Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, AKA D’banj, was born on June 9, 1980, in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Raised in a disciplined household, his father served in the military, while his mother was a businesswoman with deep religious values. Hailing originally from Shagamu, Ogun State, D’banj grew up alongside his twin siblings Taiwo and Kehinde, as well as Shola and Femi.
Although his parents envisioned a military path for him, D’banj was captivated by music early in life, thanks in part to his late brother Femi, who introduced him to the harmonica before his untimely death in a plane crash. This loss had a profound effect, shaping much of D’banj’s emotional and creative expression.
Academic Journey
D’banj enrolled at Lagos State University to study Mechanical Engineering, though his passion for music ultimately pulled him away from academics. His decision to pursue entertainment over a formal career path laid the groundwork for a music legacy that would define Afrobeats internationally.
Musical Breakthrough and Album Success
His debut project, No Long Thing, hit the Nigerian music scene in 2005. The album, powered by the hit single “Tongolo,” catapulted D’banj to national fame. It marked the introduction of his Koko Master persona, with “koko” becoming a pop culture term across Nigeria.
In 2006, D’banj followed up with Rundown Funk U Up, featuring popular tracks like “Why Me?” and the remixed version of “Tongolo.” This album deepened his presence in the nightlife and club scenes.
His 2007 collaborative work with the Mo’ Hits Allstars—Don Jazzy, Dr SID, Wande Coal, D’Prince, and KaySwitch—culminated in the release of Curriculum Vitae. Standout songs like “Move Your Body” and “Booty Call” defined the project.
By 2008, D’banj had dropped The Entertainer, which included tracks such as “Gbono Feli Feli” and “Olorun Maje.” These songs cemented his status as a household name.
D’banj Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, D’banj net worth is estimated at approximately $40 million, placing him among the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria. This valuation is based on years of record sales, digital streaming revenue, international performances, brand partnerships, and business ventures.
His luxury car collection includes multiple Toyota Prado SUVs worth around $80,000 each, an Aston Martin Vantage priced at $240,000, and a Bentley worth roughly $330,000.
Endorsements have played a major role in D’banj net worth. His portfolio includes partnerships with Sony Music, Apple, SLOT, Globacom, Heritage Bank, Beats by Dre, and Ciroc Nigeria.
Global Recognition and Music Collaborations
In 2011, D’banj signed with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music. The announcement came on his birthday, June 9, and marked a pivotal point in his international exposure. However, by 2016, he had exited the label.
In 2012, he released “Oliver Twist,” a fusion of EDM and Afrobeats. The song dominated African charts and made it to the UK top 10 singles chart, peaking at No. 2 on the UK R&B chart.
In 2017, his album King Don Come featured artists like Gucci Mane and Wande Coal. Singles from the project included “It’s Not A Lie,” “El Chapo,” and the international hit “Oliver Twist.”
Record Labels and Business Ventures
Following the breakup of Mo’Hits Records, D’banj launched DB Records. He signed his brother KaySwitch, along with producers Deevee and Jaysleek.
In 2012, he secured a Pan-African multi-album deal with Sony RCA Records and entered into a strategic partnership with ROCKSTAR4000.
The same year, D’banj introduced artists under DKM Media. The label housed KaySwitch, MossKriss, Ralph Kriss, Tonto Dikeh, and Ebeneztizzy.
Live Performances and International Stages
D’banj’s stage presence is recognized globally. He performed at Lagos’ Koko Concert in 2010 and at Hackney Weekend in 2012 alongside Jay-Z and Rihanna. He also shared the stage with Rita Ora in London later that year.
In 2015, he performed at the Global Citizen Earth Day concert held at the Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Humanitarian Contributions
Beyond music, D’banj is the founder of the Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He also served as Nigeria’s first UN Youth Ambassador for Peace.
He participated in the ONE Campaign and collaborated with 18 African artists for the track “Cocoa Na Chocolate” to promote agricultural development. The track won Best African Collaboration at the All Africa Music Awards in 2014.
In 2015, he released “Extraordinary,” a song focused on gender equality and women’s rights, which received support from the World Bank.
Later in 2016, D’banj’s team launched THE CREAM PLATFORM with MTN Nigeria and the Bank of Industry to identify emerging talents. Over 2 million users had joined by the end of that year.
Personal Life (Wife and Children)
D’banj married Lineo Didi Kilgrow in June 2016. Their first child, Daniel Oyebanjo III, tragically passed away in 2018 after drowning. The couple later welcomed another son, Zane Oyebanjo.
D’banj previously had a relationship with Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji.
Legal Issues and Controversies
In 2020, D’banj faced serious accusations from Seyitan Babatayo, who alleged he raped her in 2018. The case gained widespread media attention after Babatayo went missing for two days. She later claimed that her social media had been hijacked and her disappearance was linked to police and D’banj’s team.
D’banj denied the allegations and sued Babatayo for N1.5 billion. They eventually reached a non-monetary settlement. His former manager later confirmed Babatayo had disclosed the incident to him the day after it allegedly happened.
In 2022, D’banj was arrested by the ICPC for alleged involvement in fund misappropriation within the N-Power project. Authorities stated he had ignored multiple summons before finally reporting to the commission. Investigators traced diverted funds to bank accounts associated with him.
Music Albums
D’banj has released several albums, including:
- No Long Thing (2005)
- Rundown Funk U Up (2006)
- The Entertainer (2008)
- King Don Come (2017)
Notable singles include “Tongolo,” “Why Me?,” “Gbono Feli Feli,” “Fall in Love,” “Oliver Twist,” and “Emergency.”
His music videos, spanning from 2006 to 2019, feature collaborations with artists such as Ice Prince, Idris Elba, Akon, and Tiwa Savage.
Recognition and Awards
D’banj has received over 30 music accolades, such as:
- Best African Act – MTV Europe Music Awards (2007)
- Artist of the Year – MTV Africa Music Awards (2009)
- Best International Act: Africa – BET Awards (2011)
- Evolution Award – MTV Africa Music Awards (2015)
He also received multiple Channel O Music Video Awards and Headies Awards across various categories.
Social Media and Online Presence
D’banj remains active on digital platforms, using his Instagram handle @iambangalee to engage with fans and share updates about music, family, and projects.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
