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 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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