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.
IduwiniVoice Social
Christmas: Otuaro Urges Peace, Unity in Niger Delta, Commends Tinubu’s Support for Amnesty Programme
By: Divine Perezide
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has called on the people of the Niger Delta to embrace peace, unity and communal harmony during the Christmas season and beyond, stressing that stability remains central to the region’s sustainable development.
In a Christmas message to residents of the oil-rich region, Otuaro extended warm greetings to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, ex-agitators and other stakeholders, appreciating their continued support for the PAP and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The PAP boss described peace and unity as the foundation for lasting progress in the Niger Delta, urging communities to safeguard the stability achieved over the years through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.
According to him, the Programme recorded notable milestones in 2025, including improved welfare packages for beneficiaries, expanded educational and vocational opportunities, and stronger reintegration outcomes designed to empower youths to contribute meaningfully to society.
Otuaro attributed these achievements to the leadership of President Tinubu and the strategic support provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser, which he said has continued to offer guidance for the effective implementation of the amnesty programme.
Reflecting on the significance of Christmas, he described the season as one that symbolises love, sacrifice, compassion and reconciliation-values he noted align closely with the communal culture and shared heritage of Niger Delta communities.
He also urged beneficiaries of the Programme and residents of the region to celebrate responsibly and remain committed to peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Otuaro expressed optimism that the New Year would bring greater opportunities, peace and prosperity to the Niger Delta and the country at large, wishing the people a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
IduwiniVoice Social
Season’s Greetings: Kpaidia Salutes Tantita Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment to Corporate Harmony
IduwiniVoice Social
A senior stakeholder, Gen. Dennis Kpaidia, has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, commending their dedication to national asset protection and organizational excellence.
In his goodwill message, Kpaidia paid tribute to the Chairman, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Vice Chairman Matthew Tonlagha, Managing Director Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, General Manager Godfrey Tare Pondi, the Community Laison Officer, Pastor Akposafagha Seimode, and the Chairman, Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee Boro Opudu.
Others include Mr. Roland Isereke Head of Technical, and the Principal Secretary to the GM, Emmanuel Gesikeme Akpule.
He wished the executives continued joy during the festive season and prayed that the New Year would usher in renewed hope, robust health, and expanded opportunities for them and their families. The message underscored appreciation for Tantita’s leadership cohesion and its role in sustaining peace and productivity across operational corridors.
Kpaidia concluded by reiterating his confidence in the company’s vision and leadership, expressing optimism for greater milestones in the year ahead.
By: Divine Perezide
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has applauded the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) in Community Development and Empowerment on Mrs Esther Matthew Tonlagha, founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation.
Mrs Tonlagha received the prestigious honour from the Federal University, Otuoke, during the institution’s maiden combined convocation ceremony held on December 8, 2025, in Otuoke, Bayelsa State. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to grassroots development, social empowerment, and humanitarian service across communities in the Niger Delta.
In a congratulatory message, Otuaro described the award as a fitting recognition of Mrs Tonlagha’s consistent dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups through her foundation. He praised her as a compassionate philanthropist whose impact continues to resonate beyond her immediate environment.
The PAP Administrator noted that the honouree, who is married to prominent ljaw businessman and engineer, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha has demonstrated uncommon commitment to service, driven by strong moral values and faith. He expressed confidence that the recognition would further inspire her to expand her humanitarian interventions.
Otuaro also commended the management of the Federal University, Otuoke, for acknowledging Mrs Tonlagha’s sacrifices, achievements, and the transformative work of her foundation, describing the gesture as an encouragement to individuals dedicated to community development and empowerment.