The Kokomaster refuses to rest. After twenty years of excellence in Nigeria’s music scene, D’banj continues to forge ahead with his latest offering, Tobari. The new single, which features South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Nigeria’s DJ Obi, arrives as further evidence that the veteran entertainer remains as vital and creative as ever, refusing to be confined by expectations or defined solely by his musically excellent past.
Tobari finds D’banj in familiar territory, creating infectious sounds that demand movement while delivering the kind of charismatic performance that made him a household name across Africa. Yet there’s something distinctly contemporary about this release, suggesting an artist who understands how to evolve without abandoning the core elements that made him special. The track pulses with the same energy that powered classics like Oliver Twist and Fall in Love, but filtered through the lens of an artist who has watched the industry transform around him.
The timing of Tobari couldn’t be more strategic. Coming off his recent album The Entertainer: The Sequel, which featured collaborations with continental legends like Awilo Logomba and Youssou N’Dour, D’banj has proven that his appetite for musical exploration remains undiminished. The single serves as both a continuation of that adventurous spirit and a reminder that, even with over 540,000 monthly Spotify listeners, he’s far from resting on his considerable laurels.
What makes Tobari particularly compelling is how it showcases D’banj’s understanding of modern Afrobeats while maintaining his distinctive musical DNA. The track demonstrates that veteran artists can remain relevant not by chasing trends, but by staying true to their artistic vision while adapting to contemporary sonic landscapes. It’s a masterclass in evolution without compromise, something that few artists of D’banj’s generation have managed to achieve.
The production choices on Tobari reflect experience and ambition. There’s a confidence in the arrangement that can only come from decades of hit-making, yet the sonic palette feels fresh and current. D’banj’s vocal delivery retains all the charisma and personality that made him a star, but there’s a maturity in his approach that speaks to artistic growth rather than stylistic stagnation.
Perhaps most impressively, Tobari positions D’banj not as a nostalgic figure trading on past glories, but as a contemporary artist with something meaningful to contribute to today’s musical conversation. In a scene increasingly dominated by younger voices, his ability to command attention and respect speaks to his enduring talent and his willingness to continue pushing creative boundaries.
As D’banj continues navigating his third decade in music, Tobari stands as evidence that experience and hunger aren’t mutually exclusive. The Kokomaster is back, and he’s bringing exactly the energy the scene needs, proof that some artists don’t just survive industry changes, they thrive within them.
Listen to Tobari here.
