A few days after Rema called D’banj to the stage at his historic O2 Arena concert, publicly acknowledging the Afrobeats legend’s pivotal role in opening doors for Nigerian artistes in the UK, the Koko Master has dropped another bombshell: a joint tour with fellow icons 2Baba and Timaya. This highly anticipated collaboration promises to be a nostalgic journey through the golden era of Afrobeats, while also celebrating the genre’s remarkable global ascension.
The announcement came during an insightful interview with Adesope Live in London, where D’banj reflected on the genre’s evolution from a nascent West African sound in the 2000s to the global phenomenon it is today. He emphasised that this meteoric rise wasn’t solely due to the dedication of artistes and executives, but also the unwavering support of the African diaspora.
“I was speaking with Timaya the other day and he was like, ‘Banger, it’s okay, you’ve been an entrepreneur enough. It’s time to come out.’ And I said the same thing. I’m speaking to 2Face as well. 2Face was telling me – let’s go on a tour together,” D’banj revealed, outlining the genesis of this dream team. He further elaborated, “We have myself, 2Face and Timaya. We have great bodies of work. Because of how our industry is, there is a big market for everyone. So, yes, we will be going on a tour…”
Adding to the excitement, D’banj disclosed plans for a new song with 2Baba titled “Feeling Good,” suggesting it might even serve as the tour’s overarching theme – a heartfelt thank you to fans who have patiently waited.
“For those who have waited, I want to thank you guys. I think that would be the tag of the tour – just to thank you. Because looking back 20 years…”
The veteran artiste also reminisced about a time when embracing one’s Nigerian identity in London wasn’t as celebrated as it is now.
“Now everybody is Afrobeats, everybody is African. But I remember when in London it was not that great for you to say you are Nigerian. We all wanted to be Jamaicans. Back then, everybody was embracing Jamaica, so for us [Africans] to be the new pop [is a big deal],” he stated, highlighting the significant cultural shift.
He lauded the current ubiquity of Nigerian music in UK films, attributing it not just to creatives but to the entire African diaspora.
This tour announcement arrives just days after Rema’s heartfelt tribute at his sold-out O2 Arena concert on Sunday, June 8th. Rema, the “Calm Down” crooner, brought D’banj on stage and publicly thanked him for paving the way. “First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors,” Rema said, recognising D’banj’s groundbreaking hit “Oliver Twist,” which broke into the UK Top 10 chart in 2012, as a pivotal moment.
“You and Don Jazzy held it down. Y’all opened that door. I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”
This emotional exchange, widely praised online, symbolised a passing of the torch between generations.
As D’banj, 2Baba and Timaya prepare to grace stages together, the timing couldn’t be more perfect, underscoring the enduring legacy of Afrobeats pioneers and the vibrant future of the genre.
