D’Banj recently sat down with Seun Apara, a contributor/write for ThisDay newspaper. He covered his personal life, finding the right woman, Bankuli, Don Jazzy etc. but I was more captivated with what he had to say on the the business of music and specifically music distribution in Africa.
Here are a few excerpts from the interview. I have bolded and underlined some texts for more emphasis:
” Seun Apara: The latest project from your stable now is the DKM album and it drops in two weeks. Give us an exclusive insight into it?
D’Banj: The ‘DKM’ Album, D Kings Men is a compilation of songs from the artistes on DB Records and is not a D’ Banj’s Album. It has a compilation of songs and sounds done by DB records artistes comprising myself, Kay Switch and J.Sol. DKM album has already dropped on pre-sales online. This is the first time I will be doing pre-sales of any album and I was surprised that in less than three days, the response was massive. I was in Atlanta and I flew back home immediately. I am actually excited about it and not just for me alone. I’m excited that if by God’s grace this works out, finally, it will curb piracy and provide another means of distribution other than Alaba Market.
Seun Apara: Are you trying to set up a distribution channel?
D’Banj: Definitely and is not for the benefit of DB Records artiste alone, is for the benefit of all Nigerian acts. The big thing about this is that the distribution of DKM album is not going to be online alone. We have been looking for a way whereby our fans and the masses can get hold of our product other than on the street because I have heard complaints in the past that they don’t get the original copies of our albums. So now, it has been structured in a way that it will be delivered directly to your house, once you pre-buy the album. Then, it will be available in all GT Bank offices nationwide. I can tell you categorically that Fally Ipupa is on this album, Kanye West is on the album and Olamide is also on the album. Another shocker is that Durella is on the album (laughs)
“Seun Apara: What is your utmost possession?
D’Banj: For now, I will say is my distribution. For once, we need to get music distribution right in this country and be able curb piracy. Aside, musicians will be able to make so much money from their works.”
“Seun Apara: Are you in touch with former partner, Don Jazzy?
D’Banj: Don Jazzy produced four songs on the DKM album coming out soon. I remember when I was in America and they were mastering a song and I heard the one featuring Fally Ipupa which was produced by Don Jazzy and I was like wow! I called him immediately and he picked up. I said listen to what I’m hearing, this is a music you produced. So don’t get twisted like I said, love is a beautiful thing. I’m a businessman and I do what is right for my business. What I’m doing now is what I have always wanted as an artiste, professionalism and good distribution. I don’t have any regret.” –Seun Apara/ThisDay
Your thoughts folks, especially on his pre-selling of his album?
-Uduak
