March 13, (THEWILL) – Popular Nigerian Singer, Dapo Oyebanji, otherwise known as D’banj, has revealed that he was once ignored by media entrepreneur and Kennis Music record label owner, Kenny Ogungbe, before he hit stardom.
D’banj was speaking to an audience with Ogungbe in attendance.
He said he had ran to Ogungbe while in traffic in Isolo, Lagos, handing him his demo CD. He said the record label boss only collected his CD and threw it on the seat.
He, however, said he won’t blame Ogungbe for the action, knowing better as a celebrated singer himself now.
“I was in Isolo, going to LASU in my 1990 Golf saloon car. I was driving on the other lane, before God and man, Baba Keke passed. I did what any young and upcoming singer would do.
“I turned my car and followed him. I parked my car and came out with my CD – that time I never meet Don Jazzy oh – I rush go baba car and knocked on the window looking like a traffic thief. I don’t even know my name then.”
“I kept knocking until he wound down the glass and I gave him my CD which he threw on the seat. Although, I got some calls later but shortly after, I got my visa to the UK where I met Don Jazzy and the story became history. But for even seeing him, inspired me.
“Now that I get such requests, I kind of understand his reaction then but at that time, I no understand oh.”
Ogungbe has been instrumental to the rise of many musicians in Nigeria including African Queen crooner, Innocent Idibia aka 2Baba.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
