Lasun Alagbe
‘You don make me fall in love’ singer, D’Banj, has unleashed all his creative and business muscle on the scene as he releases his fifth album titled ‘The Entertainer – D’Sequel’. He is not joking with what can be termed his comeback bid as he parades some superstars on the album, thus imbuing the effort with swift artistic and business calculations.
Among whose voices grace ‘The Entertainer – D’Sequel’, which marks his 20th year on stage, are Wyclef Jean, Congolese icon, Late Fela Kuti’s Egypt ’80 Band, Awilo Logomba, Youssou N’Dour, American star Akon, South African megastar and NBC’s The Voice sensation, Chechi Sarai.
D’Banj, whose limelight began to shake since around the time he left the defunct Mo’Hits, seems to be saying that even if you do not like one voice, you will like the other as he tries to harness the fans and leverages of his fellow big guys.
The ‘Mo bo lowo won singer’ is one of the artistes who opened the doors of the current prosperity that defines much of Nigerian music as he had energised the stage with hits and theatrics that penetrated the globe. He had released some other works after he parted with beat and fortune maker Don Jazzy, but they did not really hit the central cord. While he had, however, dug deeper into other entrepreneurial endeavours, he appears to be bent on re-asserting his boisterous talent; hence the return with the new album.
According to statement, ‘The Entertainer – D’Sequel’ is a follow-up to his 2008 magnum opus, ‘The Entertainer’ It also includes collaborations with Nigerian musicians, Phyno, Timaya, Kayswitch, Zlatan, Peruzzi, Bhadboi Oml and Chuchu Lee. As part of his legacy to mentor and showcase the next big talents, D’Banj also featured Specikinging off his talent discovery project, Cream Platform.
Sharing his excitement, D’Banj said, “Life is a maze of self-discovery and my new album, ‘The Entertainer – D’Sequel’ confirms this truth to me. It’s a true reflection of my growth as an artist and my continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of African music. The past 20 years have been an incredible ride, and I am grateful for the support and love I have received. I am thrilled to share this new chapter in my musical journey with my fans.”
Propelled by a partnership with the creative powerhouse, The Temple Company and leading music company, gamma, D’Banj continues his 20-year on stage milestone with a series of intimate live performances and concerts across major cities around the world. He will also connect with fans via exclusive meet-and-greet events, mentoring sessions, and engaging thought-leadership interactions.
Speaking on the album, Sipho Dlamini, President, Africa & Middle East, gamma, said, “The only way we grow and conquer the global music market as Africans, is by understanding that no one wins alone. Having the honour to work with African giants like D’banj – my brother, the team at Temple, Idris, Larry Gaaga – my twin and Yemisi – my sister, is the start of something big. Not just for Nigeria or West Africa – but for whole continent.Go out and stream this album.. Let’s show the world that Africa is ready to lead.”
Following the release of the album, the superstar also dishes out a remarkable video for the lead single, “Koko” which is available on YouTub
