Nigeria’s D’Banj: That’s Mr. Endowed To You
The Entertainer Takes A Bow
A common complaint about African hip hop is that it imitates American hip hop too closely. But there are sounds coming out of West Africa that are both definitely hip hop and unmistakeably African. In Nigeria especially, the sound of the clubs and the airwaves is decidedly un-American. It’s an unspeakably infectious fusion of R&B, dancehall, and hip hop, driven by African rhythms and drenched in Auto-Tune. Everything about it is excessive in a way that makes American Top 40 hip hop look measured and precious. And if that offends certain Western sensibilities — all the more reason for some people to embrace it.
Without a doubt, that’s one reason British kids are dancing to it. The UK’s DJ Abrantee has coined the term Afrobeats to describe what is going on, and is helping to popularize the sound in England. Another reason they’re dancing to it is that the Afrobeats are hard to resist. Proof: American hip hop wants in. There’s been a flurry of Nigeria-US collaborations, signings, and co-signings, but if one artist is poised to carry the banner for the burgeoning scene it’s Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, AKA D’Banj. He’s earned it.
The Lagos-based Nigerian vocalist and harmonica player (Yes.) slings some of the most dangerous hooks on any continent. Over his career his albums have become more Western-leaning in their tone. Or rather, exemplifying that best of what Afrobeats means, his music has evolved into a more potent fusion of pop, R&B, club-friendly hip hop, and Nigerian flavor. His rock solid third album, The Entertainer, released in 2008, marks the arrival of a globally accessible and globally informed sound.
His charisma and knack for cranking out hits has made him a superstar at home. His gifts have also made him one of the most in-demand artists leading the new Nigerian vanguard abroad.
In 2011, together with his producer and Mo’ Hits label founder Don Jazzy, he signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music record label, following a chance meeting with West in Dubai. The high-profile signing might be the culmination of a trend for Naija-US fraternizing — but it’s also the culmination of hard work and a steady climb for the 31 year-old artist. Earlier in the year, he collaborated with Snoop Dogg on a remix and video for his hit single “Mr. Endowed.” The move presaged a rising profile, but before all that, he was winning prestigious music awards on three continents: Several MTV Africa awards, Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2007, and Best International Artist: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards.
D’Banj is certifiably on of the biggest stars you’ve never heard of. But that situation is subject, and increasingly likely, to change. His KokoKoncert in London in 2011 was a celebratory event that saw him sharing that stage with ‘Ye, and now his US live debut with his label’s collective group Mo’ Hits Allstars is coming in February. Just, don’t be surprised if you start hearing about him even sooner.
Corrections: This article erroneously stated that the artist was based in London and released The Entertainer in 2011. Thanks to commenters Oladoye Olusegun Bolade and OluwaMayowa Idowu for the fact-check.
