1da Banton ‘Bel Canto’ Is Eargasmic

There’s no disputing the fact that Africans love to dance to fast tempo music but so as well, they love to swing along to Andantino – mid-tempo melodic composition that send shivers down their spins especially those that talks about family and social values like love, relationship and the appreciation of African beauty in various shades just like Ida Banton does with his music.

Words By Sesan Adeniji

With a style of singing characterized by brilliant vocal display and purity of #reggae infused tone (Bel Canto ) that sounds like an excellent mash-up of unique artists like Shank, Timaya, Solidstar with a delivery suggestive of Burna Boy, Ida Banton’s music is eargasmic. Listening to his tracks like ‘African Woman’ and ‘Jowo’, one could conclude, he’s the new hybrid.

Full names Godson Ominibie Epelle, an indigene of Opobo town in Rivers state Nigeria; 1da Banton, was born and raised in Port Harcourt.

‘I grew up listening to my father’s old records likes Bob Marley, Fela, Rex Lawson among other greats. My corner of PH city was rough but it gave me the street experience needed as well as the background for the vibe you hear in my music.

After sending a demo to Squareball Entertainment CEO Adasa Cookey, he picked me up and began to help me define my sound. I eventually moved over to Lagos where I have been dishing out tunes ever since. I have put out a lot of music so far, I started out with a #mixtape called INMB (If Na My Beat), where I dropped verses on some classic Reggae and #Afrobeats tunes I liked.

I went to release my first official single ‘’Love Her Daily’’ produced by DJ Coublon. It was followed by a remix featuring Skales and Solidstar. And then after, a few other singles followed. I released ‘Activate’, ‘Joy’ and ‘Concentrate’ where I began experimenting with new sounds. It was a great learning curve – a much needed experience.

In 2017, I released ‘The Banton EP’ – A ten-track body of work that reflects my musical journey. Appreciated by fans across the country, it was fulfilling and an eye opener. ‘Way Up’ one of the singles from the EP made it as Big Brother Naija theme song in 2018. That got me a lot of attention and fans. Mid 2018, the melodious ‘Jowo’ was released gaining me trailer load of organic followership.

September 2018, I dropped ‘African Woman’ – this song could be classified as my biggest tune till date. Like wildfire, the spread was massive with influence on upcoming and established artists. The video to the song shot in my hometown Opobo, River state, was very artistic. With the release of the smooth tuneful ‘Farabale’ in 2019, things just got better for my brand.

If I’m to describe myself as an artist, I will say, 1da Banton Is the future of the #Afrobeats. My style is unique, my lyrics are deep and my flows are smooth. I also produce almost all my songs, what you hear is 100% me. I currently have some massive tracks that will feature major artists like Stonebwoy, Iceprince, Seyi Shay, Duncan Mighty, Korede Bello.

The team and myself are planning a new EP or Album this year; and hopefully, from the middle of this year, you will hear some wicked vibes” – 1da Banton