20th February, 2016
Funsho Arogundade
The cold war between two old friends and music stars, D’Banj and Don Jazzy seems yet to abate as evidently shown Friday night at the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Ben Murray Bruce, showbiz mogul turned politician.
Our correspondent gathered that foremost producer and Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy was at Eko Hotels & Suites venue of the birthday bash along with his erstwhile bosom friend, D’Banj and birthday celebrant, Murray Bruce, a Senator representing Bayelsa East.
D’Banj, midway into his performance, had paused to invite Bruce on stage and told everyone of the Silverbird Group founder’s birthday request that the one-time buddies and business partners (Don Jazzy and D’Banj) should honour him (Bruce) by reuniting to make one more song.
The Kokomaster said he sees the possibility of working with Don Jazzy again once his friend is ready.
“Consider this request done sir. I am ready. Once Don Jazzy provides me with the beat, I am ready to lay on song on the beat,” D’Banj said.
Right there a little drama ensued.
Don Jazzy was invited to join them on stage but the prolific hitmaker tactfully declined the persistent calls, even from Senator Murray Bruce. He was later discovered to have left the party.
This set tongues wagging that Don Jazzy deliberately sneaked out to avoid performing with D’Banj and not willing to settle their rift.
This assumption gained fillip after the Kokomaster hinted that he had actually asked Don Jazzy back stage earlier to kindly join him on stage during his own performance.
But as the news that he deliberately snubbed D’Banj got to him, followed by the flurry of Twitter message from some fans who bombarded him with questions about why he had to sneak out of the venue, Don Jazzy immediately took to his Twitter timeline to explain reasons for his action.
Don Jazzy said he had left the venue long before D’Banj mounted the stage and already declined performing with other artistes at the same event.
His tweets: “Haba na whats going on pls?…I already announced that I am taking a break from being an artiste. Hence why I didn’t perform ‘Surulere’ with Dr Sid and ‘Concur’ with Timaya…
“My team also performed tonight na guys. I didn’t show up. I am not an artiste, I take GOD beg una… Moreover I had left the venue way before Dbanj’s performance though.”
The Mavin Records boss further added that contrary to those insinuations that he was avoid making up with his erstwhile friend, he said himself and D’Banj have performed together three times in the last one year.
“But now I’m on a break oooo,” he ended his tweets.
Aside the drama, the birthday bash witnessed a good turn out of dignitaries from all walks of life and creme of Nigeria’s entertainment industry who came to celebrate with Bruce, described by all as an “Icon” of Nigerian showbiz industry.
Several artistes across various generations and genres took turns to honour Bruce. Fuji music superstar, Adewale Ayuba opened the show with his full band. His energetic performance was followed by that of younger vocalist Timi Dakolo.
American star Jeffrey Daniel of Shalamar fame later sang with Yinka Davies. Together, they wowed the guests to some old skool vibes, while 2Face Idibia serenaded the celebrant as he cut the birthday cake.
Others who performed back-to-back included Alariwo, Ras Kimono, Wizkid, YCee, Vector, Timaya, M.I., Jesse Jagz, Ruby Gyang, Dr.Sid, Reekado Banks and Korede Bello.
Top DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Humility and female DJ Lamboghini were behind the wheel of steel.
Speaking on the performances, Bruce thanked all the artistes who he said performed for free and took time to honour him.
“I thank all the artistes who performed at my birthday. They all performed for free. I did not pay a dime. I feel so loved and honoured,” he said.
The birthday bash was broken into two parts: the launch of Bruce’s book, “The Common Sense Revolution” and the 60th birthday anniversary.
The first part of the ceremony was anchored by Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, former Nigeria’s minister for Foreign Affairs.
Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, stood in for former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was the chief presenter of the book and Special Guest of Honour.
Duke, who summarized the book as patriotism, said what makes Ben Bruce special is his patriotic zeal.
“As exposed as Ben Bruce is, his heart is always for Nigeria. Ben said to me that the book will be distributed free and so he has done today,” he said.
The book reviewer was British born Michael Moszyski, Founder and CEO of London Advertising.
There were scores of Senators led by Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President. Other senators present include Godswill Akpabio, Gbenga Ashafa and Dino Melaye.
Other dignataries at the event included Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Ekiti State governor, Jim Ovia, Nuhu Ribadu, Godswill Akpabio and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.
Comedian Bovi and IK Osakiodua hosted the bash that lasted till the early hours of Saturday.