D’banj Shares Emotional Tribute to Late Son Daniel

October 29, 2026 Quadri Olaitan

The Nigerian singer remembers his son, Daniel Oyebanjo Jr, in a heartfelt message, reflecting on family, grief and the strength to keep moving forward after loss

Nigerian music star Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has shared an emotional tribute to his late son, Daniel Oyebanjo Jr, reflecting on the loss that profoundly affected his family and the strength they have found in moving forward.

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In a message shared on his X account on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the singer expressed how deeply he continued to miss his son, who died in a swimming pool accident at the family’s Lagos residence on June 24, 2018, at the age of one.

D’banj also spoke about the importance of finding a safe space for himself, his wife and their surviving children as they continued to navigate life after the tragedy.

“I miss you, Daniel D3rd, my son, and trust me, I can’t imagine how your mother feels, but we are in a safe space now. Thank you… omo baba eh, our family’s star boy,” the singer wrote.

He added that his wife and their other children were also in a safe space, expressing the belief that Daniel would be proud of the family.

“Thank you for showing me what life really is as a whole. Say hi to your Uncle Femi; tell him I miss him too,” he wrote, referring to his late uncle.

In another deeply personal line, D’banj reaffirmed his enduring love for his son, writing: “Daddy loves you specially, physically, spiritually, and powerfully.”

The tribute offers a glimpse into the singer’s continuing emotional connection to Daniel, whose death in 2018 brought an abrupt and painful change to the family’s life.

At the time of the incident, reports indicated that D’banj was in Los Angeles, United States, attending a music awards event when the tragedy occurred at his Lagos home.

The loss prompted an outpouring of sympathy from fans, fellow entertainers and members of the public, many of whom offered messages of support to the singer and his family.

Months after the incident, D’banj spoke publicly about the difficult period during an end-of-year party organised by a real estate company in December 2018.

He credited the love and encouragement he received from fans with helping him cope with the loss.

“I have been through tough times, but I believe that’s what makes one a man. You all know what happened to me recently when I lost my son; it was really a tough time for me,” he said.

The singer recalled how the support of his audience had helped him and his family through the difficult period.

“But do you know how I was able to get through it? It was because of you, my fans. You showed me so much love and it really meant a lot to me and my family,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience, D’banj described the tragedy as a test of his resilience, adding that he was grateful to have continued despite the pain.

“That incident was a test for me, and I am glad that I’m still standing,” he said.

D’banj, known for hit songs including Oliver Twist and Fall in Love, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian music, with a career spanning several decades and extending beyond music into entertainment and business.

His latest message places the focus not on his professional achievements but on the enduring bond between a father and a child.

By acknowledging his family’s journey towards a safer and more settled place, the singer has offered a personal reflection on grief, remembrance and the difficult process of rebuilding after loss.

For many families who have experienced bereavement, such milestones and expressions of remembrance can carry significance long after the immediate tragedy.