D’banj Celebrates 21 Years in Music, Shifting Focus to Technology and Artist Empowerment

Nigerian music legend D’banj, also known as the self-styled Koko Master, is marking 21 years in the music industry. From his early days with Mo’Hits to becoming a global ambassador for Afrobeats, D’banj has continually evolved and made a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene. Now, as he celebrates this milestone, the artist is venturing into a new frontier—technology and artist empowerment—taking his career to exciting new heights.

In a recent interview, D’banj shared insights into his transition from music to tech entrepreneurship, revealing how his deep passion for the business side of music led him to create a platform aimed at empowering emerging artists. “Music is a business, and I’ve always focused on that aspect. Music gets you in the room, but what you do in that room is up to you,” he explained. His new platform, Cream, is designed to give artists access to vital resources, knowledge, and funding, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry.

D’banj acknowledged that the journey to building a tech platform hasn’t been easy. “I had to go back to school, build the best tech team, and find the right partners,” he revealed. Reflecting on his own struggles, D’banj is determined to ensure that future generations of artists face fewer obstacles. One major issue he aims to address is the lack of accessible information for aspiring creators. “There’s no platform in Africa dedicated solely to creators,” he noted. “Cream is creating a space where artists can find the right information, funding, and guidance to succeed.”

D’banj’s goal is to build an ecosystem where upcoming talents can thrive. He highlighted the success story of Nasboi, a comedian-turned-musician who rose to prominence through his own determination and the support of the Cream platform. “Nasboi is a perfect example of what Cream stands for. He evolved from being a musician to becoming one of the best skit makers, and now he’s chasing his music dreams again,” D’banj shared.

In addition to his business ventures, D’banj continues to make strides in music. After releasing The Entertainer Sequel last year, he’s already planning a deluxe version featuring remixes and collaborations with new talents from across Africa. “Even though Fall In Love, a song I released 17 years ago, is still my top-streamed track, I want to remix it and elevate new talents,” he said. The upcoming deluxe version will feature fresh interpretations of both old and new hits.

The idea of a Mo’Hits reunion remains a hot topic among fans, and while D’banj remains tight-lipped about specifics, he hints that something is in the works. “We know people want it, and we’re going to give it to them at the right time,” he teased, adding that the reunion will also celebrate the global rise of Afrobeats.

Despite his growing business endeavors, D’banj is confident his music career will continue to thrive. “We’re working with brands that will help take new talents on world tours, much like Nigerian Breweries did for me with Star Trek back in 2004,” he said.

As a role model, D’banj sees himself as a “pacesetter,” committed to creating a legacy that will empower future generations of Nigerian talent. “I want to create something that outlives me and continues to elevate young talents long after I’m gone,” he shared.

Balancing his public and private lives, D’banj maintains that his personal life remains off-limits. “In the daytime, I am Daniel; at night, I am D’banj,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping his personal life private despite the public scrutiny that comes with fame.

With a career marked by reinvention and resilience, D’banj’s transition into technology and artist empowerment underscores his determination to remain a force in the entertainment industry—both in music and beyond.