DBANJ - FALL IN LOVE Featuring Genevieve Nnaji - Official Video

DBANJ - FALL IN LOVE

Mike Ezuruonye is set to marry his long term fiancée.

Mike Ezuruonye

Mike Ezuruonye, handsome Nollywood actor, is officially engaged to his lover of two years. Ezunronye who told his fans last year that he was ready to quit bachelorhood made good his promise. Mike Ezuruonye who is an investment banker turned Nollywood actor won a lot of award in 2009. He is also Glo ambassador. 

Mike Ezuruonye has been able to manage his fame and celebrity status professionally. He has been able to stay away from baby mama drama.

We wish  Mike and his fiancée the very best in life.

GENEVIEVE denies DBANJ: Dbanj is not my kind of man (Gossip)

Dbanj and Genevieve Nnaji: My relationship with Dbanj is my private life.

 Question: Genevieve will you  like to confirm the assertion made by Dbanj that both of you are dating?

Genevieve Nnaji : "I can only say that I would like to keep my private life and I really don't have anything to say"

Question:But if one part of a couple reveals that he is going out with someone as high profile as yourself, it makes the story credible if you can actually confirm this...

Genevieve : "Dbanj is an adult and he has said something. Let's just leave it at that..."

But can you clarify the whole thing by simply conforming or denying it?

Genevieve: "I don't want to talk about my private life. I don't do it. I am well aware that people will say things. People have been calling me to find things out, but I am not going to say anything. I have learnt over the years that no matter what I say, people will say and believe what they like...you can not please everybody. This is my own way of handling things. I just don't talk about my private life. It's the one thing I can control"

Question: But is it real or a publicity stunt? Is Dbanj lying?

Genevieve "Does he lie?"

Question:By that are you inferring that he wasn't telling a lie and what he said is true?

Genevieve: I am not inferring or insinuating anything. One person has said something and that really is enough. I am not saying I will never talk about it, but for now I do not wish to say anything about the matter.

D'BANJ AND GENEVIEVE NNAJI: I am in love with Genevieve Nnaji

Sometimes in March 2010, Nigerian Entertainer D'banj was interviewed about his new relationship with actress Genevieve Nnaji. Check out what he had to say below.

You were spotted secretly and publicly at different places with Genevieve Nnaji and we heard you both are in some kind of relationship. Is this true?

 D’Banj “Yes, yes, yes. We have been trying to keep this quiet but yes, I am dating Genevieve Nnaji.

Okay. We heard you recently featured her in your music video, ‘Fall in Love.’ Is this a publicity stunt or is it a real relationship?

 D'Banj "This is all so funny because beyond the personal feelings I have for Genevieve, on the business side, she is the only one who represented what we were looking for to shoot the video. She represents Africa. She represents the African Queen. She is the biggest and was even profiled on the Oprah Winfrey Show. So it was a mixed feeling for me. She was the perfect person to use for the song ‘Fall in Love’. She even was my perception of someone you would want to fall in love with and have in your life. I believe the average African man wherever you are, if you want to think of whom you would want to fall in love with, if you close your eyes and take a deep breath, it’s Genevieve that will come to mind. So business-wise, she represented everything we were looking for to make the video."

You must have been looking at her whilst you were singing. Were you really telling her your feelings?

 D'Banj "I am in love with Genevieve. It’s been long I felt this way about anyone. I don’t know what other words to use to qualify my feelings. But when you see the video, you will know that it’s not just a video, it was me talking to my girl for real.

So is this a marriage-headed relationship?

D'Banj "Like I just told you, Genevieve is my girlfriend. In fact, I don’t like using that word girlfriend. She’s my baby, she’s my every thing and I love her. We are both very mature and also very private. We would like to take it one step at a time right now and would appreciate if people will respect our need for privacy at this time.

When the news of this relationship hits the streets, we are sure you both know what will happen next. Are you ready for this?

 D'Banj "Well, what can I say? Like I said, Genevieve is the biggest African star that I know and I am in the public eye, so it is to be expected. But I personally do not care about any news that wants to come out. I am proud of whom I am with. When I met Genevieve I knew what I wanted and I went after it and I am still with what I want and she’s the one I want. Right now the only woman in my life is Genevieve and she knows that. We want to be together and we don’t want to hide it any longer. I want to be able to take her out, walk into anywhere with her and not have to hide. I’ve found my kokolet, my woman. Please pray for us.''

Kunle Afolayan: With the Movie Figurine, we have set the pace in Nollywood.

Kunle Afolayan

Scion of the ace film maker, Adeyemi Afolayan, (Ade Love) Kunle Afolayan is now the focus in Nollywood today.  This international director, actor and producer whose second feature film, ‘Figurine cliched five awards at this year’s African Movie Academy Awards. 

Afolayan believed that his landslide victory was as a result of his commitment to setting a standard for African film makers. In this concluding part of our interview, Afolayan sets an agenda for film makers in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Interviewed Benjamin Njoku
As actor, producer and director, where does your strength lie?
Among the three, one cannot be said to be a master of all. The fact that I studied Business Administration and had worked as a banker for several years gave me the opportunity to master the business aspect of film making. Producing films is very challenging.

As a producer, you are in charge of the expenses, coordination and administration. I have been able to master all these tricks because of the experiences I acquired while working in the banking sector as an administrative and corporate affair’s officer.

And as a director, I attended a film school abroad, where I was able to acquire some of the basics or ethics of film making. And as an actor, I started way back as a child.
Let’s just say, acting flows in the blood. But in future, I’d stop  producing. When you are producing, you are really distracted because apart from being on set, you are also meant to shoulder other two key roles. So, it’s better you allow someone else to handle that aspect of production. But for acting and directing, I want to be a master of the two.

What does your late dad got to do with your achievements?
A lot,  because I guess I have been influenced directly or indirectly while growing up as a child.
I developed a passion for film making after my dad died, and not when he was alive. While dad lived, I wasn’t even interested in film making because he wouldn’t encourage us to be part of that.
After his death, I developed a  strong interest in film making and as a result, I had to go back to school to study the rudiments of film making.

I’m not the only son of Adeyemi Afolayan that is into acting. My three brothers are also into acting. I think my works speak for me because of what I have been able to learn while growing up.
What I learnt in the film school, coupled with the experience I have acquired over the years, gave me that edge over every other film maker in Nigeria and Africa at large. But we can’t rule out the fact that being a son of Adeyemi  Afolayan played a vital role in what I am today.

Figurine dwarfed other African films. Why?
Figurine is my second feature film. When I did “Irapada” it was also an award winning movie. It won the Best Indigenous movie award at the 2007 AMAA. For me, Figurine is a product of an experiment.
I wanted  to see what value I could add to film making that would give Nigerian film makers an edge over other film makers across Africa.  After producing  “Irapada,” I learnt a lot of lessons. I tried to improve on a whole lot of things, which I didn’t  pay attention to, when I was shooting “Irapada.” I didn’t totally achieve what I wanted in Figurine.

And it may have been better than what it is today, because of hitches and challenges here and there. Thank God the film is still a success.
Figurine would have been more successful if those hitches were not there. The film was purposely produced in that class to prove to my colleagues and the entire African film makers that if we take our time and add a few things here and there to our productions, we would be able to stand side by side with any film makers from Hollywood or Bollywood.

How did you achieve Figurine?
Getting the scripts of Figurine ready  took us about three to four months while the shooting  proper took three months. Post-production took about four months and pre-production equally took about three months. In all, it took more than a  year.

Compared to an average Nollywood film, the budget was quite huge. It cost more than N50million. But that does not mean that one cannot do a film with a lower budget and still achieve the same kind of standard.
The budget was higher because the set was also very huge.
I assembled a huge cast and crew. And we moved from one location to another location, which really gulped a lot of money, and the logistic problems….

Since the film hit foreign cinemas,  have you recouped your fund?
We have recouped more than half of the budget of the N50m. The film is not yet released on DVD.  We are still in the cinemas and private screening. We are waiting for the right platform to release the film on DVD. We are looking for a platform where we can sell more than a million copies. Once that is in place, I can assure you we will not hesitate to release the film on DVD. Figurine has got  good production values, pictures quality that make it appeal to international audience.

Still, you didn’t win the best director awards?
I was surprised but what can one do when the jury has their own parameter? I don’t know what their reasons were but I think it’s because we have so many other African countries involved.
They wanted to ensure that the awards went round.  I don’t know why the film that won the best cinematography, best picture and best visual effect; (these are the key categories in film making)didn’t win the best director award. But I’m  still glad that we won at AMAA.

Why did you say Figurine is a break from tradition?
Figurine has got good production values. To me, it’s the most important thing in any production. What an international audience looks out for in any film is the production value of that film, which are picture and sound. Once they see your film for 10 minutes, they will be able to tell whether the film would be interesting or not. I don’t want to be seen as a local champion.
I want to keep doing something that will not only appeal to Nigerians and Africans in general but also to the international audience.

Lancelot Imasuen and yourself  aspire for the global stage. How has it been so far?
Internationally, we are doing very well.  Figurine is currently touring major film festivals across the world. Come next month, I will be travelling to Canada, Korea and Tokyo to attend film festivals. Figurine is the only Nigerian film that will be touring international festivals in recent times.  It’s good for  us, because of the exposure. It would also provide us the opportunity to sign on such international distributors for our films.
That’s why I say to my colleagues, if they dare put in efforts into what they are doing, their films will definitely stand a better chance of getting international exposure. This is the beginning of a better thing to come to Nollywood. Right now, I’ll soon begin work on something bigger.

Internationally, where is Nollywood weak?
Well, Nollywood is highly accepted in blacks communities in Europe and America. But having said that, our films are hardly shown in the theatre outside the shores of the country. At home, how many of our films are released in the cinemas?

Internationally, there are structures in place. A film must be made to go round the normal distribution circle, which is from the theatre to the preview and then onto DVD.  But here in Nigeria, we intend to release straight on DVD, which limits what the investor gets in return. Yes, Nigerian films are doing well internationally. But the producers are not gaining as much as they ought to, because of  piracy.

Do you advertise in your movies?
My films speak volumes in the area of advert placement. I do a lot of product placement in my films, meaning that to complete my production, I ensure that I involve multinational companies in my films. I sell the idea to them and they in return pay for it.
That way, one can subsidise one’s budget and it’s a common practice all over the world. I did that in “Irapada,” where I got Dangote, MTN and other corporate bodies involved. Also, in Figurine, I got NICON Hotels and Resort, Unilever and some banks to place adverts.  This is the way to go for Nollywood producers. That way, they can subsidise their budgets, no matter how huge the budget is.

So, how do you create time for your family?
I’m sure one of the reasons my wife married me was because she realised  I have got some potentials. My wife realised that I’m always working and in the future, I would be able to put food on the table for her.
But I always try to balance it by creating time for both my family and my work. I try as much as possible not to allow my work to affect my relationship with my family.

Are you satisfied with today’s Nollywood?
Yes, because an average Nigerian man have got the zeal to make things happen. This, in a way has helped the industry to grow. I believe that come next year, most of the films you will be seeing in AMAA from the stable of Nigerian film makers will be great and better movies.  A lot of film makers are now challenged to do better movies. Somebody needs to kick-start the revolution and every other film makers will follow suit.
And, if we continue in that spirit, Nollywood would have no choice at some point to step aside for us to thrive. What we need now is to learn to master the technical quality. Already, we have got great stories, we need to engage a few more trained directors who really understand how films should be made. Believe me, sincerely, if all these things are put in place, the industry will be recognised positively in the internationally.

On set, do you foresee the quality you refer to?
Of course, the kind of persons you are working with, sometimes determine your character or attitude on set. I work with a couple of these actors and actresses.  I make them work as well as I try to take good care of them while on set.

How true is it that producers and marketers take undue advantage of female actresses for roles?
I think it’s the other way round because most of these actresses will do anything to be famous. A lot of them will offer to sleep with the producers or marketers to get roles. Worse still, most of them are not trained actresses but the fact remains that they want to be popular at all cost. I think it’s something that happens all over the world, not only in the film industry but also. I see it as an individual thing.

If  you are a director or a producer who allows himself to fall for such cheap temptation, so be it. But mostly, it is the fault of these ladies who would do anything to entice or seduce them in order to secure a role in their films.

Have you experienced such temptation before?
I’m a professional to the core. I can’t be tempted with such cheap enticement.

What’s the way forward?
Shun tribal sentiments. We wouldn’t move forward as long as we continue to allow language differences to serve as a deterrent to partnering together. Nigeria is such a complex country. And I believe that if all of us come together and leave our language barriers, we will definitely make the difference. In the first place , film does not have a language. This issue of Kaniwood, Yoruba film industry and the Igbo movies should not undermining the growth of our movie sector. We must partner together and do good movies. Then, the sky will be our limit.

How did Figurine come about?
The story of Figurine was a collective effort of myself, Joe Obi and Ken Adesoye. There are a lot of Nigerians there who are superstitious and who try to give a lot of names to the gods. I felt it’s unfair of them because most often, we have our own predicaments. In that sense, we tried to put all that together. That was how we came up with the story of Figurine.

Source: www.vanguardngr.com

DaGrin's Pictures and Cover Page Pictures- Oladapo Olaonipekun Olaitan (RIP)

Dagrin laid to rest at Atan cemetry : Dagrin goes home today (Pictures)

Sasha at Atan cemetry

D1(Kennis Music) and Adekunle Ayeni

By FEMI SALAWU

One week after his death in an auto-crash, Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun, popularly known as Dagrin, will be buried today at Ebony Private Vault, Atan Cemetry, Yaba, Lagos.

According a burial arrangement signed by the late musician’s family and friends, the interment will be followed by a short visitation with the family at their Meiran, Lagos home. The artiste was admitted into Intensive Care of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos after sustaining severe injuries from the auto accident.

The artiste was said to have rammed his car into a stationary truck opposite Alakara Police Station, Mushin leaving the rear side of the car in ruins. The unfortunate incident according to police sources, occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 15 around 2.30am. Although the musician was said to be returning from a visit to a friend’s house, another conflicting information from reliable sources revealed otherwise.

The controversy
Sources close to the musician, who would not want their names in print, revealed that the late musician was in fact, returning from a club. Unconfirmed reports by another source revealed that two bottles of Hennessy, an expensive spirit was found in the wreckage of the car. But the manager to the late artiste, Tunde, disclosed that the musician had merely visited friends and a few relations late into the night and suffered a “minor accident.”

Both observers said the latter’s views were aimed at down-playing the impact of the accident on the artiste. Others also said that the artiste should have been flown abroad for further treatment when his situation became critical. Dagrin was first rushed to T & S Hospital in Mushin from where he was transferred to LUTH.
Legacies
Although his first album entitled: Still on the Matter went unnoticed, he only started getting recognition on collaboration songs such as Efi Mile by YQ. This earned him an enviable place among Yoruba-speaking hip hop artistes such as Lord of Ajasa and 9ice. With the arrival of his second album entitled: C.E.O meaning Chief Executive Omoita which comprises hits such as Pon Pon Pon, it was clear to all that he had come to stay.

He has equally succeeded in removing the borders between English and Yoruba-speaking lyrists. A critic noted “his use of Yoruba to rap and sing Hip-hop is so alluring that those who don’t speak the language are at least seduced by his flow and rhymes.

Source: http://www.sunnewsonline.com/

Related Posts

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  DaGrin's Pictures and Cover Page Pictures

Allstars Tribute to DaGrin (Olaitan Oladapo Olanipekun)- MY PAIN

Part One: Names of Artistes
1. Omawumi
2. Jahbless
3. Ajasa
4. Ruggedman
5. Banky W
6. T-Code
7. Sheyman
8. Reminise
9. Durella
10. Eldee

Part Two: Names of Artistes
1. AY.Com
2. Jaywon
3. Dude Tetsola
4. Waje
5. Bigiano
6. Kel

Adaeze Igwe Yobo has given birth to a bouncing baby boy

Dagrin: Olaitan Olaonipekun's Burial Arrangement: Official Burial Details

• Thursday April 29: Candle light procession from his former house - No. Emmanuel Dada Street, off Bello road, Surulere to Ojez, National stadium, Surulere.Time: 6pm
• Friday April 30: Songs and Burial Service at Atan cemetery (Ebony Private Vault) Yaba Time:12noon
• Sunday May 2 - Family Visitation at 43 Kola Oretuga str,off Meiran Rd, Iyana Meiran bus stop A.O.L.C.D.A Time:12noon.
• Other details will be released to the press tomorrow by family.

Announcer: Family & Friends

Tribute to Dagrin: Eclipse of a Dream by Olawale Olaleye

Shiny, sparkly and splendidly bright, the demise, last week of Olayitan Olanipekun Oladapo, aka Dagrin- one of Nigeria ’s rave-making rap artistes is one of a sad end, writes Olawale Olaleye

Like sunset, Olayitan Olanipekun Oladapo, mostly called Dagrin was with us at dawn. He shone so brightly that the time he spent on life’s stage evoked so much excitements.  What with the hope of a propitious future? But he was not to stay longer. And like the sunset that dies with the rising of the moon, Dagrin left in one night, abruptly. His is a classic case of “gone too soon.” Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon, he died quite early. Born to amuse, inspire and delight, the death of Dagrin is akin to a comet that blazed across the evening sky and left hurriedly (Apologies to Michael Jackson). I had followed with rare interest, the Dagrin story since the news of his accident started swirling around last week.

Of course, I could not have been in the league of those doing this for gossip reasons. I am too busy to indulge in such. But as a younger brother, I had watched Dagrin grow up like a rising star. We had lived together in the same area in Meiran area of Alagbado. His father had a house on Kola Oretuga street, while my parents house is in Iyana Ekoro.

Dagrin had developed this rare knack for rapping. He had the flair and his aptitude was right. His rhymes were mesmerising even as a little boy. And with an uncommon energy indicative of a progressively industrious mind, Dagrin would go from street to street rapping, albeit not for the financial incentive that would follow later; because he wanted to show us all that he had a talent that had been deposited inside of him.

He would rap, sing and dance and we would watch, clap and laugh in utter fulfilment and story part with some paltry amount. While Dagrin was happy doing this because the talent was evident; we were happy watching and encouraging him because in our local enclave, a star had risen. Like a star that he was, I saw Dagrin develop his talent with auspicious tendencies and I was certain that with the pace he was moving, the sky would be his limit.

But Dagrin, like a castle built upon a sandy beach, left too early. It was Femi Davies who had sent me an IM on my Black Berry. The message was an unconfirmed report hinting of Dagrin’s death. I declined to believe. I called round to ascertain the truth. Femi Adepoju could not confirm too but promised to follow-up and get back. Within minutes, Raheem Ajayi had followed up with a text praying the news was a mere hoax and quickly, I said amen to that.

But soon afterwards, Femi Davies and Femi Adepoju confirmed it and I have since been shattered. My younger brother in South America, Ayobami Olaleye also called to confirm the sad story but it was already in the news. I called my dad to double check and he did confirm it.

He even claimed to have sent people to their house to commiserate with the parents and hoped to go in person the following day. Dagrin was reportedly returning home from an outing penultimate Wednesday when he rammed into a stationed truck around Alakara area of Mushin. He was immediately rescued by policemen on duty who rushed him to a nearby hospital. Although, he was said to have been operated upon that same night at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after being turned down at the Tai Solarin Hospital, also in Mushin. He had since remained unconscious.

At some point, he was said to have been improving and it was all over the airwaves that his rumoured death was not correct. But Dagrin eventually died last Thursday, leaving friends, fans and relatives in terrible shock. I refuse to imagine how painful it would be even for his parents who still saw him shortly before his demise.

Information reaching me says he had been home earlier to give a power generating set to his dad. He was a breadwinner of sorts even as a young boy in his early 20s. But that was the last they all saw of him. Dagrin, they would never see again. I am personally bereaved and it still leaves me with as much pain and anguish that such a promising talent would be gone so early and for good. Not sure I am qualified to write a tribute on a brother, quite younger than me. But I feel this is the only way I can suppress the trauma that his demise has wreaked on me. Adieu, my good aburo, Dagrin.

Source: www.thisdayonline.com

DaGrin to be laid rest on April 30, 2010: Pictures and Video of Fans' Reactions to his death

• Breaking News: Official Burial Details for Dagrin: Olaitan Olaonipekun's Burial Arrangement.

DaGrin will be laid to rest on April 30, 2010. He was 23yrs old.

Sandra Oyedeji, one of DaGrin's fans, has created a Memorial page for DaGrin. Fans can stop  at this website to pay tribute to Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun. Click here to vist the website. 

DaGrin's father, Comrade Olaniyi Olaonipekun, addressing mourners.

Comrade Olaniyi Olaonipekun.and Mr. Frank Mba

DJ Jimmy Jatt consoles Comrade Olaniyi Olaonipekun (DaGrin's father)

DaGrin's Manager, Tunde Peters, surrounded by DaGrin's Fans

Nigerians's reactions

Dekunle Fuji, Dude Tetsola, DJ Bombastic and Lexy Doo

Durella and Muma-Gee shocked and perplexed

MUMA GEE's uncontrollable tears

DJ Jimmy Jatt saddened by DaGrin's death.

Nigeria's Police Officers from Alakara Police Station

Photo Credits: http://www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com/ and www.thenetng.com

Video: Reaction To DaGrin's Death By A'Blaze Of Nigezie

Related Posts:

• Official Burial Arrangement for DaGrin 

Nadia Buari Marries Secretly (Rumour)

Nadia Buhari, a movie goddess of immaculate beauty, is said to have gotten married recently and there is a wild hunt for who the husband might be though family sources have not said much.

As if to confirm the report, Nadia has started wearing a sparkling ring on her ring finger. She has been spotted wearing this sparkling ring at a number of official programs but has decided to keep the issue of her supposed marriage under wraps. “It’s my little secret. I’m not sharing that,” was all Nadia Buhari told myjoyonline when she was questioned about her new ring.

It is public knowledge that Nadia had been in a long-term love relationship with golden-boy Michael Essien of Chelsea Football Club and that has added a sting to the controversy surrounding her sparkling ring. Many would have concluded Essien was responsible for the ring on Nadia’s finger, if not for recent grapevine reports that suggested the two had called off their relationship for undisclosed reasons.

NEWS-ONE recently asked Nadia about her marriage plans and she was quite slippery on the subject. “I want to establish myself well before I get married. Before you become somebody’s wife you must have your own life. I have to work so hard to get to this point of my life and I am going to continue because I don’t think I have achieved enough or what I want to achieve. Marriage kind of pulls you down.

It demands a lot and I am not willing to relax, I want to work harder and get somewhere. I will get married but not any time soon. Probably a couple of years, I am not sure. But anyway, hey! You never know. I may say this now but tomorrow may come with something different,” Nadia told NEWS-ONE in that interview at Akosombo.

In that interview, Nadia explained that though her fans would want to know what is going on in her life, the media should be cautious and respect her privacy saying she considers matters concerning her relationship private.

“I feel that part of me is very personal, very private so it should stay that way. What I am bringing to the public is the movies. It is what I am doing, my career is my job. hat is what we should be talking about. I don’t like to talk about my private life and so I don’t want my private life out there.

“I am extremely quiet because I am a very shy person. You will never know me until you get close to me and you will know the kind of person I am,” she noted. She would, however, not talk about her alleged collapsed relationship with Michael Essien and speculations that she had a child with a Holland-based Ghanaian.

Nadia Buhari, daughter of music icon, Alhaji Sidiku Buhari, is undoubtedly one of the topmost actresses on the screens. She has become a household name in Africa most especially in Ghana and Nigeria and has close to 40 movies to her credit.

"If I Die":DaGrin's Unreleased Track- "If I Die, Do Not Cry For Me," says Dagrin

DaGrin's Unreleased Track Titled "If I Die."


Related Posts:

• Biography of DaGrin, Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun (1987 -2010)
• Tribute to Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun a.k.a DaGrin

Biography of DaGrin, Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun (1987 -2010). Plus Dagrin's Unreleased Track Titled " If I Die"

DaGrin was born Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun (25/10/1987 -22/04/2010). Mr. Olaitan Olanipekun  stage name is DaGrin. He also goes by other aliases such as Original Omoita, DaGrin Lomo Na, Lyrican Trouble, Fimilejo, Omo Onile, Solder Boy, Lyrical Wayray, Molenubi, Misofuyin, Omo Ogun, Akogun, Barack O'Grin, Chief Executive Omoita and other.

Education

DaGrin went Rosemary Nursery and Primary School and Good Shepherd Nursery and Primary School before attaining his secondary school education at the Community High School, Egbado College. Mr. Olaitan's attempts to gain admission to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions hit the rock due to financial and family issues. He did however study in a computer institution somewhere around Lagos State. He later decided to invest his time and effort in music since he loves doing music and writing lyrics with great passion.

Personal Life

He was born to a polygamous family; life was never rosy for Olaitan. Olaitan’s mother was the second of his father’s three wives.

Musical Career

DaGrin was a recording artiste, songwriter, rapper and performer. Like any other artiste, the start was rough for DaGrin. Olaitan’s first album titled “Still On the matter” came and went without much impact in the music industry. He was never deterred by the ratings of his first album; he was determined to make a lasting footprint in the music industry. He went back to the studio and re engineer is God given talents. The result of his hard work and persistence was his sophomore album titled "Chief Executive Omoita (C.E.O) and surely, it was a party banger. He was signed to his own label Missofunyin Entertainment and managed by Edlyne Records. 

His imprint Mi So Fu Yin Entertainment was gradually taking shape; Dagrin had a performance in and out of Lagos every other week. Everybody wanted him on their album, mixtape, single… it didn’t matter; everybody just wanted a piece of Dagrin.

Just two days before the horrific accident that took away his life occurred; Dagrin was putting together his last song, Show Me the Money, for Lineo ‘Elepepe Master’. On April 14th, just a few hours before the accident, Dagrin paid a visit to the Hip Hop World office in Ikeja. The awards were drawing closer and with three nominations to his name, the hustler’s dream was finally coming true.

Collaboration and Duet

During his brief presence in Nigeria's music industry, DaGrin  featured dozens of musicians including Kenny Saint Brown, 9ice, Oluwe, YQ Isolate and others within is short presence in Nigeria Hip-Pop scene. Dagrin is a three-time hip-pop awards nominee; he was nominated in the Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Rap Album categories of the 2010 Hip-Hop World Awards.

DaGrin’s Quotes

1. “You know what it is, you knew what it was baby.”
2. ‘I just realized that I’m married to this game… and me and my b*tches never break up…’
3. God is my creator; Fela is my mentor. Money does not drive me; money is my conductor.
4. Ta Won eyan bari mi ni street, won pe mi lomo buruku.
   
   
   Won ni life ti moun live, mon ni pe ku. Ti olorun ko ba pa mi, kin lo tun kun.
5. ‘Aimoye igba ti awon eyan ni ki lo give up… Won ni mo local, pe o no mi o’nse hip-hop… But mo wa determined, mo de wa focus…T’orie ni oruko mi se spread bi staphylococcus’ -

Translation of Quotes in 4 and 5 to English Language

• 
  
  • 
    
    When people see me on the street, they called me bad boy. 
  
  
  
  They say I may not live long with my kind of lifestyle, If God does not kill me, what else?
• ‘How many times have people told me to give up…They say I’m local, that I’m not hip-hop. But I was determined and focused… Because of this, my name has spread like staphylococcus’. 

DaGrin’s Ghetto Dream

Mo ni dream lati fi Ajah se residence

Mo ni dream lati di Nigerian president,

Owoti awon president nje lo encourage mi

Epe ti awon eyan she fun won lon discourage mi

Mo ni dream lati di pastor but everytime ni mo n mu shepe, mo de n fa polli

Mo ni dream lati believe bi Pastor Chris but mo wa carried away pelu effizy Ludaris

DaGrin's Last Moments

According to Nigerian Entertainment Today's website, the last time he logged on to twitter was on April 8th at 1:01 pm. His last tweet was to a fan, Yewande Sobamowo - it simple said ‘lol’ (Laughing Out Loud).

According to report filed by The Nation, a Nigerian Newspaper, DaGrin’s last statement before he passed on  was, ‘Tell My Fans I Love Them.’ He made this statement in the presence of other musicians such as DJ Zeez, Dekunle Fuji, Tunde Peters (his manager), Lexydoo and Shebaby,

Although DaGrin is gone, he would not be forgotten for how he artfully blends his native language, Yoruba with English language to rap. I would like to thank Dagrin for his inspiring so many people that are frustrated and  have lost in Nigeria system.

Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun a.k.a DaGrin. May your gentle soul Rest In Peace (RIP).


DaGrin's Unreleased Track Titled "If I Die."

Related Posts

• Tribute to Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun a.k.a DaGrin
• DaGrin's Unreleased Track Titled " If I Die"

Dagrin’s last words: ‘Tell my fans I love them’

Olaitan Olanipekun, a.k.a Dagrin

By Ahmed Boulor and Mutiat Alli

Even the enemies of Olaitan Olanipekun, aka Dagrin, couldn’t suppress the urge to shed hot tears for the late fast- rising rapper as a horde of sympathisers stormed the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi- Araba, when the news of his death filtered into town.


Some were sitting dejectedly on the floor; some were wailing in utter disbelief as they frantically tried to contain their emotions. A number of them hurled invectives at the nurses and other medical personnel on duty accusing them of negligence. It was on April 22 when the music artiste breathed his last.

However, it took the timely intervention of policemen to avert an outbreak of violence as scores of fans threatened fire and brimstone over the sudden death of their rap idol.

As early 7 am yesterday, some colleagues of the late artiste trooped in to pay tributes to the late ‘lyrical waye’ as the deceased was fondly called by admirers.

Popular artistes such as She Baby, Sheyman, Dekunle Fuji, K-Solo, Klever Jay, DJ Bombastic, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Turbo-D, Side One, Lexydoo, LKT, DJ-Zeez, Lineo, YQ, Ay.Com, Jahbless, Chuddy-K and a host of others could not hold back tears, lamenting the untimely loss of the artiste who was considered as one of Nigeria’s fast emerging lyricists.

In the words of Dekunle Fuji, “The death of the artiste (Dagrin) is untimely and it occurred at a time when his parents were beginning to enjoy the fruits of their child’s labour.’’

Another artiste, Lexydoo, described the late rapper as one of the best that the entertainment industry has ever seen and he said the artiste would have survived if not for the alleged lackadaisical approach of the doctors on duty at LUTH. “How could the doctors be on strike when they have a critical situation to attend to?”

Meanwhile, DJ Jimmy Jatt has promised a befitting burial for the late artiste. He said a burial committee is being set up to oversee his final burial rites.

The artiste regained consciousness on Monday after crashing his recently acquired Nissan Ultima car with customised number plate ‘Dagrin 03’ into a stationary truck loaded with cement opposite the Alakara Police Station in Mushin at about 3 am on Thursday April 15.

While recalling the sad incident, his manager, Tunde Peters, said the artiste was returning from a visit to his parents and that he was rushing down to meet up with a studio recording session for his forthcoming album when the incident occurred.

Policemen on patrol called his manager after finding his number on his phone, while he was taken to a private hospital nearby for treatment. He was later transferred to LUTH. The late music star sustained severe injuries on several parts of his body and went into a coma for some days.

Before he passed on in the presence of other musicians such as DJ Zeez, Dekunle Fuji, Tunde Peters (his manager), Lexydoo and Shebaby, Dagrin’s last words were: ‘Tell my fans that I love them.’


Source: www.thenationonlineng.net

Related Posts:

• Tribute to Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun a.k.a DaGrin
• Biography of Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun a.k.a DaGrin (1987 -2010)
• "If I Die":DaGrin's Unreleased Track- If I Die, Do Not Cry For Me.

Video News: The Twilight Eclipse trailer debuted on Oprah Show PLUS Video

The Twilight Eclipse trailer debuted on Oprah today and it gives great hints on the story line. The cast looks great and yes, the famous longing looks between Bella and Edward are still captured in this third movie in the series. I viewed the trailer on the website

Twilight Eclipse appears there is great trouble brewing between the Vampires and the Werewolves. In a twist, the vampires that are coming to Fork are going to have not only the Cullen family to fight, but the Werewolves have joined in the battle.



You can also read more about the store and view the trailer on the website Screen Crave.

Source: www.associatedcontent.com / www.screencrave.com

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Official Press Release: DaGrin (Olaitan Oladapo) is Dead by BlackHouse Media/Edlyne Records.

Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun A.K.A. Dagrin

We regret to announce the passing of our son, friend, partner and brother Mr. Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun A.K.A. Dagrin.

He died at 6:00pm on Thursday April 22 – exactly eight days after he was involved in a ghastly accident in front of Alakara Police station, off Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos. 

He survived a serious head injury, as a result of the crash.

He was initially admitted at Tai Solarin Hospital, Baba Olosha Bus stop, Mushin before he was transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi Araba where Doctors made serious efforts to save his life. He was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit and operated upon, and later moved to the private wing of the hospital.

Doctors worked day and night; we fasted and prayed, but all efforts to save his life proved abortive. We lost him on Thursday April 22, 2010 at 6:00PM.

Dagrin  was a recording artiste, songwriter, rapper and performer. He was signed to his own label Missofunyin Entertainment and managed by Edlyne Records. 

Burial arrangements will be announced by his family soonest.

While we pray the Almighty God grant him eternal rest, we wish to thank his numerous fans and supporters, as well as the media for their unflinching support at this trying period. 

We ask that you please continue to pray for his family, especially his parents and siblings. And please only the details contained in this release –jointly issued by his parents and management - should be considered as fact.

BlackHouse Media

On behalf of the family

DaGrin Passes On: Doctors at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LAUTH) could not save DaGrin's life.

DaGrin at the Hospital receiving treatment

DaGrin who is the crooner of Pon Pon Pon and wave-making Hip-Pop star died on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from head injuries he sustained from a fatal car accident.

He was taken to Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for urgent medical attention following a ghastly auto accident that almost claimed his life last week. He was later moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward at the hospital where doctors were monitoring  his recovery.

A surgery was carried out on Dagrin to determine if the head injury he sustained from the accident did not affect his brain, but it seems DaGrin was badly injured, and he may have suffered internal injuries.

Dagrin is a three-time hip-pop award nominee; he was nominated in the Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Rap Album categories of the 2010 Hip-Hop World Awards.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect

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