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 latest music 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 Olorisupergal’s 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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