Emerging feelers indicate that Afro pop stars D’banj and Don Jazzy may be heading for reconciliation soon, Jayne Augoye writes
Lately erstwhile business partners and label owners, Don Jazzy and Dbanj, have been sighted at various social functions in Lagos exchanging pleasantries as they used to do just like the old times. Over the weekend, both men hugged, chatted and even shared a stick of cigarette when they ran into each other at Ice Prince’s ‘Fire of Zamani’ musical concert at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was the second time this year that the artistes were seen in public acting as if their relationship was still intact. Earlier in the year, they performed together at the wedding of D’banj’s younger sister while music fans cheered on.
Although both artistes have yet to openly admit that they still need each other, their teeming fans could not help but wish for reconciliation between the two stars.
Just as the fans wait with bated breath to see if both acts will work together any time soon, this dream appears to be fast becoming a reality, if recent feelers are anything to go by.
Earlier in the week, the social media was agog with speculations as pictures of the duo cooking up a storm at the Marvin Records studio, alongside, Nigerian-Born US rapper, Wale, Olamide and Kay Switch, was posted by Don Jazzy on his Instagram page.
The posting also came in the heels of an emotional tweet by Dbanj to Don Jazzy on his birthday. The tweet, which drew so much attention, simply read, “Always a good feeling hanging out with my brother from another mother @DONJAZZY made me remember what we built “The Industry today” HBD Bro!!”
Although the line, ‘the industry we built’ is subject to debate, the fans could not be bothered. After all, their stars were friends.
Ever since Mo’ Hits parted ways officially, critics have expressed the opinion that they still do need each other, for very obvious reasons. While D’banj is yet to find a producer who truly understands his sound and music persona, Don Jazzy on the other hand has yet to discover that one artiste that can bring to bear the charm, charisma and synergy, which his former mate possesses.
The talented tag team announced their arrival on the Nigerian music scene in 2006 with D’banj’s debut album ‘No Long Thing’ which spawned notable hits like,Tongolo and Suddenly.
After the very messy break up, the two were rumoured to be sworn enemies. But this was not to be the case as they continue to make references to each other at the slightest opportunity.
In an interview that he granted E-Punch in October, the Koko Master, said, “If I say I don’t miss Don Jazzy, I am lying. I have spent the better part of my career with him. I was married to him in a way (laughs). So I miss everything about Mo’Hits: the family, the movement, and the vibe of being in the studio with him. I miss the jokes and the arguments, but I have since keyed into the notion that nothing can stop a moving train.
“Nevertheless we can always do music together. The track, ‘Top of the World’ was produced by a Grammy Award Winner. The songs ‘Finally’ and ‘Don’t Tell Me Nonsense’ was produced by my producer while ‘Oliver Twist’ was produced by Don Jazzy. So, why won’t I have him on my 10 years anniversary album?”
On his part, Don Jazzy, who is known as a man of few words, has indeed admitted that he still misses D’banj.
Some industry watchers who have been observing recent trends attest to the fact that both parties are about to shock Nigerians with some great music, which they will work on together.
During their hey days, the pair were a formidable force in the Nigerian music scene and the acts to beat.They succeeded in raising the bar so high that other acts considered it a tough call trying to fit into their large shoes.
But after things fell apart and the centre could no longer hold after they spilt in 2011, many artsites who hitherto struggled to fit in, took advantage of the vacuum their absence created.
With Don Jazzy floating Marvin Records which is home to the likes of Wande Cole (now out), Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage and D’Prince, D’banj partnered with Kanye West on DB Records, that spark is remains missing.
Describing the relationship that once existed between Dbanj and Don Jazzy as complimentary, fast rising producer, Remi, who is most famous for producing Black Magic’s hit, Confam, which features Sasha P says, “Their individual efforts are terrible and nothing compared to what they did when they were together. They were a formidable force. I think they may probably come back together as a team and not on a track.
“They still need each other, just the same way Justin Timberlake and Timberland can never do well if they go on to work with someone else it is not going to work well. It’s just that synergy that you find once in a while that they have.”
Music critic and producer, Abidemi Dairo does have a slightly contrary opinion. According to him, while both stars have been able to hold it down individually without losing relevance, they may have their reservations.
He says, “I don’t think they would come back together to start something like Mo’Hits together again, but chances are that they are working on something together. Right now they are both big names so even if they just talk to a beat everyone will want to listen to it.
“If you take a look at other groups that have split, it is either one succeeds or the other struggles, luckily in their case, it is not so. They have been able to remain in the limelight.”
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