Singer, Dapo Oyebanji, aka
D'banj, finally opened up on his love life in a rare meeting with journalists
in Lagos on Wednesday.
The self-styled Kokomaster was
clearly in his elements as he talked at length, amid occasional bouts of
laughter, about his career and other issues that were important to him. One of
the subjects was about his rumoured relationship with Nollywood actress, Genevieve
Nnaji.
Judging by the manner in which
the actress' name kept popping off his lips, it was obvious that D'banj had a
very soft spot for her.
Aware that the grapevine had
bristled with the rumour that he was romantically involved with Genevieve, ever
since she appeared in the 2010 video of his hit song, 'Fall in Love', the
singer said the actress had played a role in his success.
“Apart from the fact that she is my friend,
she has been a part of my success. There is no way you are going to tell my story
that Genevieve's name will not come up because she featured in my biggest song
of all time,Fall in Love. So if E True Story comes to Nigeria to interview me,
she will definitely be called upon to tell my story,” he said.
As if to confirm that there was
more to his relationship with the actress than he had always admitted, D'banj
added, “I would love to have Genevieve as my wife. We never can tell what God plans for us in
the future. I have studied her and I realised that anyone that has her as his
woman has found himself a treasure. Just like the Bible says, any man who finds
a wife, finds a good thing.”
Perhaps the fans and admirers of
the 'love birds' will have to brace themselves for a symbolic wedding of two of
the most celebrated artistes on this side of the globe in the nearest future.
Meanwhile, D'banj plans to celebrate the 10th
anniversary of his music career anytime in 2014. As expected, the singer aims
to roll out the proverbial drums to celebrate in style what he describes as the
overwhelming success of his foray into the Nigerian music scene.
The one-time harmonica wielding
artiste has, indeed, made tremendous progress in his career since his monster
hit, 'Tongolo' was released in 2004.
The artiste, who wormed his way
into the highly competitive international music market after signing on to
Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music in 2011, no doubt, has finally found his bearing as
an entertainer since he parted ways with Mo'Hits.
“So much has happened in the last
18 months and I am very thankful to God. By the Grace of God, I have remained
relevant for nearly a decade in the music industry and I have released hit
songs every year. Also, I am glad that I have been chosen to headline the
Hennessy Artistry this year. This is one brand that understands the importance
of aligning with the entertainment industry.
“My career is barely 10 years
old. But with the success I
have achieved so far, it feels like three decades already. Within my first 10
years as a musician, I have recorded the biggest song and shot the most viewed
music video of all time, 'Oliver Twist'. I must say I am humbled and getting
ready to take over,” he said.
Without mincing words, D'banj
noted that the history of his career and the resulting accomplishments will be
incomplete without mentioning his humble beginning with the defunct Mo'Hits
Records. The mere mention of his erstwhile colleagues, including Don Jazzy,
seemed to awaken nostalgic feelings in him.
“If I say I don't miss Don Jazzy, I am lying.
I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a
way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo'Hits: the family, the movement, and
the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments,
but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.
“Nevertheless we can always do
music together. The track, 'Top of the World' was produced by a Grammy Award
Winner. The songs 'Finally' and 'Don't Tell Me Nonsense' was produced by my
producer while 'Oliver Twist' was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won't I have
him on my 10 years anniversary album?
“I have never said I am a
musician; I am an entertainer. Some people say I can pick up a microphone and
become a comedian. Therefore nobody should come and ask if I want to go into
acting because they should know I am already an actor. It depends on when the
right script and concept lands in my hands.
“For now, I am concerned about
achieving new things and breaking new grounds. By the time I enter Hollywood, I
believe that I'll become as successful as I have been as a singer. The movie
titled 'I am Banga Lee', starring Genevieve, to be released in 2014, won't be a
bad idea,” He said.
It seems that the world is at the
Kokomaster's feet. Yet, he is not in denial of the fact that his fans in
Nigeria are his greatest assets.
“The Hennessey Artistry Tour afforded me the
opportunity to meet my fans here in Nigeria. I have not travelled across the
country in a long while because I am abroad all the time. Most of my fans
complained that they have not seen me since 2007 and I reallised that I need to
be in constant touch with my fans down here.”
Credit: Punch Newspaper
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