Fall in Love (D'banj song)

"Fall in Love"
Single by D'banj
from the album The Entertainer
Released 2009
Format Digital download
Recorded 2009
Genre Afrobeat, Afropop
Length 4:04
Label Mo' Hits Records
Writer(s) Dapo Oyebanjo
Producer(s) Don Jazzy
D'banj singles chronology
"Gbono Feli Feli"
(2009)		 "Fall in Love"
(2010)		 "Mr Endowed"
(2010)
Music video
"Fall in Love" on YouTube

"Fall in Love" is a song by Nigerian recording artist and harmonica player D'banj. It serves as a single from his third studio album The Entertainer. The song was produced by Don Jazzy.[1][2][3] According to Africa Review, the song earned D'banj national stardom in Nigeria.[4][5]

Music videos, relationship rumours, D'banj's take

There were two music videos released for the song. The first music video, released on January 26, 2010, features the Kokomaster and the Face of Africa 2010 finalists. The finalists selected for the video were told to play various video vixen characters that include "Rock Chick", "Russian Princess" and "Harajuku Girl" among others. Mo' Hits Records decided to shoot another music video after the first one received negative reviews from critics who thought the video didn't complement the song; moreover, numerous critics thought it was a bit naive to hire models to play the role of vixens.[6]

The second music video was released on May 4, 2010 and stars Genevieve Nnaji, one of Nigeria's most notable actresses. Prior to the release of the music video, there were speculations that the two (Genevieve and D'banj) were dating; speculations grew bigger when the two kissed at the end of the music video. According to Nollywood Watch, "the romance, which was believed to be a gimmick to attract sales to the video and give D’Banj a hype based on the international recognition of Genevieve Nnaji, who is also on the height of her career judging from a profile-cast of her by American TV host, Oprah Winfrey, on her show, really hit the target with people falling for the line that the duo had indeed fallen in love." [7] Nollywood Watch also added that Genevieve was paid 2 million naira for the role she played in the music video.[7] During an interview with Toolz on Ndani's The Juice, D'banj confirmed the speculations and buzz surrounding his alleged affair with the actress. He said they were friends who were in a brief relationship. Nollywood Watch also added that "further investigations revealed that the duo had a brief romance which wasn’t really serious, before the actress blew in the whistle on whatever ‘deal’ she had with the singer." [7][8]

During an interview with MTV The Wrap Up's Nonny Orakwue, D'banj was asked to gave his take on why he thinks 'the West' is taking interest in African artists. His response was: "The Western world can hear and know the tunes like ‘Fall In Love’ and ‘Suddenly’ because they were massive songs and have someone like Rihanna or Cheryl Cole sing on 'Fall In Love'. The fact that people already think that it’s possible shows that it can be a big thing. I’m just begging for people to have an open mind and accept us."[9]

Accolades

The music video for "Fall in Love" won the Most Gifted Afro Pop Video at the 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards.[10] It was nominated for Song of the Year at The Headies 2009.[11] Moreover, the music video for "Fall in Love" was nominated in the Best Male Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director) category at the 2010 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[12]

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2009 Hip Hip World Awards (The Headies) "Song of the Year" Nominated
2010 Channel O Music Video Awards "Most Gifted Afro Pop Video" Won
Nigeria Entertainment Awards "Best Male Music Video of the Year (Artist & Director)" Nominated

Qriss' cover

Nigerian recording artist Qriss released a song titled "Fall in Love (a D'banj cover)" from his mix-tape, Pieces Of Me. Super Q of 360nobs praised the song, adding: "In this lyrically smoking entrée, one finds his style intensely endearing and amusing so much so that D’banj may have to renounce his ‘kokomaster’ title since Qriss would be amassing most of his kokolettes henceforth with his engaging delivery and personality. Qriss’s consistency in the art is highly commendable and really makes one wonder as to whether the entertainment scouts are on a sabbatical."[13][14]

Performance

D'banj and Don Jazzy performed the song together at D'banj's sister wedding ceremony for the first time after their split.[15]

Track listing and cover

Digital single
No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Fall in Love"  Dapo OyebanjoDon Jazzy 4:04
2. "Fall in Love (a D'banj cover)"  Qriss  4:07

Audio release history

Country Date Format Label
Nigeria 2009 Digital download Mo' Hits Records

Video release history

Country Date Format Label
Nigeria May 4, 2010 Digital download Mo' Hits Records

References

  1. ↑ "VIDEO Premiere: D’Banj – Fall In Love (Official)". Notjustok. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  2. ↑ "D’Banj ft. Genevieve – Fall In Love". Tropicalbass. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  3. ↑ "UPDATE: It’s Official, D’banj signs w/ Kanye West + G.O.O.D. Music + "Fall In Love" Video". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  4. ↑ "D'Banj presents D'Kings men". Africa Reviews. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  5. ↑ "D’Banj - Fall In Love". Afrobeatsindacity. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  6. ↑ "New Video: D’Banj – Fall in Love". Bellanaija. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Geneviève et Dbanj tomber en amour?". Nollywoodwatch. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  8. ↑ "D’banj & Genevieve, Fall in Love..". Goldenicons. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "I want Rihanna or Cheryl Cole on the remix of Fall in Love – D’banj". Africanspotlight. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  10. ↑ "And The Winner Is… 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards Winners". Jaguda. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  11. ↑ "HipHop World Awards 2009 Nominees Announced". Bellanaija. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  12. ↑ "Nigeria Entertainment awards 2010 nominees list". Celebregion. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  13. ↑ "Get Familiar: Qriss – Fall In Love (D’banj cover)". 360nobs. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  14. ↑ "Music: Qriss – Fall in Love [A D'Banj Cover]". Jaguda. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  15. ↑ "Dbanj and Don Jazzy Reunite – Perform "Fall in Love" at Dotun of Cool FM’s Wedding {PHOTOS}". Zimbio. Retrieved 11 October 2013.