Koko Master D’banj has sparked fresh conversations in the Nigerian music industry after reflecting on how he, 2Baba, and other early Afrobeats pioneers were treated during their rise to fame.
The entertainer revealed that during their prime years, major music platforms did not give them the respect they deserved.
Instead of being honoured on the main stage, D’banj said they were consistently handed their awards backstage – far away from the spotlight they earned.
According to him, it wasn’t because they lacked talent or impact but the system simply didn’t value Nigerian artists enough at the time.
Their global relevance had not yet been acknowledged, and many awards bodies believed African acts belonged behind the scenes.
D’banj added that neither he nor 2Baba had the leverage or power to challenge the system.
“We couldn’t even fight for our rights,” he admitted, noting that the industry lacked the structure, boldness, and digital influence artists currently enjoy.
He explained that social media was not a weapon in their era.
There was no Twitter army to call out award shows, no Instagram live session to expose backstage bias, and no fanbase powerful enough to shut down conversations, he recalled.
“Artists simply performed, accepted what they were given, and moved on.”
The singer then pointed to Wizkid as the major turning point.
He credits Starboy with rewriting the rules, forcing global attention, and inspiring a new level of respect for African musicians.
According to D’banj, Wizkid’s audacity, international collaborations, and massive digital presence changed the industry forever.
His rise compelled award organizers—both local and international—to recognise Afrobeats artists prominently and publicly.
He argued that Wizkid’s era brought the confidence they always wanted: the courage to demand respect, to reject unfair treatment, and to stand boldly on the main stage.
D’banj described the shift as a cultural revolution that elevated not just Wizkid but the entire industry.
Suddenly, African artists were no longer an afterthought—they were the main attraction.
He emphasized that what the pioneers dreamt of is what today’s superstars enjoy: global influence, chart recognition, major festival stages, and award presentations that command the world’s attention.
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