The Kokomaster won’t sleep. With his most recent release, Tobari, D’banj continues to push forward in Nigeria’s music industry after two decades of greatness. The new record, which features DJ Maphorisa from South Africa and DJ Obi from Nigeria, is more proof that the seasoned performer is still as relevant and innovative as ever and isn’t limited by preconceived notions or defined only by his stellar musical history.
With his contagious sounds that compel movement and his charming presentation that earned him a household name throughout Africa, Tobari finds D’banj in familiar ground. However, this release has a decidedly modern feel to it, indicating an artist who knows how to change without losing the essential components that made him unique. The song has the same energy that drove hits like Fall in Love and Oliver Twist, but it’s told from the perspective of an artist who has seen the music business change all around him.
Tobari’s timing couldn’t be more calculated. D’banj has demonstrated that his desire to explore music is still strong with his last album, The Entertainer: The Sequel, which included collaborations with continental icons like Youssou N’Dour and Awilo Logomba. The song is a reminder that he is far from resting on his substantial laurels, even with over 540,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and it also continues that sense of adventure.
Tobari is especially captivating since it demonstrates D’banj’s knowledge of contemporary Afrobeats while preserving his unique musical style. The song shows that seasoned musicians may stay relevant by adhering to their artistic vision while adjusting to modern auditory landscapes, rather than by following trends. Few musicians of D’banj’s generation have been able to accomplish what this masterwork of growth without compromise is.
Tobari’s production decisions are a reflection of ambition and experience. The sound palette feels modern and new, yet the arrangement has a confidence that only comes from decades of hit-making. The charisma and personality that made D’banj a star are still present in his vocal delivery, but his approach has grown more mature, indicating artistic development rather than stylistic stagnation.
Most remarkably, Tobari presents D’banj as a modern artist who has something significant to add to the musical discourse of today rather than as a nostalgic figure relying on bygone glory. His ability to command respect and attention in an environment where younger voices are becoming more and more prevalent is evidence of his enduring brilliance and his commitment to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Tobari is proof that hunger and experience don’t have to be mutually exclusive as D’banj navigates his third decade in music. The Kokomaster has returned, and his energy is exactly what the scene needs. This is evidence that some musicians not only adapt to changes in the industry, but thrive on them.
Listen to Tobari here.
