… D’Banj shuns event

The much anticipated Channel O Awards has finally come and gone amidst cheers and pumps.  The award which took place recently at the Taboo Sandton in Johannesburg witnessed scintillating performances from Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage, Cabo Snoop and DJ Cleo.

The event, hosted by Nigeria’s Mr. Capable, Banky W alongside VJ Dineo, was well attended by the-who-is-who both in and outside the entertainment circle, home and abroad.

dbanj

D’banj was conspicuously absent at the award but his outstanding works definitely spoke for him. Nick named the Michael Jackson of Africa, D’banj ‘carted away’ a bagful of awards in his honour. The Koko Master was bestowed with the ‘Most Gifted Male Video Artiste’ as well as an honorary ‘Special Recognition’ award.

But in the absence of the Mr. Endowed crooner, his goodwill video message was recorded and air at the show.

Weekend Groove made to find out why the koko master was absent at the event. And according to our findings, D’banj allegedly made himself absent at the show because the organizers gave him an economy instead of at least a business ticket. So he felt insulted and turned back his crew from attending the award where he’d been billed to perform.

On the other hand, some allegedly said that his absence could be caused by a breakdown in communication. According to them, D’Banj had been placed on await list for a business class ticket but the flights were fully booked for days.So since he won’t be there live, the Channel O people went to his Lekki home to record an acceptance speech which will be aired during the show when his award was announced

Other Nigerian winners include R&B King Darey who won the award for ‘Most Gifted Dance Video Artiste’ and Naeto C for ‘Most Gifted African West Video Artiste’. Rapper Ice Prince also beat fellow Nigerian act Wizkid to clinch the ‘Most Gifted Newcomer Video Artist’ while the show’s co-host Banky W walked away with the award for ‘Most Gifted R&B Video Artist’.