These 10 moves has kept singer at the top of Nigerian music in 2015

D’banj has always been one to keep Nigerian entertained. A man lacking in singing ability, the star makes up for it with immense entertainment value in all areas of his life.

But with his split with Don Jazzy, the man has constantly been on an evolutionary process, with each 365 days giving us new material.

2015 has been an amazing year for D’banj, being that he is at the height of his post-Mo’Hits success so far. But this hasn’t happened by sheer luck or chance. It has been the result of strategic thinking, and execution.

Pulse Music presents the top 10 D’banj moves of 2015.

Amber Rose

D’banj began 2015 on a high. With ‘Feeling the Nigga’ gaining massive acceptance, the Koko Master made the decision to celebrate his 10 anniversary in style. He started with a bang which got him the needed attention – Amber Rose.

The reality star’s appearance was enough to get things rolling. Sure there was backlash and negative press in the aftermath of the event, but he handled it like a boss. D’bnaj paid it no attention, moving through multiple countries to seal deals and garner more career successes.

Dealing with debt rumors

D’banj came under fire from late last year when reports of litigation against him flooded the media. What was his crime? An embarrassing debt story. Reported to be owing a ton of cash, there were campaigns in the media to bring more of this to light, with images of an arrest popping up on multiple platforms.

But D’banj kept mute and once again, ignored the press. Only on moments when he was placed on the spot, did he clear his name, and categorically stated that he was debt-free.

“I don’t know what’s going on. I can gladly tell you that one is a lie. I don't owe anyone money. I don't owe them money. If you need money, you go to the bank" The singer told Olisa Adibua in January.

"I'm disappointed in the press people, a few of them. Defamation of character is the worst anyone can do. I don't want to talk because that's what they want me to do. They said im' owing money so I'm waiting to go to the court"

Those rumours still remain a rumour.

Ciroc Endorsement deal

D’banj still remains one of the most marketable entertainers in Africa. With strategic moves and a persona to command attention, love and intense criticism, he is a brand marketer’s dream.

Last year he was the Beats Headphones ambassador where he pulled an awesome coup with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan rocking the device.

This year, P. Diddy’s Ciroc chose him to be their icon in Nigeria. D’banj has kept that brand going with subtle advertisements in videos, appearances, and social media campaigns.

Koko Garri Resurgence

Ever the entrepreneur, D’banj’s personal flagship product, Koko Garri, has become more accessible this year.

Previous years have seen people scream about the unavailability of the product in the open market, but the star has remedied that to a considerable extent this year. Koko Garri has made resurgence in 2015, bringing D’banj’s entrepreneurial drive to the fore.

MAMA Evolution Award

Nigerian superstar, D’banj won the 2015 MTV Evolution award.

The veteran singer clinched the award ahead of other African legends such as 2face, Asa, Black Cofee, Chameloen, Fally Ipupa, HHP. Samini and Psquare.

The MAMA “Evolution” award honours established artistes who have made an indelible mark on African and global music culture, taken African music to new territories around the world, pushed the boundaries of creativity, and shaped the soundscape of contemporary Africa.

How is this not good?

Reconciliation with Don Jazzy

One of the shadows which has constantly dogged D’banj’s steps is the perceived beef with Don Jazzy, after the acrimonious fall of Mo’Hits in 2011.

But that has been put aside, with both stars keeping a public peace this year. D’banj dedicated his award to his erstwhile business partner and producer, Don Jazzy, with whom he began his journey as an entertainer, under the defunct Mo’Hits Records.

“I wanna invite thank my father, even though we are not….God bless you Don Jazzy. This award is dedicated to D’banj and Don Jazzy.” D'banj said in an emotion-laded acknowledgement speech.

This move has brought him closer to the Mavin boss, with photos of him chilling at Mavin HQ going viral on the internet.

Release of ‘An Epic Journey’ Visual EP

D'banj is set to release his 10th anniversary visual EP in September.

The Pop star has released unveiled the EP artwork and tracklist. 'An Epic Journey' will contain seven tracks, with features from Akon, Driis (Idris Elba), Shadow Boxxer, Cassper Nyovest, Reminisce, and Ice Prince.

D’Banj the Koko Master is arguably one of the most prolific music makers in Nigeria this year. Considering the not so distant past where many fans and critics have voiced out their feelings of his music being under par, 2015 has seen a vast upgrade as he has begun to assemble hits after hits.

Idris Elba

D’banj pulled in one of his greatest moves here. Idris Elba aka Driis starred in his ‘Confidential’ single, where he gave a class performance.

‘The King Is Here’ Rap Competition

D’banj has announced a rap contest for upcoming Hip-hop ethusiasts.

The DB Records CEO has made public the competition, via a post on his website, calling on young rappers to join in a contest to “be the next rapstar.”

All interested parties are to visit the competition page, listen to an instrumental titled ‘The King is here’, download and record a version. To conclude, the new version should be submitted via the page. The winner will be rewarded with a chance to guest on the single with D’banj on the remix and its video.

Girlfriend Drama

D’banj rolled into 2015 with a high-profile love story of his mutual affection for South Africa’s celebrity, Bonang Matheba.

This showed off his romantic side, and kept the tongues wagging. But it gets interesting.

D'banj's, 35, declaration of love for his ex Adama Indimi, 28, on her birthday  on August 12 has caused immense drama.

There are now reports that his relationship with South African media personality Bonang Matheba has hit the rocks because of his love for his ex. South African Twitter reacted to the story of their split with Bonang Matheba trending on the micro blogging site.