D' Banj Trevor Griffiths: iDeLick Media

A Conversation with Dbanj and Mo'Hits all Stars

Saturday, 27 August 2011 Olakumbi Akiwumi
As I was ushered in to the interview room my mind was ticking so fast I thought it was going to blow but thankfully it didn't. Instead I sat down and composed myself and patiently waited for my cue to start the interview process. I started with the question everybody was dying to know, what is 'Oliver Twist' all about??? 'Oliver Twist' which is the new single from Dbanj has been getting mixed reviews and as animated as the group were they answered by saying that the title is self explanatory to which Dr. Sid so kindly laid out the lyrics, sarcastically and clearly. In my opinion the song isn't to my taste. Personally I felt that if any new music was going to be released in anticipation for the album it should have been a banger. One that would raise eyebrows as well as get the leg shaking and then some, strong introduction to a comeback was needed especially as the track was produced by Don Jazzy as a fan I expected more. However as we continued on speaking we landed on the subject of the recent collaboration with International Rapper and Fashion Icon Kanye West who signed Dbanj to his record label 'Good Music'. The subject seemed to have lit up the room as it is a great achievement within the African Music industry. Having been a fan of Kanye West to then be a part of his 'musical family' is undoubtedly a dream come true, sincerely Dbanj quoted "to whom much is given much is expected". Which I felt was timing in this case as 'the people' are waiting to see what will come out of this conjunction.

In leading to the subject of 'Good Music' Dbanj excitedly told the story of how he first met Kanye West in Dubai and just simply approaching him and sharing his thoughts and music with him and from there as they say was history. It was his confidence and determination that got him the recognition to which he is receiving now. It was explained that Don Jazzy and Dbanj had been working with Kanye West before the revealing of their joining the label via Twitter and a video on Youtube. Casually I directed my attention to Wande Coal, in the eyes of many he is over shadowed as his talent is so immense. I was curious to know when he would be releasing something fresh for our ears, in a relaxed manner he answered with 'wait and see' added by an comment from his co-member Dbanj who said 'Did you know he already has a song with Wizkid?, just wait and see, he is coming with something soon'. As predicted the answer received was already known but not disappointed as the song referred to shows that Wande Coal still has the potential to have a great album. In light of this, the man behind the lyrics, the beat maker Don Jazzy whom is exceptionally gifted in playing instruments with a memory much better than a fish, gave a quick lesson on how he makes his beats. In his reserved tone and cool manner he explained that if any instrument was put in front of him it would take much less than 30 mins for him to master it, this also helps with his compositions. It's fair to say Don Jazzy isn't just a producer he is also a musician.

I had to pose some questions related to fashion as we are a fashion publication. Dbanj is seen as a stylish man and has a unique attraction to sunglasses. So in anticipation for my interest in regards to fashion he eagerly asked if I wanted to know anything about him and his fashion, however when the question was posed as to what inspired his outfit he was unable to answer it with a cheeky grin he smiled and laughed it off. However he did go on to speak of his sunglasses. According to Dbanj and his team he has a plethora of sunglasses and speaking about them will take forever but he did mention that he's glasses compliment his so thought together outfits. As we rounded up our conversation the manager of the team shared a few words of understanding so we knew where the artists were coming from. Having been managing them for a few years now Sunday explained that it is discipline and determination that has carried the team to where they are now. In his opinion putting God first in their business and daily life accounts for their achievements as well as their hard work , although they have bad habits to which can cost them at times, Sunday expresses that within the industry they are in having that sense of reality and humbleness is a necessity. In the end we took a few pictures, made a few jokes and got to see these young talented men in their element revelling in what they have worked hard for and I for one can't blame them.

On 29th August – Bank Holiday Monday they will be gracing the stage at the Hammersmith Apollo for one night only. Giving you the best of what they have in Personality, entertainment and off course Afro-Beat/Afro-Pop.

Artists recognotion...

Dbanj - wearing a white and black shirt with sunglasses, Don Jazzy - wearing an all in blue with necklace in red and black, K- switch - wearing a black sequence top, Dr. Sid - wearing a beige jacket, Wande Coal  - wearing  white glasses with headphones, D- prince wearing a black suit jacket and the manager Sunday - in a burgandy ankara all in one.

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2 comments

  • Comment Link Rottimmy Saturday, 27 August 2011 posted by Rottimmy

    Well done Ola... Nice one, keep it up

  • Comment Link Rottimmy Saturday, 27 August 2011 posted by Rottimmy

    Nice one Kumbi... well done

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