Who Is Godson Epelle? Biography of Nigerian Singer 1da Banton
Godson Epelle is the real name of 1da Banton, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his 2021 song “No Wahala,” which was remixed in 2022 with Kizz Daniel and Tiwa Savage.
Who Is Godson Epelle?
Godson Ominibie Epelle, professionally known as 1da Banton, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on 27 June 1994 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and is an indigene of Opobo town in the same state. His music blends Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and traditional sounds from his home state into a style often described as Afro-fusion. Other Nigerian artists from Rivers State who gained national recognition include Duncan Mighty and Timaya.
What Is Godson Epelle’s Real Name and Background?
Godson Epelle’s professional name is 1da Banton. He studied civil engineering before dropping out to pursue music full time. Growing up in Port Harcourt, he listened to artists including 50 Cent, 2Baba, D’banj, the Mo’Hits crew, and M.I. He began producing music in 2008 following the death of his mother, a turning point that pushed him toward creative expression.
How Did Godson Epelle Start His Music Career?
Godson Epelle relocated to Lagos in 2014 after being signed by Squareball Entertainment, a label run by music video director Adasa Cookey. His early career followed four steps:
- Released the mixtape If Na My Beat in 2015.
- Released his debut EP, The Banton EP, in July 2017.
- Earned national attention when the EP track “Way Up” became the theme song for the third season of Big Brother Naija in 2018.
- Released singles including “Love Her Daily” (2016), “Farabale” (2019), and “Whine fi Mi” (2019) featuring Jamaican singer Kranium.
What Is 1da Banton’s Breakthrough Song?
1da Banton’s breakthrough song is “No Wahala,” released in July 2021 as the lead single from his debut studio album, Original Vibe Machine. He wrote the song himself, and it was produced by Blaisebeatz. The track spread widely on TikTok and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
In March 2022, Squareball Entertainment released a remix of “No Wahala” featuring Kizz Daniel and Tiwa Savage, which extended the song’s popularity across Africa and beyond.
What Awards and Milestones Has 1da Banton Achieved?
1da Banton’s most notable milestones center on “No Wahala.” The song appeared on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s 2021 Spotify playlist of favourite songs of the year. In 2023, “No Wahala” was featured on the third season of the American series Ted Lasso. On 10 April 2023, the song surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs on the platform.
What Is 1da Banton’s Discography?
1da Banton’s discography includes one studio album and multiple EPs and singles released between 2015 and 2025.
| Year | Release | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | If Na My Beat | Mixtape |
| 2016 | Love Her Daily | Single |
| 2017 | The Banton EP | EP |
| 2019 | Farabale, Whine fi Mi | Singles |
| 2021 | Original Vibe Machine | Studio album |
| 2021 | No Wahala | Single |
| 2022 | No Wahala (remix) | Single |
| 2023 | 1da Shall Never End | EP |
| 2025 | High Star | Single (released 17 July 2025) |
His debut album, Original Vibe Machine, contains 15 tracks and runs for 43 minutes, covering themes of enjoyment, wealth, hustle, and love.
Who Has 1da Banton Collaborated With?
1da Banton has collaborated with a range of African and international artists. His debut album features Duncan Mighty, Stonebwoy, Seyi Shay, and Zlatan. He has also worked with Jamaican singer Kranium, Ghanaian dancehall musician Stonebwoy, and Nigerian artists including Blaqbonez, Kizz Daniel, and Tiwa Savage.
Quick Facts About Godson Epelle
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real name | Godson Ominibie Epelle |
| Stage name | 1da Banton |
| Born | 27 June 1994, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Opobo town, Rivers State |
| Genres | Afro-fusion, Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae |
| Label | Squareball Entertainment |
| Years active | 2015 to present |
| Breakthrough song | No Wahala (2021) |
| Major milestone | Over 100 million Spotify streams on No Wahala (April 2023) |
What Is Godson Epelle Known For?
Godson Epelle, known professionally as 1da Banton, is known for creating “No Wahala,” one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs on Spotify. His path from Port Harcourt to international recognition, including a placement on Ted Lasso and a spot on a US Secretary of State’s playlist, has established him as one of Nigeria’s notable modern Afro-fusion artists.
People Also Ask
What is 1da Banton’s real name?
His real name is Godson Ominibie Epelle.
What song made 1da Banton famous?
His 2021 single “No Wahala” made him internationally known, later surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify.
Where is 1da Banton from?
He is from Opobo town in Rivers State, Nigeria, and was raised in Port Harcourt.