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 latestmusic 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, Ifeel 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
No comments:
Post a Comment