D'banj to Rock the Stage in Zimbabwe

Nigerian pop star D'Banj is expected to arrive in Harare tomorrow for his first ever performance in Zimbabwe slated for Glamis Stadium this Saturday as part of the Lion Lager Beer Summer Festival. D'Banj is expected to follow in the footsteps of other international artistes in the mould of Beenie Man, P-Square and Cocoa T who have performed at the festival. Since the show will be held at the weekend D'Banj is expected to tour Delta Beverages and then visit Zimbabwe's No. 1 commercial radio station Star FM.

Dubbed as "Battle of Africa" the festival will see D'Banj representing West Africa while Bebe Cool will represent East Africa with a host of Zimbabwean musicians among them Winky D, Guspy Warrior and King Shaddy representing Southern Africa.

D'Banj, born Dapo Daniel Oyebanj, is one of the sought-after Nigerian performers whose music will move those who enjoy African music whether young or old. He is also one of the top earners in Africa.

If you thought "Oliver Twist" was his only hit then you are in for a surprise.

According to New York Times, D'Banj or Kokomaster as he is affectionately known by his legion of fans, "is one of the great African pop stars of the past decade, a charming singer but, more important, a savvy showman."

D'Banj is also a savvy synthesiser of the old and new Africa, as on "Nous les Meilleurs (We the Best)", a duet with the Congolese singer Fally Ipupa. But really, D'Banj has his eye on the world; he's signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music imprint, and the lovely "Scape Goat (The Fix)" features what's certainly the most cheerful version of Mr West you'll hear this year, or any year."

Early this year, the Nigerian thrilled fans at the closing ceremony of Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa with his acrobatic dance moves. He gave one of the best performances at the ceremony.