to have handed money to D’banj, with a whopping sum
of 200,000 Pounds said to be involved.
Companies and he is said to have given about $200,000 to D’banj in the name of
investing in entertainment. When the issue with Prince Okonkwo got out of hand,
D’banj was said to have sought help from Dapo Abiodun, boss of Heyden Oil and
Gas, who helped him take care of the debt through a repayment plan.
2012 edition of Koko Concert in which people had to trek for miles before
getting to the venue and back. That concert, to me, was called suffering and
smiling with the unforgettable inhuman treatment meted out to those with
regular tickets. The former Don Jazzy partner reportedly made close to N87m
from tickets sales alone at that event and reports allege he collected a
whopping $500,000 from GTBank and other title sponsors of the show. There is no
doubt that Dbanj is yet to recover from the 2012 Koko concert though, which is
believed to have led him not just into debts but made him part ways with
several of his closest allies. He also had been alleged to be owing his ever
first financier, Dumebi Kachukwu and other wealthy friends that he met through
him. But if Dbanj was in such messy financial state, why would he spend one
kobo bringing Amber Rose here?
By 1:06am, Don Jazzy produced songs ‘Shake your body’, ‘Why
me’ and ‘Olorun maje’ were played as DNMT dance crew took over the
stage, obviously the tiresome and disorganized boring party had started
to teach her how to dance an African dance, nobody even obliged, the crowd
ignored her as she flashed her camera
smile, she was ignored until she pointed
at one young girl, who came on stage to dance shoki with her. It was even
Jimmie who tactically reminded her to unveil D’banj’s new video with Akon. She
was so disconnected with the event, almost blabbing as she announced, the video
was not shown for more than three seconds. Everything looked so haphazard and
disorganised. D’banj looked confused and lost but excitedly just standing by
Amber Rose that you would think he is standing next to Michelle Obama or
Beyonce. He kept whispering sweet nothing in her ears trying to make the crowd
feel they were buddies or they have a connection everything was mapped out to
make the bored crowd feel they were going to have a good time.
D’banj kept
giggling into Amber’s ears l can bet she didn’t hear a word of what he was
saying but she kept this professionally prepared smile on her face but l can
tell you Amber is thinking about her cash chilling in her bank account. D’banj
was just shaking, jittering beside Amber Rose to the extent of when she was
about leaving the stage, D’banj was yet to find the man in him. Pitiably, he
even played the bride’s maid or as he
picked the tail of her evening dress and continued the long walk behind her.
That was such a hilarious sight. Will D’banj even treat Genevieve Nnaji or any
Nigerian female celebrity this way? All this for who? Amber was on stage for
seven minutes. Anyway, we were all told that she was going to be back to twerk,
instead Dominic twerked.
they came to mark register at the event and not like they came to celebrate
with him. Like many others, l actually thought they would perform to support
their ‘big brother’s’ boring celebration. D’banj was on stage, confused, acting
to be happy and smiling sheepishly. My very good friend, Ayo Shonaiya, was on
stage with him too. l guess to support him, even Sunday Areh was the only old face
l recognised with Dbanj.
Seyi Shay and Wizkid on stage, they sang one of Don Jazzy’s produced songs
again. I can’t remember the title again though. He introduced them and
immediately they left the stage, one by one they sneaked out of the hall like
Amber Rose. Before l could say Jack Robinson, all the artists were gone.
remix of Double Wahala. When Dbanj was truly the koko master, he would never do
a remix with Oritsefemi, like he has done with some artistes who had hit songs.
Fade Ogunro. Dbanj knows the event was a big failure; a big crap but he was
still acting his koko movie. Now random guests and fans were going on stage to
do a photo up with him and Dbanj could not tell the crowd that Amber Rose has sneaked
out through the back door.
empty hall so who is going to turn up when all the stars had disappeared
including Uzoma Dozie of Diamond Bank. Maybe the stars have gone to Quilox or maybe MVP, the rave pubs, l
suppose and that is where D’banj should have held his celebration. Club venue
best suits an Amber Rose and not such a marquee.Even though the marquee had a
club setting. The marquee was beautiful with lovely ambience though, kudos to the
Balmora team for a such a lovely amsphere.
2.30am: Everybody had left, the party was over with long
drawn disappointed faces but Dayo Showemimo of the NET, Osagie Alonge of The
Pulse and l decided to stay until the
celebrant goes home.
members of the HKN gang trooped in making so much noise as they went on stage.
They were behaving like kids who attended a birthday party of another at a
school playing ground. l thought if it was Dbanj of those days, they would have
been there on time. After a while, l had to prevail on Dayo that we leave
because l needed to attend church that same morning. We left by 3.30am.
personality is how he is quick to make enemies and forget those who genuinely
supported his career. Later, l found out that
Dumebi Kachikwu, one of Dbanj’s biggest financiers, was in Lagos that
day for his elder brother, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, the publisher of Complete Fashion’s
daughter’s wedding after the wedding. He could have still popped in if all was
well. Don Jazzy his former business partner and bossom friend was absent.
Gbenga Adeyinka the first. Dele Momodu of Ovation magazine was not invited, his
first show in Ghana was arranged by him. Seye Keyinde of City People. Kunle
Bakare of Encomium. Abisoye Fagade of Sodium Solution, Adekunle Ayeni of Black
House Media. Ayo Animashaun of Headies Award/Hip TV, although his presenters
were on the red carpet. Cecil Hammond (Dbanj was the bestman at his wedding,
later they started Koko lounge) Kelvin Orifa of MTN. Mayor Akinpelu of Global
Execllence. Afolabi Oyekoya, Biodun Kupoluyi of E247, Justin Esade-Akpovi,
entertainment editors like Victor Akande, Nsebong of Thisday newspapers who pushed
Dbanj’s career to where it is today were deliberately not invited.
Where are
all the bigwigs in the Nigerian Entertainment industry, from Nollywood, comedy
and the fashion industry like Okunoren twins and Alvince, I remember these guys
have kitted him with their designs when he started, why didn’t he invite them
or was his 10th anniversary event a money making venture? Just asking though.
Those days of the koko master, he cannot cough without a big crowd all rushing
and queuing to be at his show, but now the crowd I saw of his heavily
publicized Amber Rose coming to host his show got me sad and thinking is the
D’banj brand disappearing slowly or is it even dead?
to misunderstand my article, but it is the fact that D’banj needs our prayers
and support. Something is wrong, no doubt. l miss the old Dbanj. If we all
truly care and love him, we should pray that his career is revived again. l
think Dbanj is acting as if all is well, but truth is that the opposite is the
case. I noticed that it was all the hit songs produced by Don Jazzy that he
played throughout and that means a lot. It just signifies that Don Jazzy’s
production put him on the world map.
aint don jack since he left the Great Don, meanwhile Don is churning out hits
like he’s frying akara” For the first time, l am lending Dbanj my two pennies:
he should make up with Don Jazzy before this star finally dims into oblivion.
There is no pride in this anymore, he should come off his high horse. Nigerians
like me can’t wait to see them reconcile and make us happy again musically. It
is not late; family and genuine friends should let by gone be by gone and
intervene. Bring these men together. An agreement can be reached. After Oliver
Twist, l have tried to love and dance to the songs he has released but my
dancing steps can’t simply find a place.
Understandably, many might read a very
wrong meaning to my innocent article, please don’t bother starting any social
media war because l will never respond. I have said my bit, dusted my butt,
strolled into my house like Omoba, the cartoon character in Punch Newspaper and
locked my gates with heavy padlocks. So whatever is being said forthwith, l am
not interested and l pray God will not allow sycophants destroy his beautiful
career. C’est finis!
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