Before he became one of Africa’s biggest music exports, D’banj (Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo) had a very different life trajectory planned for him. Born into a military family, discipline and structure were expected—but his passion leaned heavily toward music, especially the harmonica, which later became his signature sound.

In the early 2000s, he moved to the UK, where he met producer Don Jazzy. That meeting changed everything. Together, they formed Mo’Hits Records and created a wave of Afropop hits that dominated Nigerian airwaves. Songs like “Tongolo” and later “Oliver Twist” didn’t just succeed locally—they pushed Nigerian music onto the global stage.

“Oliver Twist” in particular became a crossover hit, charting in the UK and gaining attention in the US. D’banj even signed a deal with GOOD Music, owned by Kanye West—a huge milestone for any African artist at the time.

But success didn’t come without setbacks.

In 2012, Mo’Hits Records suddenly split. The breakup with Don Jazzy was highly publicized and left fans shocked. Many believed D’banj’s career would decline without the producer who helped shape his sound. And for a while, it did slow down.

Then came a devastating personal tragedy. In 2018, D’banj lost his one-year-old son in a drowning accident. It was a moment that shook him deeply and led him to step away from the spotlight.

Yet, over time, he returned—not just as an artist but as a more reflective public figure. He became involved in youth empowerment and social causes, using his platform beyond entertainment.