‘I’m now an upcoming artist’ – D’banj

Legendary Nigerian singer Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, also known as D'banj, has declared himself "a new cat" (an up-and-coming talent in local vernacular).

The 43-year-old singer stated that despite his 20-year career in the music industry, he still feels like he is only touching the surface, noting that the industry has transformed over time.

In a recent Hip TV interview, D'banj said that he would be collaborating with some new generation musicians on his upcoming album, 'Entertainer', which he described as a successor to his critically acclaimed 2008 album, 'The Entertainer'.

He also discussed how he contributed to the global adoption of Nigerian music.

D'banj stated, "I am not the first [Nigerian musician] to have done an international collaboration. We were the first to do it the way we did. Usually, when you wish to collaborate with an international artist, it seems as if they are doing you a favor. But, thanks to God's grace and the strength of our team, we were able to put on one of the biggest ['Mr Endowed'].

"I believe that brought hope and awareness to the students [new artists], letting them know that they could achieve it. So I feel like a pretty proud father, if I may say so. That's why I'm a cat again [as an upcoming artist]. Now, I'd like to showcase local artists rather than international ones. I want to highlight Ayra Starr, Rema, Ruger, and Don Jazzy. Collaboration is the new competition.