IduwiniVoice Social
DON JAZZY REVEALS THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND D’BANJ’S RISE TO FAME
By Favour Bibaikefie,
In a recent revelation, legendary Nigerian music producer Don Jazzy shared a captivating story about how D’Banj transitioned from being a “studio cruise catcher” to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainers. Speaking candidly, Don Jazzy provided insights into their early days and the creative synergy that birthed the Mo’Hits dynasty.
Recalling his humble beginnings, Don Jazzy said, “Wayback, before the instinct of being a don came about. I used to work as a commissioner in a local fast food joint in the U.K as a side hustle to be a manager of dem JJC and 419 Squad. We would spend time in the studio cooking beats and voicing records. I wasn’t big then, just a normal Naija boy doing his thing in London.”
It was during this period that D’Banj, whose real name is Dapo, began frequenting their studio. “Then Dapo started coming around our record studio; he was that funny guy who will come around and cause that positive spark with his jokes. We started feeling his vibes every day he comes to the studio. See, he wasn’t an artiste coming to the studio to record but to catch cruise as you millennials and Gen Zss put hehehehe,” Don Jazzy recounted.
However, everything changed when D’Banj revealed a hidden talent. “On this fateful day, he told me he can sing. He told me, ‘Don Jazzy, you will record me. Let me tell them The Koko.’ I paused and marveled to understand The Koko.” D’Banj’s vision was clear: he would be the playboy, and Don Jazzy would be the mafia-like “Pimp” with a walking stick and minimal words.
Don Jazzy revealed how this idea became the foundation for Mo’Hits: “Wow! Instantly I understood The Koko as an entertainment visioneer and entrepreneur with visions on putting Afrobeats on the world map. This was exactly what I wanted! A big gig! Something that would put the name of the Don on the lips of many Nigerians, because at that time Keke, D1 and Obi Asika were the top dogs. I needed a huge breakthrough and here it was!”
The partnership brought a fresh energy to the Nigerian music scene, blending London swag and Naija vibes. “The whole picture of who I wanted to be was beginning to fall in place. We got into the Nigerian market with the London Money and swag as D’Banj and Don Jazzy, which caused my first industry fever of love on the Don brand.”
Reflecting on their impact, Don Jazzy said, “A studio ‘cruise catcher’ who caught a studio fever was becoming one of the hottest stars in Nigeria, winning awards and was rated alongside 2Baba, P-Square, who had held the market down at their fingertips.”
Addressing the question of how D’Banj succeeded despite his unconventional start, Don Jazzy attributed it to teamwork and understanding individual strengths. “You could be wondering how is it possible for a ‘studio cruise catcher’ to be doing so well? With teamwork of the brain, we won. I mean, one of my secrets as a successful producer is to produce you with whatever you appear to be; I don’t try to change you. I allowed him to entertain with his cruise while I made melodious beats to make the cruise a vibe.”
In a final note of confidence, Don Jazzy asserted, “See, if I produce D’Banj again today, he would drop a hit ‘cos I know and understand what to give him.”
This heartfelt narrative not only sheds light on D’Banj’s rise but also underscores the vision and collaborative spirit that have defined Don Jazzy’s illustrious career.
By: Divine Perezide
The forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference 2025 received a strong boost with the nod of the Bolowei of Niger Delta, High Chief Tunde Smooth, last Tuesday, to serve as Father of the Day at the high-powered media dialogue.
IduwiniVoice can report that this is the second edition in the annual event organised by the appex Ijaw Flagship Publishers Organisation, Ijaw Publishers Forum is christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Speaking during the fruitful meeting with the great Niger Delta leader, the Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Pastor Akemotubo explained that the theme of this year’s edition hints at a call to action over the growing concern regarding the pressure exerted on the region’s land and water resources.
He stated that the forum aims to deepen public discourse, encourage fair and responsible reporting, and call on regional leaders to preserve the region’s heritage.
He observed that High Chief Smooth’s longstanding contribution to cultural advancement and his steady involvement in regional affairs made him well suited for the honour.
Chief Smooth happed on the need for cooperation among community groups, professional bodies and traditional institutions.
He praised the Forum for its efforts to use media as a veritable tool for protecting the interests of the larger Niger Delta and Ijaw nation in particular, assuring them of his total support towards the conference.
He used the medium to appealed to other stakeholders across not just the Ijaw nation but across the Niger Delta to join in initiatives that safeguard the environment and strengthen the region’s future.
IduwiniVoice Social
EREKEDOUMENE JONATHAN YANGABOY BAGS THE REVERED IBEKOREWEI TITLE AT THE GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM’S 2025 BINIKAMAI FESTIVAL
By: Derick Tama
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State – November 23, 2025. The very Ancient Grand Iduwini Kingdom of the Tobokirigha people, witnessed a historic and colourful moment during the 2025 BINIKAMAI FESTIVAL as Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan was formerly conferred with a Cabinet Chieftaincy title, the revered “IBEKOREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, (Ogonogbolo-Kirigbolo, Bolou Igbe-Tu Igbe, Gbarara-Gbururu, Opogolo-Opogolo Keme, the Paramount Ruler and Spiritual Custodian of the Tobokirigha stool), the revered Pere of Grand Iduwini Kingdom. The festival, held from Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd of November 2025 in Amatu-1 – the ancestral and spiritual root of the (Tobokirigha people) very Ancient Grand Iduwini Kingdom – drew traditional leaders, chiefs, community leaders, and other dignitaries from across Ijaw land.
The Pere admonished Erekedoumene who’s father, the late Amadiwei of Odimodi Community, His Highness, High Chief Yangaboy Okubonananabokefie Angalabiri was the last person to hold the exalted title that, the Ibekorewei title symbolises the unifyer, cultural Preserver, and spiritual steward of Iduwini people, which carries very deep cultural, political, and spiritual responsibilities. He noted that it entrusts him with the sacred duty of safeguarding the heritage, values, unity, and collective wellbeing of all Iduwini people (who were initially known as Tobokirigha people at the beginning of time), for generations to come.
Expressing profound gratitude, High Chief Erekedoumene Jonathan Yangaboy extended appreciations to His Imperial Majesty, Ogiobo-IX, the Pere and Finite ruler of Grand Iduwini Kingdom; the Grand Iduwini Chiefs in Council; and the entire citizenry of the kingdom for the honour. He also acknowledged the Odimodi community; the family of his late father, His Highness, High Chief Yangaboy Okubonananabokefie Angalabiri; the Gbolobonoghan family of Ayakoromor; and High Chief Simion Elex Pukon, the Bebefiewei of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
Yangaboy further appreciated his wife, Mrs. Mirabel Onoride Yangaboy; Mr. Roland Isereke; Pastor Akposafagha Seimo; Comrade Seiyefa Ekpemupolo; Comrade Emmanuel Gesikeme Akpule; the Tech/Operations Department of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; and friends and colleagues whose goodwill and support strengthened him throughout the process.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to service of the Kingdom, stating, “Thank you for standing with me. Blessed be the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.”
IduwiniVoice Social
“A Leader with the People at Heart”: INC Western Zonal Spokesman, Massah Extols Pondi on Birth Anniversary
By: Divine Perezide
Hon. Godwin Massah, the spokesman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the Rt. Hon. Dr. Julius Gbabozor Pondi (Ph.D), Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
This was communicated in his congratulatory message shared with IduwiniVoicenews desk. Hon. Massah, who was former Aide to the Delta State Governor, described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service delivery and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, our Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Massah, who served as a first generation councillor Representing Ngbilebiri-I in the Burutu Legislative House wished Pondi, would later lead the Burutu House, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.