Do I even say that everything
happened by sheer providence? I met D’banj and Don Jazzy about nine years ago
through Dumebi Kachikwu who introduced me to these two burgeoning artistes
then. When Kachukwu called me, l told him l was on a three-month maternity
leave and that l would give him my colleague’s number to call so he could
assist him with whatever they wanted to do. He insisted he wanted me on board;
that D’banj and Don Jazzy would meet me at home or where ever l wanted.
Bewildered but I braved the odd somehow. I told him l couldn’t leave my house
because my baby was pretty young and was still breastfeeding. However, l probed
a little further why Kachikwu wanted me to do an interview with them at all
cost which in my modest submission, anyone in my office could as well
prosecute. And I still have a strong presence of mind, don’t mind me, I just
don’t forget certain things. These were his exact words: ‘These guys are stars,
they are going to big mark my words’ and l asked: ‘Which star? Nobody knows
these your emergency stars o.’ l remarked jocularly. Kachukwu insisted that
they were stars and would be big soon in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Well, as a Christian, I know what the Bible says of our humble beginnings.
Kachikwu continued: “Azuka, l believe in these guys. They are talented, we must
support them, l really need you to come on board. You have to do this for me,
please.” He pleaded tenaciously. Words almost failed me. My curiosity swelled
almost to a crescendo as l pondered what was the might of these men who was
making Kachikwu plead this way. Now, this wasn’t about playing hard to get; l
just had a baby l wanted to spend time with her. It was my maternity leave but
Kachikwu’s constant calls and pleas to interview these guy took my resolve out
of the equation. I found myself shifting grounds against my will. Even Israel
Edjeren who was part of the project then was also harassing me with calls on
the other side to the extent he had to visit me at home apparently to know if I
was playing hard to get but they found out the truth anyway. The truth was my
baby was ‘shacking’ me as they say and she was all that mattered at that moment
of my solitude. Kachikwu had a valentine show coming up then tagged ‘History of
Love 101’ which had American stars like Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, Donell
Jones and 112 all performing on that day. Kachukwu wanted to give Dbanj and Don
Jazzy a bigger platform to perform with these artistes. D’banj and Don Jazzy
finally came to my house the next day. I was even breastfeeding my baby when
they came, they waited patiently amid some very exciting hobnobs. They were so
cool, impressively affable and felt so relaxed in my house that was inside one
bush corner like that at Akoka. I noticed D’banj was the talkative like me and
the extrovert while Don Jazzy had this sweet smile. He seldom talked. He just
listened to me and D’banj. They even gave my baby some monetary gift, saying
that in African culture they don’t see a new baby without giving him or her a
gift. In no time, we became not just friends, but like family members. We
exchanged numbers and called one another whether it mattered or not and our
‘gists’ would drag on forever. Their first major interview in Nigeria was done
by me. It was a three-page interview spread, no newspaper in Nigeria will ever
do that for an upcoming music group.
But l guess God and luck were on my
side when l convinced my editor to give them that spread and he obliged. He was
not into entertainment like me, but he trusted my judgment on the industry. I
didn’t attend the concert but heard it was a success. After that Kachukwu
called again insisting he wanted stories on them in the papers every passing
week. Of course, l told him it was not possible except they were doing any show
or something special. So, l monitored their progress even when my leave was
over l visited them at home in Maryland, Lagos a number of times. On the other
side, Kachukwu was investing heavily on them financially. He spent money buying
them exotic cars like the BMW Dbanj and Jazzy rode to my house, can’t remember
what year but it was so low to the ground and looks like a racing car, pardon
me, lam not into cars. He loved this duo that later metamorphosed to Mo’hits.
Authoritatively, I can tell that he financed their first trip to America. He
made sure he introduced them to all his rich friends who invited them for gigs
and paid them heavily to perform, as the Mo’hits grew in fortune and fan base,
they gradually started manifesting their ‘true colours’. Now, permit me to rest
the innuendos. I could help people grow without desecrating the fine ethos of
journalism. I discern the lines whenever I inch towards them. Finally, we fell
out when l did a critic on Koko Mansion which l felt was a debasement to
womanhood. And D’banj was billed to perform at Genevive Pink ball but did not.
l was there and wrote about it. When it was published, understandably, hell was
let loose. Immediately, Dbanj and Don Jazzy stopped taking my calls. By the
way, it still beats me that anything under the sun would be powerful enough to
tear Don Jazzy and D’banj apart. They operated like twins, if you hurt Don
Jazzy, you also hurt D’banj, if you hurt D’banj just be ready to face Don Jazzy
with a shield. Literally speaking, theirs was like a bond completed in heaven.
So strong was it that Don Jazzy had a greater influence on D’banj than anybody,
let alone anyone else. Anyway, back to my story, Toyin Subair, who was the
brain behind the show and a very good friend was peeved beyond description
about my article but l honestly didn’t understand their anger. Did they expect
me to say that D’banj performed at the Genevive Pink ball when he did not? When
I got the hint that they felt terrible about my report, I tried to reach out to
them to explain. Remember, I still supposed we were friends but all efforts
proved abortive and that consequently soured the once chummy relationship. I am
naturally not a bitter person. So l moved on until l met Dbanj again at an
event in Kenya. We were all supposed to stay in the same hotel, but immediately
he sighted me, he told the promoters of the event that he would not perform
unless I was sent back to Nigeria and that l was his number one enemy. In fact,
his former P.A. Chuchu and manager, Bankulli, kept threatening me. I ignored
them and for the first time, l insulted D’banj. l was tired of his petty and
childish behaviours, so l gave it to him fire for fire, while the D Prince,
Jazzy’s younger brother and Ramsey Noah where on that trip watched the drama
closely . And I dared them to advance with their threats. The promoters of the
show tried to intervene and they ended up taking me to another location where I
passed the night. When l got back to Nigeria, l did my report and wrote about
how D’banj shut down Kenya, which was the truth and l never mentioned the fight
and harassment from Chuchu and Bankulli. That same day my phone rang, it was
D’banj. He loved the article and he apologized to me and he even said we should
hook up at some point. He told me to save his phone number and call him
anytime, but l never did till date. I later ran into him and Don Jazzy at
events and we exchanged pleasantries. I follow both of them on instagram at
least to keep tab on their works. Celebrating 10 years of fame and infamy If
you ask me, I’d say that D’banj’s 10th anniversary could have been more
glorious if he’d invited people who supported his career through the years when
nobody knew him, especially Don Jazzy. Well, let’s set off the chronicle. The
show was supposed to start by 7pm, but l got there by 8pm. l had a flat tire
and l was hungry too. When l got there, l called Dayo Showemimo of the Netng. l
wanted to quickly eat the ‘mama put’ rice l bought in his car knowing well that
l might not get anything to eat since my ticket was a regular one. But l got
tickets for drinks. I had my ‘Baba dudu’ candies too in case l feel like
chewing anything inside the hall. Even by 10 pm, nobody was allowed into the
hall as people hunged around, no popular face or a big celebrity had arrived
either. At the red carpet, TV presenters were passing time by merely chatting
away the night as they waited patiently for the colorful guests they could
interview. When l was approached, l politely refused because l don’t do red
carpet interviews. I’d only had to maybe once or twice in the past, but l will
pose for pictures if l have to because l am so obsessed with that. l don’t
waste time uploading them on Instagram and Facebook. By 11.50 pm, the hall was
finally opened. Kemi Adetiba was the first face l recognized. l loved her
sequins skirt as it shimmered noticeably in the hall. Adetiba is a fun loving
woman.
She danced while she also waited patiently like everyone else. By this
time the hall was still empty, l mean practically empty, l saw Toolz Oniru in a
light brown knee length dress as usual displaying her voluminous curves, l like
her because she carries herself well and l also like her body. I stood directly
opposite the stage where l thought Amber Rose would twerk and give us an
experience to last a lifetime. l made sure l took a vantage position where
nothing would obstruct my access to every bit of the soiree. Later l recognized
Mubarak, the photographer, and we exchanged pleasantries. l saw Aremo Segun
Oniru and Tee Billz, they sat next to each other. Tiwa Savage was also in the
building, l guess she probably wanted to seat in a corner where people will not
harass her for photo-up, l didn’t see her though but l was told. Aremu Oniru
and Teeblizz sat under a VVIP cabana directly opposite the stage l suspect that
was where Amber Rose would sit before she would go on stage. At this point, my
feet were aching l could have gone to meet Jojo and Akin at their VVIP corner,
but l knew l might miss out some enchanting scenes, so l endured. By 12pm,
nothing was still happening; just a few guests that you could count on your
finger tips. At this point, my mind started racing with many rhetorical
questions. One of them was ‘where are the stars from Nollywood, the comedians
and the music industry?’ l only saw Seyi Law. Didn’t they know it was
Bangalee’s special day? Kemi Adetiba was still dancing and enjoying herself.
That’s the spirit: make yourself happy and have fun at every point in time with
or without an Amber Rose. Jimmie of Beat FM: A Saving Grace Jimmie Akinsola, He
anchors sports extra on Beat FM. It probably won’t suffice for D’banj to just
hand the MC his fee, he should appreciate him specially. The first time l saw
Jimmie on stage was at the 2014 Headies Award. l had asked about him. He was so
good, and when he introduced the hosts of the event, it was seamless and
natural. He is a good host and a good hype man. He saved Dbanj’s party, to be
frank. l still don’t know how to classify the event. He kept making the very
boring and dull atmosphere come alive, supported by music supplied by Dj
Exclusive and Dj Spinall. Jimmie kept screaming Dbanj’s new nickname ‘Eja Nla’
so much to the anger of a guest by my table where l stood, who malliciously
asked: ‘Which yeye Eja Nla (big fish)? Dbanj is now a Titus or abi na shawa
fish’ We couldn’t help but laugh at that. By 12.25am, Uzoma Dozie, the managing
director of Diamond Bank and his wife, Adesuwa, after waiting almost endlessly
for D’banj and his special guest, Amber Rose, left. Shortly after, l saw Ayona,
and her husband, Philip Trimmell, strolling out at 1.02am. l guess they were
home bound too. The hall was still empty. I sighted Praiz in his all round
black bespoke outfit designed by Jasonporshe. He was so dapper. He was my best
dressed male that night. Timaya strolled in too, Shaydee, Teckno and Banky W
who carried himself in a noble demeanor. Lynxxx was so casually dressed like
who is taking a walk in the park with his bae. I saw Chris Obosi and his wife
walking around and I could easily sense that they were also tired of waiting
and were probably thinking of leaving when Jimmie started announcing that Eja
Nla and madam Amber Rose were about to step in. Excited and Happy ‘Eja Nla’
When Dbanj walked in with Amber Rose hand in hand like a couple walking down
the aisle, Eja Nla was so happy and you could tell that he had a butterfly in
him while feeling he’d achieved a great feat by standing side by side with
Amber Rose. Lo and behold, they both walked into a practically empty hall. I am
sure Amber Rose would be wondering why the hall was that empty. Didn’t Dbanj
tell Nigerians she was storming their entertainment hub? Dbanj, Koko Master,
Bangerlee or is it Eja Nla was just shaking like a jelly all over Amber and you
would think he stood by one decent super star, well l think she is one in her
own world and they walked straight to where Aremu Oniru sat. I stood directly
opposite them and watched as D’banj faked a chatty friendship with Amber Rose
who pretended to be flowing with him because of the cool cash breathing in her
account back in the United States. At this point, l asked myself: what did
Amber Rose come to do in Nigeria? What would her presence do to D’banj’s
sinking image and career? Who advised D’banj to go on such a project? How the
Anniversary Party Should Have Been Held D’banj, no doubt is one of the big
names in the entertainment industry, not only in Nigeria but in Africa. He is
loved and adored by many. Fame took a rush on his career and D’banj probably
saw himself on the same pedestal with big American acts like Kanye West. Of
course, he did everything to be with Kanye West which ended up in shame with
all the noise about being signed on to G.O.O.D Music after wasting so many
months in America. At the end of the day, he was relegated to playing a ‘waka
pass’ role in one of Kanye’s videos. l remember when l ran into him and
Bankulli on a British Airways flight to the Cannes in south of France, he
wouldn’t even talk to me. He was so cold that Bankulli was so embarrassed and
immediately became his mouth piece; answering every question on his behalf. I
just thought this dude needs to grow up, l just laughed at his behavior, l was
not upset because l already know how he operates. When it comes to fighting and
keeping malice, he is worst than a woman. l was going to attend the Cannes Film
Festival and he was catching a flight to attend the premiere of Kanye West’s
movie. Anyway, l think Dbanj should have celebrated his 10th anniversary on
stage by giving back to the music community and to the country whose fans made
him. He should have had a black tie event. Where family, close friends and not
ass lickers (that is if he still has close friends),the big wigs in their
Nigeria entertainment industry, his contemporaries, young and old will come on
stage and tell the world how he has inspired their career, sing any of his hit
songs or sing a tribute song specially composed for him. D’banj loves
everything America, so by now he should have seen how BET organizes such events
for their big stars or legends and not spend hard earned money bringing Amber
Rose, who is nowhere near a role model but a glorified stripper who felt too
big to twerk but ordered her ‘assistant’ like Dominic to twerk for sponsors
like Diamond Bank and made his guests look stupid because everybody who came
wanted to see Amber Rose twerk. Two lies D’banj told was that Amber will host
his show, she never did, for the host of the show was Jimmie of Beats FM, and
she also did not twerk like the impression D’banj gave. D’banj should have
played the role of a god-father by inviting budding artistes like Runtown, Kiss
Daniel, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Dija (l call them the Mavin babies that is
if Don Jazzy will release them though) Brain, Skales, B-Red, Lil Kesh and
Teckno. The list goes on. These chaps would come and rivet all on how D’banj
has inspired their careers. And if he wants a big star to host his event, we
have Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw or Omotola
Jalade-Ekeinde who are people’s delight any day. They will be supported by my
new favorite anchor man, Jimmie, he will soon be my ‘man crush’ after Phyno, we
would have had a beautiful and memorable night; biko. He would have promised an
unknown artist a record label deal in his newly formed Bangalee family; though
we are yet to hear any singles from the ones on board. Does D’banj have an
inferiority complex problem even as big as he is in Africa? Why does he think
being in American will put him a better and a bigger platform? Why doesn’t he
think of ruling Africa and let the likes of Kanye West, that he was one time
chasing around, Jay Z, John Legend and Common search for him? Why does he think
these American stars are better than him? Now he has brought in Amber Rose,
only God knows how much she got paid just for seven minutes on stage, to do
what now? This is exactly what Darey Art Alade did too with Kim Kadashian. What
is wrong with all these dudes? Meanwhile, ex- presidents like Bill Clinton will
visit and give lectures. They will stay till the end of the events and the
shallow and empty ones just spend three to seven minutes on stage doing nothing
yet they are heavily paid. D’banj and co please give back to your society who
made you and stop wasting money on these American stars who don’t give a hoot
about you. Now when Kim Kadarshian was getting married to Kanye in Paris, did
she remember that Darey Art-Alade paid her so much money to be at his show? Did
she send him an invite? And what about Kanye West did he remember to send
D’banj an invite for his wedding? Nigerian artistes should please stop
worshiping these guys and build their brands. Nigerian artistes are so big and
talented, maybe the best after American artistes in the world. And that’s why l
like P-Square. Can’t D’banj take a simple cue from his contemporaries like
P-Square and 2baba, Flavour and J Martins who are making cool millions all over
Africa? I heard with all the money he has made all through his career he is
still living in a rented property like me, while P-Square, 2face even the Dr
Sid (whom he kept accusing broke Mo’hits up) is happily settled in his career,
marriage and has moved to his personal house. I am still not married so l have
no moral ground to question why he is still single. When Dbanj is sober he
should ask himself what was the significance of bringing Amber Rose to Nigeria?
l think among all the celebrated women he dated, he lost a good woman in
Jennifer Obayuwana, a kind hearted hardworking and supportive woman. I am sure
he secretly regrets losing the newly engaged Jennifer, a smart guy called Peter
has taken over that jewel. Who knows? Jennifer may be secretly thanking God the
affair ended. Diamond Bank’s Misadventure What is wrong with some of our
financial corporate institutions? Why would Diamond Bank be involved in the
sponsorship of bringing Amber Rose to Nigeria or did they just pay for a cabana
for their executive staff? If an upcoming act approaches them for just hundred
thousand naira loan to pay for his studio session in order to release his
single, will they assist him? Why did a supposedly conservative bank like
Diamond Bank in the first place want to be associated with anything that has to
do with bringing Amber Rose to Nigeria, to even do what in the first place?
What good has Amber Rose visit done to the Nigerian entertainment industry or
morals conveyed to the teeming Nigerian youths? Does Diamond not have a proper
PR department? Didn’t they do a research of what Amber Rose does or represents?
We don’t want our daughters to start thinking they can be professional
strippers. Everyday in the papers, people solicit for funds to treat cancer or
one form of ailments or the other. How many of these patients get help? They’d
rather approve funds to bring Amber Rose to Nigeria. To do what? Did Diamond woman
even sponsor last year’s Genevieve Pinkball? but they loved to be associated
with Amber Rose and the other sponsors, goodluck to you all. There are so many
young fashion designers from less privileged homes or even artistes, why can’t
they invest their money on them? One won’t be surprised if some girls start
twerking publicly at parties from this point on as they think it is right
especially now that respected corporate institutions don’t see anything wrong
in it, why won’t they start twerking like Amber Rose? If D’banj wanted some
ladies twerking for him, he could have gone to isa le eko or idumota and fish
for those Yoruba girls who are local dancers, they twerk well too, is it not
all about a woman rolling and shaking her butt? …
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