D’banj unveils story behind his new album, ‘Entertainer D’Sequel’

Nigerian music icon D’Banj recently hosted an exclusive album listening party at the W Bar Lounge in Ikoyi, Lagos, drawing a crowd of top artists and celebrities. 

The event, which was packed with notable names like Phyno, Bella Shmurda, Odumodu Black, DJ Neptune, Larry Gaga, and DJ Spinall, offered guests a unique glimpse into the creative process behind D’Banj’s latest 13-track project, ‘The Entertainer D’Sequel’.

During a candid session with Joey, the host of ‘The Listening Room’, D’Banj delved into the stories and inspirations behind the album.

The event was a collaboration between DKM, DB Records, Temple Company, and gamma, and it attracted stars like Gideon Okeke, Ehis Dadaboi, Sunday Are, Osi Suave, Mimi Onalaja, Jimmie Akinsola, VJ Adams, Bisola Bata, Damilola Ogunsi, Avala, Iyabo Ojo, and Keturah King.

Supported by corporate giants such as Pepsi, Glenfiddich, Legend Twist, and Belaire, the night was a celebration of music and legacy.

Reflecting on the journey, D’Banj remarked that his original album, ‘The Entertainer’,was the truest reflection of who he was at that time.

“At the time, ‘The Entertainer’ was the best representation of me. I always told people that I was not a musician; I’m an entertainer. Listening to that album, you’ll see it’s everything I stand for,” he said.

The conversation about the album’s creative processes between Joey and D’Banj on stage was robust and showed the singer’s mastery of his art. DJ Crowdkontroller punctuated the session with track-by-track rotation of album which threw the entire floor into a party mood.

Celebrating his 20 years in the industry, D’banj likened the sequel to an updated version of his earlier work.

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“Fast forward to now, especially as I am celebrating the 20 years anniversary, I thought to just go back and pick up what I am best known for and present it to the world. It’s like an updated iOS. ‘The Entertainer: D’Sequel’ is me presenting that updated iOS.”

He also discussed his latest single, ‘Koko’. “The word koko is taken from my journey 20 years ago, with ‘Tongolo’ being the first single.

I realised that in those 20 years, koko has meant different things to me at different times. What it meant in 2004 isn’t what it means today. Knowing that I was going to celebrate 20 years of my journey, I just had to get myself in that frame.”

On his collaborations, D’banj expressed his admiration for fellow artistes. “There were people that were inspiring me as a young African artiste trying to do it in 2004.

The likes of Awilo, Wyclef Jean, Akon, and Youssou N’Dour. Wyclef has always been a legend, mentor, and supporter of the culture. He has always encouraged and collaborated with us throughout the years.” Other collaborators on the album include Phyno, Timaya, Kayswitch, Zlatan, Chechi Sarai, Peruzzi, Egypt 80 band among others.