D'Banj shows love to fans sings in the rain

In entertainment musical circles, the most popular act is often times the last to perform. As the headlining act, the anticipation of watching the performance keeps the crowd till the end of the show. 
One of Nigeria’s most popular hip hop artistes, D’Banj, headlined the Awka leg of Nigeria’s biggest musical in-country tour – Star Trek. And he performed last. The clouds had gathered as D’Banj stepped on stage to the admiration of screaming fans who had gathered to watch Nigeria’s best thrill them.
He dragged hip-hop artiste, Ikechukwu to the Marble Arch, Abakaliki, venue of the concert. Several minutes into his performance the clouds gave way to rain. With the exception of a few who scampered for cover, majority of the crowd did not leave the ground. They had gathered in pockets early in the day expressing doubts about the possibility of witnessing D’Banj and other music stars perform for a N200 gate fee.

The downpour did not dampen their spirits though. Marvelled at the crowd’s defiance of the rain to watch him perform, D’Banj decided to reciprocate their gesture. After handing over his jewellery to a member of his entourage, he left the comfort of the stage for a podium with no cover. The inspired crowd echoed the lyrics to his songs as he entertained them in the rain.

Earlier musical performances were rendered by Flavour, Sound Sultan, Mr. Raw and Diamondz, the 2008 Star Quest winning band. The Star Trek train moved to the Abakaliki Township stadium, Abakaliki, the following day. The crowd was thrilled by MI, J.Martins, Naeto C, Mr. Raw and Flavour. Crystals, the Star Quest 2012 winning band performed at all locations.

The last legs of the Star Trek tour will be staged in Uyo and Calabar. Nigeria’s most popular musical export, Tuface Idibia, is expected to round-up performances of what has been a successful musical tour thus far. He is expected to light-up the Calabar Cultural Centre Complex alongside Wiz Kid, Wande Coal and KC.

The performing artistes at the Uyo Township Stadium are Wande Coal, Wiz Kid, Mr. Raw, Tiwa Savage and Presh.

D'Banj Lied About Buying Car For Don Jazzy--Wande Coal

The purported bitter war between Don Jazzy and D'Banj has suddenly taken a new twist.

If anything by Wande Coal, who might rightly be referred to a third party to the issue is anything to go by, then, his stand on this matter might as well create more controversies.

According to a tweet by Wande Coal, who many believed joined Mohits through D'Banj, he disagreed with the point raise by an email alleged to have been written by D'Banj to Don Jazzy that D'Banj bought a car for Don Jazzy as untrue.

His tweet on the allegation reads, saying that he (D'Banj) bought a car for Don Jazzy is wrong and untrue. Come onnnnnn. I can't take it any longer."

Wande Coal is presently in Dubai and may be in Nigeria very soon. Until now, he had been quiet on the rift between his former bosses

Mo’Hits split latest: D’banj, Don Jazzy in war of words

Warring founders of Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy and D’banj, are throwing barbs at each other as they move to divest their investments and interests in the label, a confidential email correspondence between them has revealed.



If you are one of those who still think that the fallout of Mo’Hits founders, D’banj and Don Jazzy, is a rumour which will dissipate in no time, you probably still live in the past. In fact, in order to make the future safe from the past, the duo is already formalising plans to share their assets especially on the ownership of the mouth-watering Mo’Hits catalogue comprising all D’banj’s albums (No Long Thing, Rundown Funk U Up and The Entertainer), Wande Coal’s Mushin to Mo’Hits and The Mo’Hits Crew All Stars’ album, Curriculum Vitae among others. Thus, as you read, Mo’Hits is only waiting for legal certification before it is pronounced dead. And the pallbearers are already waiting in the flanks to ferry the remains of the beloved label to its final resting place, bringing to a painful end the reign and run of the successful label.


In the meantime, the Mo’Hits crew has been divided, as the two figures in the unfolding drama are moving out with their different disciples: D’banj’s younger brother, K-Switch, understandably, goes with him while Wande Coal, Dr Sid and D’Prince have settled for Don Jazzy. The future of the label’s artiste manager, Sunday Are, is unknown. Long before the separation became public knowledge, D’banj and Don Jazzy were no longer on speaking terms, an authoritative source tells E-Punch.

Neither do they see eye to eye. In fact, at their last concert in New York in February, they only met on stage because each artiste had his own cubicle. Rather, they communicate via email only when necessary. In a confidential email correspondence between the former collaborators, exclusively obtained by E-Punch, the sordid details that might have led to their break up are veiled, but the bitterness-laced correspondences are open about their claims for the assets of Mo’Hits especially the catalogues of all the artistes.

D’banj must pay all the debts of Mo’Hits – Don Jazzy

In regards to D’banj’s claim for 100 percent ownership of all songs recorded under the Mo’Hits imprint, the acclaimed producer in an email on March 17th, states, “That Mo’Hits Records does not already own 100 per cent of the songs. Note that Mo’Hits Records only owns 60 per cent of the songs and 40 per cent belongs to the individual artiste. So, 40 per cent of the songs is not mine to give.” He continues, “That me (I am) giving him (D’banj) my share of the catalogue does not and will never include him having the right to stop them (the artistes) from performing the songs or give him the right to claim any monies for live performances of these songs. And any loans or debt owed by Mo’Hits records as at today will be cleared by Mr D’banj as I am clearly not aware of any.”

Don Jazzy states further that the catalogues he is releasing to his former partner only consists of songs already released in an album exempting new singles and unreleased materials. “So, songs like Wande Coal’s Go Low and Been Long You Saw Me are not part of this catalogue he is receiving. Also, an artiste like D’Prince, not only has he not released any album, he has not signed any contract whatsoever with Mo’Hits Records. That he has no right to claim any monies for deals that have been brokered already as at today with the catalogues or stop their usage. It is important to note that any unreleased songs done by any artiste (including D’banj and K-Switch) MUST NOT be released and is not part of the catalogue I am giving away.”

He adds, “With these few points, I do hope that you all realise that I have been generous enough to facilitate the End of the “D’banj & Don Jazzy” era as a team. After this new deal has been signed and sealed, I do NOT look forward to seeing an email whatsoever or hearing from the DKM (D’banj, K-Switch, Mo’Hits) crew, and all is well again.”

Will you return the Bentley I bought for you? – D’banj

Same day, D’banj responded to the email, stating, “In case he (Don Jazzy) forgot, this is the arrangement! 50/50—–song writer/ production, which means for a song X for artiste Y, 75 per cent as per production is fully owned by Mo’Hits and writing is shared 25/25 with the individual artiste co- writing. So, that’s the deal! So him (sic) saying 40 per cent is not his to give away is more like 75per me and 25per each artiste.”

He then asks, “What do you mean by any bills or loans would be cleared by Mr. D’banj? That will never happen because when I ran the company, I ran it perfectly and well. So, if I give him my shares he is left with 100 per cent liability. My catalogue is everything that has been done with the Mo’Hits system and under the normal agreement we have, that means everything I have recorded or that has been recorded whether new or old, or even classic, whether beat with concept or even idea without beats, anything we did as a team and sponsored by me throughout, then, it is mine. Including K-switch clause and all mine and even Wande’s singles and all till the date of signing even today.”

Continuing, D’banj writes, “And now, (I) wanna clear the air on this Samsung deal! I would expect by now that you understand that me keeping quiet is being GENEROUS because this is a deal structured under Mo’Hits Records, (and it is) the first deal and income you would ever bring into the company in eight years. We shared the first 150k (One hundred and fifty thousand dollars) the right way, 1/3 down and that was cool. But after you collected another 130k and did not say anything (that) is and could be described as theft! I only refused to contact them (Samsung) directly because of your reputation. But please don’t call me a fool and let’s know who is generous!” D’banj was not coy about his anger. He states that after sharing over N1bn with Don Jazzy in their Mo’Hits days, he was shocked that the producer would now sideline him when he got the balance from Samsung.’’

D’banj writes further, “Please, please, will he (Don Jazzy) return the Bentley because I bought it for him and it was N5.2m more than mine? And Prince that he claims has no signed contract but is actively involved and signed via engagement– I win his catalogue too – all recorded whether released now or not! This is because no one questioned me when I bought D’Prince N11m naira car (LR3/Range) without releasing any album just to boost the image of the boy and it worked for him! So, let’s get the facts straight, I AM BEING MORE THAN GENEROUS.”

Good music deal and other issues

After Don Jazzy inferred on twitter that the end might have come for Mo’Hits, E-Punch reliably gathers that D’banj was prevailed upon by close friends and associates not to talk despite being aggrieved that his lifelong friend had painted him black before the public. But the hyperactive entertainer, the source says, may have reached his tether’s end and any moment from now would reveal to the world all that went wrong between him and Don Jazzy. Part of what he will talk about, E-Punch learns, will dwell on the genesis of their separation and the point at which Don Jazzy advised that they did away with Mo’Hits and concentrate on their GOOD Music deal. “It was D’banj who prevailed on him that even if they were going to concentrate on their deal with Kanye, they didn’t need to do away with Mo’Hits,” says the source. When the deal with GOOD Music sailed through, Don Jazzy was signed on as a producer while D’banj was the artiste. By virtue of how the American music system works, producers are only meant to be heard not seen. So, the source says further, “Kanye and D’banj and the other guys were always going out leaving behind the producers, including Don Jazzy, which didn’t go down well with him. After some time, D’banj noticed this and to placate him, he bought both of them a Bentley each. Further, he also bought a house in Atlanta, equipped with high tech studio equipment so that Don Jazzy could be working mostly from their new home but he was not appeased as he felt that he was being outshined by D’banj.”

On the other hand, Don Jazzy allegedly told his close associates that the reason he decided to part ways with D’banj was because of an alleged arrogance which was impacting negatively on the other artistes. Long before Mo’Hits evolved, they were friends before becoming partners, putting up with each other’s shortcomings but fame and money have combined to becloud their tolerance of each other.

AFTERMATH OF LEAKED EMAILS: Wande Coal Defends Don Jazzy Against D’banj

One of the members of the defunct Mo’hits Empire, Wande Coal has spoken out. I guess the leaked email thing got to him and he couldn’t take it. You also need to search for him on twitter and see how emotional he got when he tweeted and replied some of his fans.



His first tweet;

God please don’t let the success you have given me get to my head to the extent that I will forget my humble beginnings. Continue to read....


Then he went on saying;


As much as I would like to be quiet on this issue. Seeing people’s response to these so called leaked emails, I can’t take it any longer.

And lastly, he said;

Saying that he bought a car for Don Jazzy is wrong and untrue. Commonnnnnn well, I don’t think he said is sha until I see a video of it

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE KOKO MASTER ABOUT HIS NEW PATNERSIP WITH GOOD MUSIC :D’banj – ‘Why Kanye West Likes Me’

BY DR LORI
curled from THE NET

African pop star D’banj’s February 19 performance at the New York City’s Irving Plaza has kept on receiving rave reviews from local and more international media.
As The Entertainer marked his formal US debut , MTV Iggy caught up with the Mo’Hits act as he talked about working with his G.O.O.D Music record label boss Kanye West, why he feels he’s already broken out and how he feels bringing Nigerian music to a more global audience.
How does it feel to be bringing Nigerian music to a more global audience?
With the reception I’ve gotten, I’d like to say, not like I was nervous, I just hoped and prayed that people would come with an open mind, that they can listen. And I saw that today, they came with their hearts, they came with their minds. I’m only grateful to God that that’s the beginning. Seeing this, I’m now eager to move around and continue the gospel.

What is your next step toward world domination?
To go on the road. America, for one. Even with this crowd, they’ve already shown us that there is massive audience for me here. I thought I was in New York City, but I’m seeing New Jersey, I’m seeing Maryland, I’m seeing Houston. I already have bookings in Houston. It’s just a big privilege and I’m so humbled. I can’t wait to just gladly take the music there to touch them.
A lot of American artists and rappers are working specifically with Nigerian musicians.
What do you think it is that attracts them to that scene?
I think it’s not just now, and it’s not just about one or two things. First, I give a lot of thanks to a lot of people who have come before me. For one, I would say it’s not just even rappers. If you look at what happened here in New York for the last twenty four months, with Fela Anikulapo Kuti on Broadway [the musical FELA!]. I was fortunate to be at Radio City Music Hall during the Tony Awards. It was nominated for eleven awards.
Also, it’s our culture, It’s what we’re preaching, the music, for one, as you know, the sound. It’s not like I want to blow our trumpet, but I always say we came up and we already have sounds and melody and now we’re seeing the aggression.
If you had to describe the difference between performing in Lagos versus anywhere else in the world, what would you say?
Wow. With today, I wouldn’t say it’s any different. Today my people showed me here, people appreciate good music. Good music is universal.
Is there something in Lagos that sets the scene apart?
It’s very real. It’s very real and very original. You know, people are asking me if I’m going to change and I say, ‘What Kanye likes about me is that I’m very original’. Even the way I call my name: ‘I’m D’Banj!” And I don’t want to change that.
That’s what we all have in Africa. You know that we’re blessed with a lot of natural resources. We’re blessed with things like oil, and also we have talents. They say we’re a developing continent. Well, we have been developing. Now, we are developed.
You are already recording with Kanye West.
What is it like being in the studio with him?
I came with a mind-set to learn. Also, to show my culture, but more importantly to learn. In the studio the chemistry was great. You know, music is universal. I’ve been in the studio with people who don’t speak English, but, at the end of the day, I love melody. I’ve gained a lot from him, that’s the main reason I’m here.
Do you have a place here in New York?
I do, but I’m not a New York fan. The weather is a bit crazy. I like ATL, it reminds me of Africa. Anytime I stop by the ATL, I like it. The roads are wider and I love the weather. Miami too.
Who is going to be the video for ‘Oliver Twist?’ I heard there would be some cameos.
A lot of cameos. I’ll give you a hint: my new family members.
How did you choose the harmonica as your instrument?
Oh, I didn’t choose the harmonica. My late brother chose the harmonica.
And you play it because of him? Did he teach you?
No, no one taught me. Later, when I studied it, I learned that it’s such a spiritual instrument.
Coming from even way back, from the era of the slave trade. It was one of the very rare instruments that Africans, now African-Americans could play. It was one of the few things that they could do, people that were stuck over here. But even for people that were not African-Americans, it stood for something that was more natural. Like, if you listen to country music a lot of them play the mouth organ and the harmonica.
Are you going to be doing something really different on the new album?
I really don’t know. I’m exploring. I’m going to be doing rock now. I’m doing a rock song! Don’t you believe I can rock?
Tell me about Kokomobile. You have a branded cell phone on the market in Nigeria?
Yes, I do. Well, my brand is called ‘Koko’. It comes from the song on my first album. And people say, ‘Well, what is the koko?’ The Koko is whatever you do to derive pleasure. It is the bone of contention. So, people started calling me the Koko Master. Today, no one knows its specific definition.
But now I have the Koko Lounge, my club in Lagos, Nigeria. And I have Koko Garri, my breakfast cereal.
What will it take to bring Nigerian music to a mainstream audience in the US?
I think it’s already happening. It’s happened. I walked around; I saw the pictures of the people that have performed here [at Irving Plaza], The Beastie Boys, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, on the same stage. So, it’s already started.
The thing I love about Americans is they’re open to good music. If it sounds good to them and it looks good, they’ll buy it.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I like Rihanna