Has D'Banj bitten off more than he can chew?

Hopefully, we have seen the end of the “He said, He said” drama between one time BFFs Don Jazzy and D’Banj; leading to the end of Mo Hit Records. While it lasted, the media interest it generated was so overwhelming simply because of the personalities involved. During the feud leading up to the final "divving" of the Mo'Hits Estate, I don’t recall actually reading any publication based on excerpts of an interview of any kind from either of the parties. It was always a case of "a close source", and frankly I just couldn't be bothered to read anything. To me, the very possibility of Don Jazzy and D'Banj splitting up, was unthinkable. How dare they? I thought. C'mon, these two had redefined musical relationships, they created a bench mark that none after them has matched. In the tradition of Dr Dre and Eminem; they proved that the Producer and the Entertainer where together an Unbeatable force. The presence of DJ in any D'Banj video was 'gbabe'; their mutual respect for each other shone through. What then could have happened to this "marriage" ? I asked myself; well Kanye West happened that's what. Appearing like the proverbial "strange woman" to reap where he did not sow. No!, I did't conclude on this based on some random story I read, but from the only side of the story I have had the opportunity to read simply because it was touted as an interview  D’Banj himself granted and documented in this World Exclusive . suffice it to say, without reading Don Jazzy’s part of the story, I can risk an opinion on the matter based on what I read.

For me, its not about who is right or who is wrong, but simply that going by some of the excerpts of what D’Banj was quoted as saying in the document; D’Banj may very well have beaten off more than he can chew in deciding to pitch his tent with the Kanye West, Jay Z crew. I should think Kanye’s veiled comments about Snoop Dog at the Emirates Lounge in Dubai should have set off an alarm in D’Banj’s brain. Personally, I believe there is nothing wrong with Don Jazzy’s hesitation in deciding to follow suit; granted D’banj felt he ‘chickened out’ from the Big Time; but Don jazzy may very well have not wanted to leave his comfort zone as one of the Go to guys in the Naija Music scene. May be he was smart enough to realise that a “bird in hand, is worth two in the bush”; knowing full well that as a Don on the local scene he could continue to leverage on this for short international jaunts. D’Banj on the other hand has failed to understand that whatever he has to offer the US is simply a passing phase. If D’Banj had done his homework well, he would have realised that the US music scene has a penchant for seasonal quirks and that he would only be used and dumped once the next best import from Africa happens along. He has failed to understand that the US music scene is ego driven. How come Kanye only asked to see him several days after he had arrived the US only after he mentioned he was going ahead to shoot the Snoop Video?. 

I JUST PRAY D’BANJ RECALLS WHAT HAPPENED TO JAMO IMPORTS like (Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Sean Kingston, Sean Paul, Patra etc), they were used and eventually dumped. Even when they were allowed to exist on the fringes, they lose the essence of their uniqueness, ask Rihanna.... Even T-Pain has lost his novelty value.

Much as I admire D’Banj’s enthusiasm and his passion for his art, I wonder why he thinks his KOKO philosophy would thrive better when it has permanent residency outside our shores. I wonder how long he thinks he can sustain the novelty of “Osheism” on the US music scene?. Yes! for us it is part of the strands that make up the unique tapestry that is our "Naija Swag" (if My teenagers could hear me now, they would be gobsmacked).

Without realising it, D'Banj is unbeknowst to him Kanyeing his way to extinction and may sooner than later wane into obscurity. In the US he will only be a Wannabe (Yes, no way can he out bling anyone on Kanye's Crew)  and will certainly end up mortgaging his 'legit' Naija flavoured fame for a shot of US manufactured brand of "15 minutes of Fame" that is not guaranteed. The US music scene is a massive ocean; seeing pictures of him in the front row of Kanye’s show in the last Fashion week, I felt bad for the KokoMaster; he looked like a calf being fattened for the slaughter. Even watching the new Oliver Twist video, I felt sad, because that raw KokoEdge was missing; that Edge that is sharpened by the shadowing strength of the presence of his friend and Don in the background.

And looking at Jazzy's MAVIN poster with him flanked by his Stars, it was obvious something was missing. Without D'Banj. it looked like a wedding party portrait without the Bride.
Understandably, D'Banj may have bitten off this Kanye's bait because he has believed his own Press for soo long. Don Jazzy may have agreed to part ways because it was the best way to go; but honestly it is MY POINT OF VIEW, that these fellas just "BIT THE DUST".
I suggest they use their 'tongue to count their teeth'.
It's time they realise that their actions are a great blow to the industry.
D'Banj especially should know that his jumping at such 'Kanyeresque' promise is a totally fickle thing to do.
Would Kanye have even offered a bait if the "Package " was not attractive?
The 'Package' is the Mo'Hits Fam; and that Brand should not be allowed to DIE.

Afterall “wetin person dey find go Sokoto, dey him sokoto”.

Finally, I dare say a big shame to the Nigerian Music scene especially the hip hop one, whre mega producers like Kenny, D1, Obi Asika etc hold sway. They should have interevened to stop all these rubbish. How dare Kanye West come in here and bulldoze his way through our scene....Anyway, y'all know better

 Stay Rooted

OSA