Dear Oyebanjo, Dapo Daniel AKA D’Banj,I am seated at a local
restaurant here at the university town of Nsukka, in Enugu State,
Nigeria, drinking a bottle of Fayrouz and listening to the sound of the
generator, which is the only source of electricity around here.I have
watched your latestmusic video. I went through the rigour last night. It
is the video of the song entitled “Don’t Tell Me Nonsense” and it was
awfully disgusting, the song, I mean. Kaffy and the rest of the dancers
didn’t disappoint in the video.
This is bad, I know, using awful and disgusting, in same sentence.
But that is what I feel about what I saw. Brother, D’Banj, a lot has
changed since you left your brother and hustle partner, Ajereh, Michael
Collins AKA Don Jazzy. Truth. Your songs have been nothing but trash. I
wonder if anyone has said anything nice to you since you started making
songs outside Don Jazzy. If they have, it must have been for that
singular hit song entitled ‘Oliver Twist.’ Kai! That song swept through
Nigeria and the rest of the world. You would not believe that the
ordinary child on the streets of Nsukka knows the lyrics of that song
and the dance steps too.In Nigeria, there are plenty factors that weigh
us down. One is our inability to manage our weaknesses. I see you have
been buying yourself expensive jewelleries.
The other day, I saw on a blog that you wear a wristwatch worth my
entire family and maybe inheritance. I commend your taste. You are a
lucky and hardworking man. You deserve it, besides; ‘Oliver Twist’ made
marks. It took the Nigerian music to a height that had never been seen
in recent times. Its toping charts, downloads, Youtube views and itunes
purchases are amongst the few things I can mention.Dear, D’Banj, Don
Jazzy may not be an ideal partner, I bet you, no one is an ideal
partner! Perfect couples quarrel and make up. It is the joy of having
such union. I believe misunderstanding is part of us, as humans.
I will run to the zoo the day I see a union that agrees on almost
everything.Back to your music, I feel Don Jazzy was made to make good
music with you. He may not only be your producer, but whatever input,
from advice, to production, will go a long way. Besides, he has been
miserable too, without you. I have seen his eyes in music videos. There
is one he did with Tiwa Savage. Ah, Tiwa. She looked dazzling, while Don
Jazzy looked wanting and dispirited. Tiwa may have a perfect voice but
Don Jazzy has not been able to achieve what he did with you. The other
boys, K-Switch, Wande Coal and the goody bag crooner, D’Prince are
unfortunate learners. They must be stark illiterates to have taken sides
when you guys parted.
I understand their ignorance. But my concern here is, if you wish
to stay relevant in the sight of Nigerians, making good music, and not
caressing a stripper on stage on your birthday, then you have to make
amends with Don Jazzy and understand that people argue because they are
beneficial to themselves.
Only dummies agree on everything. I think tribalism had a lot to
play in your split. It is a sad reality, if I am right. Tribalism will
eventually destroy Nigeria. Our young people think they belong to a
superior tribe and so make silly comments which sometimes bring about
misconception and then crisis. I once had a boss, who is Igbo, who felt
my tribe’s men were lazy, just because she came to my state and saw
a job and was privileged to be a high ranking staff. I have had people
who think those from the north should be gatekeepers and cobblers.
Someone called me a militant once in Abuja, at the Sheraton, when
he discovered I was from the Niger-Delta. I forgave his gross stupidity.
I think we should drink a cup of water when ignorant people say
rubbish about our personalities or flaws and relate it to tribe. You are
a great young man, D’Banj. Few people have attained the height you
have. I am encouraged to pursue what I am currently pursuing because I
know I will triumph. Your likes and that of 2Face Idibia, despite your
weaknesses are heroes. And you must recall that Kanye West met you
because he had heard good stuff from you. When nothing good manifests,
he may be forced to give you a new job description at Good Music, which
may be mopping of the floor of the studio. This evil will not befall
you.
If you believe it, type amen. D’Banj, pride is the worst enemy of
any man who wishes to last longer anywhere. A drop of arrogance may
work, but pride is detrimental. You were called the ‘entertainer’
because you offered entertainment. Today, Inyanya, Kcee, Flavour, Wizkid
and Davido are doing better. Imagine Burna-Boy, chai, that boy has some
senses oh. His music, even when he is talking nonsense makes you want
to sit and listen or dance to it, as the case may be. The only person
that is yet to outshine you is my dearest sister, Tontolet Dike. That
girl needs Jesus. I have to go back to my drink. I paid for it and it is
almost missing me. I enjoy your struggle or hustle, as you may choose
to call it. I wish to hear something profound from you. While awaiting
that miracle that only you can perform, I wish you the very best of
life.
Your admirer, Nwilo bura-Bari Vincent @saintvinny
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