Trending in D'Banj’s World
Story
Quick Facts
Born
1980
1980
From
Nigeria
Nigeria
Journey
D’banj, born Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Kaduna State, grew up in a military household that required frequent relocation across Nigeria. That constant movement exposed him to different cultural environments early on, while a period in the United Kingdom added another layer to his developing outlook.
His entry into music became serious in the mid-2000s after forming Mo’ Hits Records with Don Jazzy. The label became a central force in Nigerian popular music at the time, introducing a sound that connected street-level energy with structured studio production. The debut album "No Long Thing" marked his arrival in mainstream attention, driven by “Tongolo,” which became a defining record of that period.
Momentum continued with "Rundown Funk U Up" and "The Entertainer." On the latter, “Fall in Love” became a major record that widened his reach and placed him firmly within national recognition. During this period, Mo’ Hits functioned as a collective hub that included Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch, forming a strong creative unit that influenced mainstream direction for several years.
The release of “Oliver Twist” marked a major shift in his career. The record gained traction in the United Kingdom and beyond, creating international attention that moved him into a wider market. This phase led to his signing with GOOD Music in 2011 under Kanye West’s imprint, extending his presence outside Africa.
Following the split of Mo’ Hits in 2012, he established DB Records. The transition marked a new independent phase where he continued releasing music and managing his brand direction. Projects such as "King Don Come" reflected this later stage, alongside collaborations and appearances across different regions.
Beyond recording, his work expanded into endorsements, entrepreneurship, and media visibility. His career also includes recognition such as the MOBO Awards win in 2012 for Best African Act, World Music Awards recognition in 2014 as Best-selling African Artist, multiple honours from The Headies, including early category wins and a Special Recognition award in 2022, as well as MTV Europe Music Awards and BET-related recognition within African categories.
He has also been acknowledged in broader roles outside entertainment, including appointment as a UN Youth Ambassador for Peace and involvement in initiatives tied to youth development and social impact projects.
His overall career reflects a long-running presence in Nigerian popular music with a reach that moved from local breakout success to international recognition, while maintaining a strong entrepreneurial footprint across multiple industries.