Who is D'banj?
Twenty-four year old D’banj is a London-based Nigerian singer and songwriter, as well as a harmonica master and a charismatic stage performer with boundless energy. D’banj grew up listening to music by Fela Kuti (“My great mentor.”) and has performed at Femi Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, as well as the Shrine Synchro System’s regular London night at Cargo and the Black President (The Art & Legacy of Fela Kuti) concert series at the Barbican in London. Without ever turning into a mere carbon copy of his hero D’banj brings Afrobeat to life and into the 21st century with breathless enthusiasm, as well as a good dose of humour. He vows that all of his songs are based on true stories of his own life, often hilarious, but also with a deeper meaning which documents the struggle of a young African trying to achieve his dreams – in his case is to be a successful artist/musician (D’banj: “D’banj is music, music is D’banj”). D’banj performs in Yoruba, English and, like his hero Fela Kuti, in Pidgin (broken) English, and has performed his songs as a special guest at various JJC & 419 Squad shows including this year’s WOMAD Rivermead. Whilst being a charming, easy-going and humble young man, D’banj has just one ambition: to be the biggest living African artist in the world. With his first single and video “Mobolowowon (Mo Ti Ja)”, an infectious Afrobeat tune with a juju edge, out very soon, and his debut album in the works, this ambition could soon turn into reality. |
Listen to my music
To hear an extract of one of D'banj's tracks go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/africaonyourstreet/jjc_aug04.shtml(then go to 'Recommended CDs' and scroll down) |
