Entertainment
D’Banj Emerges 2015 Nigeria’s Most Influential Singer
A recent rating of
Nigeria’s
most influential singers in Nigeria for 2015 has shown that D’banj tops the list. This list is only for singers not rappers and it is based on the level of influence each singer has in the music industry and Nigeria as a whole. It was not adjudged influence in some way or the other.
D’banj is a Nigerian singer harmonica player and businessman. He has won several music awards including the award for Best African Act at the MTV Europe music awards 2009, Best International Act. Africa at the BET Awards and Best Selling African artist at the 2014 World Music Award.
D’banj is currently best known internationally for his 2012 summer hit “Oliver Twist” an uptempo dance fusion of Afrobest and electronic dance music that topped the African chart 2011 and was a top 10 hit in the UK singles chart in 2012, reaching No 2 on the UK R-B Chart.
In December 2012, D’banj signed a mega deal with Sony, The deal is being described as a “Pan African multi album with Sony music’s RCA Records. He has performed at the Hackney weekend to celebrate the 2012 summer Olympics headlined by Rihanna and Jay Z. In August 30 he performed alongside his friend and universal music group label mate. Rita Ola at the SCALA London live music, Clubs and Arts venue to celebrate the release of her debut album ‘Ora.
Other performances include: AFCON 2013 closing held in South Africa, April 18th 2015, Global citizens Earth day, a free concert on Capitol Hill, (Washington monument grounds) for the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day put on by Global Poverty Project and the Earth Day Network.
With D’banj’s first Album, came his first endorsement from an energy drink called Power fist in May 2013. He was named the bank of Industry (BOT) ambassador. In November 2013, D’banj resigned a multimillion naira deal with Globacom, The company he parted ways with in 2010. In October 2014, he was named the official African Ambassador for beats by DRE.
In February 2015 D’banj was named the official African Ambassador for Ciroc Nigeria, he is the founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria’s First United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace. He is a campaign ambassador he released the song “Cocoa Na Chocolate” in support of Agriculture investments.
“Cocoa Na Chocolate” featured 18 other African artistes and won Best African Collabo Awards in 2014. In 2015 he was applauded by World Bank Chief, Jim Yong Kim for using his music power and high celebrity status to bringing attention to serious and critical issues in Africa with special focus agriculture and poverty alleviation.
His latest album ‘D’Kings men’ was launched in Nigeria and reviewed on the New York Times on Friday 13th September 2013. D’banj wore a $25.000 suit to the launch. As a business man he owns Koko water, koko garri, koko mobil and a host of other koko products.
Students of Orada International School displaying.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.