Entertainment

DBANJ GOES BANKRUPT

Published

10 years ago

January 23, 2015

Sahara Weekly

D’BANJ IN DEBT MESS

+ COURT SUMMONS PASTED ON LEKKI HOUSE

– STAFFERS DOWN TOOLS

Things have fallen apart for popular artiste Dapo Oyebanji widely known as D’banj. The Koko master’s empire is riddled with huge controversies that have stunted his status as the most successful singer in recent times.

Information at our disposal divulged that he has gone bankrupt. One of the pointers to this fact is that he is indebted to some of his once upon a time benefactors who are no longer swayed by his charisma and have decided to wash his dirty linens in the public.

It was reported that he might be sued for a bad debt of over $240,000. A technology company, Mindhub technologies headed by Henry Ojogho alleged that he owes them another N15million.

According to our source, effort to parry the fact by him was brushed aside by the latest development in his empire. Some of his staffers have called it quit. They claimed he could mo longer pay their salaries for months.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was when theNET exclusively obtained copies of Writ of Summons pasted on his house at Osaro Isokpan Street in Lekki Phase 1 over a debt of N60million loan he got in January 2013.

“. All those thinking it was just a case of slander aimed at the Nigerian music superstar can now see the evidence in the matter. With the case filed in court with suit number: LD/ADR/445/14 with hearing expected to commence on Monday, January 26, 2015 at the Multi-door Courthouse in Obalende, Lagos with Justice Mrs Oyebanji as the presiding judge. Already, the writ of summons and other relevant documents in the suit have been posted on D’Banj’s residence on Osaro Isokpan Street in Lekki Phase 1. The pasting was done by the court bailiff on December 17, 2014 at about 1:35p.m, pursuant to order of court made on November 12, 2014 having been satisfied that the defendant was evading been served the notice. However with the on-going strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) which is over 2 weeks old now, the case may be adjourned if the strike is not called off before January 26, 2015, which is the hearing date”.

Insiders claimed the Eja Nla as D’banj is fondly refer to found himself in this mess due to his recless lifestyle and splashing huge money on women both home and abroad.

D’banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a church dignitary mother who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State. Due to his father’s profession he moved several times within Nigeria and later moved to England. D’banj was expected to follow his father’s military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School at age eleven. However, D’banj resisted the system and disenrolled from the school after three years. While at the Military school he was a member of the elite drum corp of the Nigerian Army. From the Nigerian Military School he proceeded to another military owned institution Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta where he completed his secondary school education.

D’banj was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at age seventeen. With D’banj’s love for music being greater than his parents’ military aspirations, he struggled for his parents’ approval; this can be best heard through an album track, All Da Way from his debut album.

Following the death of his 17-year-old brother, D’banj arranged all his possessions on his bed after they were brought home and just picked up his harmonica. I’d play it to remember him.” Later, at university, he realized what his new skills with the instrument could bring him. “I’d go to the female hostel after lectures, and even if there was no electricity I could play there.” He remembers learning Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” after Titanic came out – “and that got me a lot of girls!”

Plans to continue his studies as a mechanical engineer in London were derailed when he arrived in the UK in 2001, and met Don Jazzy who was trying to make it as a songwriter and producer. D’Banj started hanging around the studio, making ends meet while working as a security guard. “It was OK, because I did nights,” he says, “so I could listen to music on my headphones.”

Don Jazzy told D’Banj he thought he was a star in the making, and sensing that the music scene in Nigeria was “blossoming”, the pair returned to Lagos in 2004. That same year came the single “Tongolo”; the video was paid for by D’Banj’s mother. His first endorsement was with an energy drink called Power Fist.

D’banj, as an artist of Mo’ Hits Records, is also a member of its collective group, Mo’ Hits Allstars (includes artists Dr SID, Wande Coal, KaySwitch, and D’Prince). He has once been spotted with one of Nigeria’s most talented singers, “Smile Lasisi”. The collective’s debut album, Curriculum Vitae, was released in December 2007. It included hit singles, “Be Close To You”, “Booty Call” and “Move Your Body”, which was the lead single. D’banj was featured in Ikechukwu’s 2008 hit, “Wind Am Well”.

July 2008 saw the release of D’banj’s third album, The Entertainer, with the singles “Gbono Feli Feli”, “Kimon”, “Olorun Maje” and “Entertainer”.^[8]

In June 2011, D’banj was signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music record label as artiste. On 9 June 2011, D’banj wrote on his Twitter account, @iamdbanj, “Just like yesterday, myself and my brother did Tongolo. 7 years later, Mo’Hits signs with GOOD Music. Best Birthday gift ever. God thank you.”^[9]

After several months of speculation and wild rumours, ace producer, Don Jazzy confirmed via his Twitter account the break-up of Mo’Hits. After the break-up, Don Jazzy, D’Prince, Dr SID, Wande Coal started Mavin Records while D’banj founded DB Records and as expected, he signed his younger brother Kayswitch to the label alongside two producers, Jaysleek and Deevee.

celebrity radar - gossips

Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’

Published

1 week ago

December 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’

Nollywood superstar and filmmaker Funke Akindele continues her reign as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainment icons, shattering box office records with her latest release, Everybody Loves Jennifer. The film has grossed an impressive $194,560 within just eight days of its premiere, cementing Akindele’s position as a dominant force in the Nigerian film industry.

Another Milestone for Funke Akindele

The achievement comes on the heels of her previous success, where one of her earlier productions earned the title of Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Everybody Loves Jennifer, a sequel to her beloved Jenifa series, blends humor, drama, and cultural authenticity to captivate audiences worldwide.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Akindele expressed her gratitude to her fans—affectionately known as “Jenifans”—as well as the cast and her industry colleagues.

Her post read:
“$194,560 and counting in just 8 days, Who else but God? 🙌 Huge thanks to my tireless cast, fabulous colleagues, and unstoppable Jenifans, YOU are the true superstars.”

The actress paired her words with celebratory emojis, highlighting her joy and deep appreciation for the film’s growing success.

Fans and Industry Applaud Akindele’s Success

Fans and industry insiders alike have flooded her social media with congratulatory messages, lauding her for her consistency and ability to tell relatable stories. Many have described Everybody Loves Jennifer as a masterpiece, blending humor and life lessons with the unmistakable charm of Akindele’s storytelling.

The film, released in major cinemas across Nigeria and select international markets, has seen packed audiences since its debut. Its success reaffirms Akindele’s ability to resonate with viewers across demographics while showcasing the strength of Nollywood as a global entertainment powerhouse.

A Legacy of Excellence

Funke Akindele’s success is no accident. With a career spanning over two decades, she has consistently delivered exceptional performances both as an actress and a filmmaker. From her groundbreaking Jenifa’s Diary series to her forays into blockbuster films, Akindele’s brand is synonymous with quality and cultural relevance.

With Everybody Loves Jennifer breaking records within its first week, the film is poised to set even higher milestones in the coming weeks. As audiences continue to flock to cinemas, it’s clear that Funke Akindele’s ability to capture hearts and deliver box-office hits remains unmatched.

Fans are now eagerly anticipating whether the film will surpass her previous record and claim the top spot as Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Regardless, Akindele’s achievements serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent in elevating Nigerian cinema to new heights.

celebrity radar - gossips

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Published

1 week ago

December 28, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Renowned actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has shed light on the inspiration behind his latest cinematic venture, Seven Doors, revealing that the story draws heavily from the life experiences of a king he had the privilege of knowing closely.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Adebayo emphasized the importance of preserving African culture through storytelling, particularly in film. “It is extremely important to preserve our culture. Creating content—films—[woven] around the beauty of our culture is one of the ways of preserving it, so that the generations yet unborn can also enjoy it and be educated,” he explained.

The filmmaker shared that his proximity to a king and the monarch’s challenges provided the foundation for the movie’s concept. “I was fortunate to be close to a particular king, and it was what he went through that provoked the idea and concept of Seven Doors. Many people see our kings as mini-gods, which they are, but they forget that they are humans with blood running in their veins too. So, they [kings] face a lot before and after they get on the throne. And, that is what we displayed in the movie,” Adebayo said.

Beyond its cultural focus, Adebayo described Seven Doors as a tale deeply rooted in love. “I also want to preach that love is above all. So, where we have a conflict between love and tradition, automatically it is love that wins,” he added.

The movie also stirred interest for its intense and emotionally charged scenes, including a kissing scene with co-star Chioma Chukwuka. Addressing this, Adebayo clarified that it was part of his dedication to the craft. “I was just interpreting the role; getting the character analysis and interpreting it,” he noted.

Despite the buzz surrounding the romantic sequences, Adebayo highlighted a different moment in the film as his favorite. “For me though, the best scene was where they had to lay the chiefs on the floor and beat them. I was not even in that scene,” he said, underscoring his appreciation for the powerful storytelling throughout the film.

Seven Doors has been widely acclaimed for its rich portrayal of culture and its compelling narrative that bridges tradition and the universal theme of love. The film serves as a testament to Adebayo’s commitment to preserving African heritage while telling stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

Entertainment

Celebrating Baba Gaji: London/Nigerian Legacy Event

Published

1 week ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Celebrating Baba Gaji: London/Nigerian Legacy Event

Sahara Weekly Reports That Arems Entertainment and Ariya247TV present an evening of cultural celebration, honoring the legendary Baba Gaji and his significant contributions to the London and Nigerian entertainment industry. The grand event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 29th, 2024, at 4pm, at The City Pulse Lounge, located inside LTV 8, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event promises an unforgettable experience with performances from renowned music stars, including:

• Okiki Bright

• Tosin Eniba

• Harmony

• Opee Gaji

Adding to the charm of the night, popular personalities Adewale Konta and Abeke Lacsera will also grace the occasion, ensuring a perfect blend of entertainment and class.

This special gathering aims to celebrate Baba Gaji, a cultural icon whose influence spans continents, particularly highlighting his impact on the music and entertainment scenes in London and Nigeria. The event offers fans, friends, and admirers the opportunity to honor his legacy while enjoying top-tier entertainment.

The City Pulse Lounge provides the perfect setting for this celebration, offering a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere for all attendees.

Address: Inside LTV 8, Agidingbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Guests can reserve tables by contacting the numbers below:

• 08066221254

• 08079938179

This event is proudly supported by notable media houses, including City People, Plus Media, Ariya247TV, and more.

Don’t Miss Out!

Join the celebration and be part of this historic event, where music, culture, and legacy intertwine to create an unforgettable evening.