Nigerian singer Dapo Oyebanjo, known as D’Banj, has unveiled the details of his highly anticipated fifth studio album, including cover artwork, track listing, and release date.
The new album titled Entertainer—The Sequel,’ is a blend of Afrobeats and Afropop and will be available for pre-sale on 23 July and released on 9 August with eleven songs and two bonus tracks.
Its global feature list includes Grammy award winner Wyclef Jean, Congolese icon Awilo Logomba, Youssou N’Dour, American star Akon, South African megastar, DJ Maphorisa and NBC’s The Voice sensation Chechi Sarai.
The new album, a follow-up to his 2008 magnum opus, ‘The Entertainer,’ includes collaborations with Nigerian musicians Phyno, Timaya, Kayswitch, Zlatan, Peruzzi, Bhadboi Oml and Chuchu Lee. As part of his legacy to mentor and showcase the following big talents, D’Banj also featured Specikinging off his talent discovery project, Cream Platform.
Sharing his excitement, D’Banj said, “Life is a maze of self-discovery, and my new album, ‘Entertainer – The Sequel’, confirms this truth. It truly reflects my growth as an artist and my continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of African music. The past 20 years have been an incredible ride, and I am grateful for the support and love I have received. I am thrilled to share this new chapter in my musical journey with my fans.”
D’Banj continues his 20-year on-stage milestone with intimate live performances and concerts across major cities worldwide in partnership with creative powerhouse The Temple Company. He will also connect with fans via exclusive meet-and-greet events, mentoring sessions, and engaging thought-leadership interactions.
Meanwhile, as a buildup to the album release, D’Banj released ‘Worthy,’ a song and visual collaboration with icon and Grammy Award winner Youssou N’Dour and NBC’s The Voice first runner-up Chechi Sarai on Friday.
The new track uses romantic love as a powerful metaphor for the artists’ love for Africa, while the video is a cross-cultural showcase of music, culture, and place.
Shot across scenic Dakar, Senegal, and at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos, Nigeria, it features an exciting cameo by football legend El Hadji Diouf.
‘Worthy’ is the fourth single off D’Banj’s anticipated fifth studio album, ‘Entertainer—The Sequel,’.
The song was co-written by legendary rapper Olamide and produced by Eskeez. Award-winning video director Clarence Peters shot the visuals.
Speaking about the song, D’Banj said, “When we come together, we honour our heritage and unlock our borderless potential to lead the world. The future belongs to a united Africa, worthy of her dreams and aspirations.”
Youssou N’Dour said, “Africa, our home, is filled with beauty and worthiness. I feel a special connection to our land and people and will always celebrate that connection.”
D’Banj earned the moniker ‘The Entertainer’ early in his career. He was one of the pioneers who laid the building blocks of Afrobeats’ global footprint, with achievements including a 2010 international collaboration with American rap legend Snoop Dogg on Mr Endowed (Remix) and a 2011 global deal with Kanye West and his GOOD Music.
