D’Banj’s Album Listening: Phyno, Odumodu Black, Bella Smurda, Others Turn Up

Nigerian music icon, D’Banj held a star-studded an album listening session recently at the W Bar Lounge, Ikoyi, Lagos attracting artistes such as Phyno, Bella Shmurda, Odumodu Black, DJ Neptune, Larry Gaga, DJ Spinall among others.

The packed audience got a front row peek into the fascinating mind of the Koko Master as he sat down with Joey, host of The Listening Room to unravel the riveting backstories behind his 13-track new album, The Entertainer D’Sequel.

Powered by DKM and DB Records in partnership with Temple Company and gamma, the event drew other celebrities such as Gideon Okeke, Ehis Dadaboi, Sunday Are, Osi Suave, Mimi Onalaja, Jimmie Akinsola, VJ Adams, Bisola Bata, Damilola Ogunsi, Avala, Iyabo Ojo and Keturah King.

The ceremony was also backed by corporate heavyweights such as Pepsi, Glenfiddich, Legend Twist and Belaire among others.

While reflecting on the significance of the original album, D’Banj stated, “At the time, ‘The Entertainer’ was the best representation of me. I always told people that I was not a musician; I’m an entertainer. Listening to that album, you’ll see it’s everything I stand for.”

The conversation about the album’s creative processes between Joey and D’Banj on stage was robust and showed the singer’s mastery of his art.

DJ Crowdkontroller punctuated the session with track-by-track rotation of album which threw the entire floor into a party mood.

As he celebrates 20 years in the industry, D’banj likened the sequel to an updated version of his earlier work.

“Fast forward to now, especially as I am celebrating the 20 years anniversary, I thought to just go back and pick up what I am best known for and present it to the world. It’s like an updated iOS. ‘The Entertainer: D’Sequel’ is me presenting that updated iOS.”

He also discussed his latest single, ‘Koko’. “The word koko is taken from my journey 20 years ago, with ‘Tongolo’ being the first single. I realised that in those 20 years, koko has meant different things to me at different times. What it meant in 2004 isn’t what it means today. Knowing that I was going to celebrate 20 years of my journey, I just had to get myself in that frame.”

On his collaborations, D’banj expressed his admiration for fellow artistes. “There were people that were inspiring me as a young African artiste trying to do it in 2004. The likes of Awilo, Wyclef Jean, Akon, and Youssou N’Dour. Wyclef has always been a legend, mentor, and supporter of the culture. He has always encouraged and collaborated with us throughout the years.”

Other collaborators on the album include Phyno, Timaya, Kayswitch, Zlatan, Chechi Sarai, Peruzzi, Egypt 80 band among others.