Estelle hops on Naija superstar, and GOOD Music signee, D’banj‘s 2k11 summer hit “Oliver Twist.” She shouts out her British bloke Tinie Tempah, and American boys Kanye West and Usher, but nothing can compare to the best ’round here… my African boys no matter where dey from. Stream and grab it below!
Mo’ Hits all-star D’Banj was joined on stage by none other than Kanye West during a recent gig at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Kanye’s been looking out for D’Banj since adding him and producer Don Jazzy to his G.O.O.D. Music roster. The two — plus ‘Ye’s abundant entourage — had the crowd roaring to the MBDTF standout “All of the Lights.” Top three reasons to watch this clip: 1) D’Banj’s harmonica intro 2) Kanye might not have changed clothes since the VMA’s 3) The crowning ceremony at the end where Yeezy gifts D’Banj his gold chain.
It’s official, looks like one of Nigeria’s top pops, D’banj of Mo’Hits Records has signed to Kanye West’s label, G.O.O.D. Music, along with Mo’Hits Don Jazzy. (We had posted the video of D’banj + Don Jazzy signing the papers with Kanye, however over the weekend this vid was made “private”). The news comes on the heals of Dbanj’s twitter just the other day, “Just like yesterday myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7yrs later Mo’ Hits signs with Good Music. Best birthday gift ever. God thank u.” Such a collaboration will be a huge thrust for the Nigerian artist, situating him to become one of Nigeria’s most famous contemporary artists – and hopefully breaking him here in the West. Check out the video above for D’banj’s biggest hit to date, “Fall In Love” ft. Genevieve.
This year’s BET Awards nominations are in and the line up for Best International Act: Africa includes a nice variety of styles and countries. Nigeria is represented by two nominees, R&B stars 2Face Idibia and D’Banj, who you might recognize from his recent collaboration with Snoop Dogg. Another nominee, D-Black is repping Ghana, while Fally Ipupa was nominated out of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rounding out the 6 member nomination list are Angelique Kidjo of Benin (the list’s only female) and Teargas, a 3 member group out of South Africa. The show will air live on Sunday June 26th so tune in to see who wins! Get some more info on the nominees and the awards show here. Photos of the nominees after the jump.
Nigerian rapper D’Banj recently released the “So Endowed” remix feat Snoop Dogg (video above), in what has to be one of the most high profile collaborations between an domestically based African rapper and an American rapper. The track is produced by Don Jazzy, owner of Mo’ Hits Records, who is now rumored to be working on a collaboration with Kanye West, and potentially Jay-Z and Beyonce as well. “So Endowed” remix is a relatively predictable song about money (and other indulgences) with a catchy up tempo, afro-style beat that is sure to be a hit in the clubs. Regardless of how you feel about the song, this is without question a major step up in exposure for African hip hop. After the jump, check out a short segment from MTV Base featuring behind the scenes footage from the video shoot and interviews with D’Banj.
It’s clear from his Afrobeat infused music that D’banj is a disciple of Fela Kuti, but the Nigerian singer supplements his influences with an infectious humor and a high energy charisma. D’banj’s music makes you want to dance and party even when his music is peppered with autobiographical tales of struggle. Everything about D’banj, including his mastery of the harmonica, brings his style of Afrobeat into the 21st century. Now that he’s been signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. music, expect to see more Afrobeat invade American airwaves.
Win Tickets To See D’Banj Live In NYC
Nigerian superstar, Mo’ Hits Records all-star and Kanye West‘s newly signed G.O.O.D. Music artist D’Banj will play a rare New York City show at Irving Plaza on Sunday, February 19. Tickets are on-sale now, but you know Okayafrica‘s got the hook-up for a few of you!
We’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets for D’banj and Mo’ Hits’ NYC show, all you gotta do is join our newsletter below — use your real e-mail, that’s where we’ll notify you if you won! Head below for a promo clip from The Koko Master himself and check out the flyer for more details on the show. Watch D’banj’s video for “Fall In Love ft. Genevieve” above.
ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO D’BANJ AND MO’ HITS IN NYC
D’Banj and Mo’ Hits
Live at Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003
Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 at 8:00 PM