D’Banj has a lot of eyes on him right now. With his mightily catchy single “Oliver Twist” taking hold on London dance floors and the ink drying on a deal with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, the Nigerian superstar could be poised to parlay African notoriety into something more global — and people in the industry are already looking to him as a model for crossover success.But the singer and harmonica player is ready for the attention. When he brought his irresistible Afro hip hop and stupefying charisma to New York City’s Irving Plaza, February 19, he appeared to be reveling in it. This was his formal US debut and the house was packed. Joined by Mo’Hits labelmates such as Dr. Sid and and long-time producer Don Jazzy and backed by a live band, D’Banj sang the hits and flirted scandalously with every “kokolet” in the audience. Rocking a shimmering jacket, signature shades, and R-rated dance moves, the man worked hard and looked every bit the consummate entertainer (and mogul) that he is.
The crowd was almost as decked-out as he was, in sky-high heels or sharp suits and a few traditional gold embroidered tunics. The concert goers came to sing along, and to dance, and brought him a warm welcome — some of them traveling from as far away as Houston, Texas to do it. Meanwhile, D’Banj informed the crowd that New York Giants footballer Osi Umenyiora was enjoying the show from backstage. The coming out party could be counted as a success.
After the show, cooling down in a crowded greenroom D’Banj was as magnetic and wry as he is on stage. He told MTV Iggy all about working with Kanye, why he feels he’s already broken out, and just why it is they call him the Koko Master.
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.
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 where it won so many 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. And 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 mindset to learn. And 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. In 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.
Photo Credit: MTV Iggy/Nick Gascoine
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 being doing rock now. I’m doing a rock song.
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.
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