"Oliver Twist" is a song by Nigerian singer-songwriter D'banj. The track was first released on 12 August 2011 in Nigeria by Mo' Hits Records and then released in the United Kingdom by Mercury Records on 11 May 2012, as the first single from the DB Records compilation album, D'Kings Men (2013) and D'banj's fourth studio album King Don Come (2017).[1][2] For the chart week dated 26 May, "Oliver Twist" debuted at number nine on the UK Singles Chart—marking the musician's first chart appearance and first Nigerian song to ever debut on the chart.[3] Lyrically, the song expresses D'banj's crave for more women, relating to how the fictional character Oliver Twist asked for more gruel.
"Oliver Twist" was one of the final singles released before the dissolution of Mo' Hits Records.[4] Originally intended as the third single off an unreleased album titled Oliver,[5] the song was first released for free download on the official Mo' Hits Records website on 12 August 2011.[6] In an interview with Toolz, Don Jazzy said that the reason that he made "Oliver Twist" was because he was pressured by the industry to release more music from D'banj.[7] The song's release was supported by an online dance competition, where fans were invited to upload videos of themselves dancing to it on YouTube. Entries were judged on entertainment value. Cash prizes were awarded to multiple winners, with the top entries featured in the official music video. Additional incentives included branded mobile phones for selected participants.[6] To promote the competition, D'banj, Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, and Dr Sid recorded and shared a dance video to the song on 18 August 2011.[8] The competition ended on 15 October 2011. It gained wide attention online, with several Nigerian entertainers sharing their own dance videos. My Backyard Crew, led by video director Gbenga Salu, won the competition and received the $2,500 top prize. Other selected participants received cash prizes, while additional entries were featured in the official music video or awarded branded mobile phones.[9]
Another dance competition tied to the song was launched after the dissolution of Mo' Hits Records, announced in May 2012. Participants were asked to upload original dance routines to his official website, incorporating moves from the music video. Finalists were selected based on Facebook engagement, with the winners chosen by D'banj. Prizes included cash awards for solo and group performers, as well as sponsored rewards such as customized trainers and studio experiences in London.[10][11][12]
NBC ban
"Oliver Twist" was reportedly banned from radio and television broadcast by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) shortly after its release. The commission issued a circular instructing stations to stop airing the song due to lewd lyrics, including a line referencing actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.[13] Reports of the ban first emerged on social media after rapper Ruggedman claimed that radio stations had been directed not to play the song, citing information from Cool FM Abuja.[13][14]Nigerian Entertainment Today later reported that some radio stations confirmed receiving an NBC circular, while others said they had not been formally notified. In response, Don Jazzy played down the reports, stating that the ban reflected the commission’s authority and would not stop the song from being widely heard.[14] The reported restriction on the song was later disputed, as it was a rumoured ban that was never officially confirmed.[15]
Live performances
D'banj has performed the song on multiple occasions. On 23 June 2012, he performed "Oliver Twist" at BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend, accompanied by a live band and the CEO Dancers, a London-based female trio.[16] He delivered an acoustic rendition of the song on SB.TV.[17]
International impact
During a club appearance in Johannesburg, American singer Chris Brown was seen dancing to "Oliver Twist" while it played at Club Hush.[18] The song was featured in an international advertising campaign for Malibu Black as part of the brand's Mr Moon campaign.[19]
Covers and freestyles
British singer Estelle released a cover to the song in January 2012, name-dropping Tinie Tempah, Kanye West, and Usher.[20]Walefreestyled on over the song's beat in March 2012.[21] UK-based rock band Ryan and the Rumours covered the song in February.[22] In September 2012, Dominican rapper Sensato remixed the song with American rapper Pitbull titled "La Confesion"; an alternate version featuring just Pitbull was included as one of the bonus tracks off D'banj's compilation album D'Kings Men (2013).[23][24]
Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review, stating:
As such, his first release on these shores is a confident debut. "I have a confession," he admits over a hypnotic, afrobeat-meets-hip-hop riff, before reeling off a list of famous ladies he wouldn't mind getting better acquainted with – including Beyoncé, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj ("her yansh is bigger," after all). Given it's near-impossible to resist the hip-shaking melody and bum-wobbling hooks, we can't imagine he'll have much trouble winning them over. [25]
"Oliver Twist" was ranked #4 on NotjustOk's list of the Top 20 Songs of 2011.[26]
Music video
A still from the music video, depicting D'banj and Kanye West; the latter of whom is one of several to make a cameo.
A music video, directed by Sesan Ogunro, to accompany the release of "Oliver Twist" was first released onto YouTube on 19 March 2012.[27][28] The video itself runs for a total of three minutes and fifty-five seconds and sees the artist, D'banj, performing the track in an empty studio designed as a run down home. It is performed in the key of G♯ minor throughout the entire song. A member of D'banj's live set (David Vujanic) makes an appearance dressed as Oliver Twist, whilst the CEO Dancers (three female dancers) perform to the track. In August 2013, the music video surpassed 21.5million views making it the Nigerian song with highest number of views on YouTube at the time.[29]As of September 2020[update], it has more than 53 million views. The video features cameos from D'banj's GOOD Music label mates Big Sean, Pusha T, GOOD Music producer Hit-Boy and the label's founder Kanye West; whilst Mike Dean, Mannie Fresh, Bricka Bricka, Eddie Kadi, Sneakbo and Keisha Buchanan of Sugababes fame also make cameos.[28]
Accolades
The music video for "Oliver Twist" won Most Gifted Male Video and Most Gifted Video of the Year at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.[30] The song won Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Pop Single at The Headies 2012.[31] D'banj received the Best Male West Africa nomination at the 2012 Kora Awards for Oliver Twist.[32] Furthermore, the song was nominated in the Hottest Single of the Year category at the 2012 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[33] It was also nominated for World's Best Song and World's Best Video at the 2014 World Music Awards.
"Oliver Twist" made its first chart appearance on the chart week dated 26 May 2012—where it debuted at number nine on the UK Singles Chart; as the second highest new entry after The Saturdays "30 Days" (#7).[3] The track also debuted at number two on the UK R&B Chart for the same charting week.[36] "Oliver Twist" spent only one week inside the UK top 10, falling four places to number thirteen on its second charting week—and as of the week dated 20 August has spent thirteen consecutive weeks inside the top 75.[37]
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