Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo, fondly referred to as the king of Soul is a Nigerian singer and sing writer whose stage name does not differ from his real name.

He was born in the 20th of January, 1981 in Accra, Ghana to a Ghanian mother, Nora Dakolo and Nigerian Father who hails from Sagbama in Bayelsa state, Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Timi however does not claim a dual nationality but has only a Nigerian passport. He is a vocalist whose vocal range and soulful lyrics are his selling point.

Timi who lost his mother when he was thirteen was raised by his grandmother the late Madam Ateni Dakolo and his aunt Mrs Susan Larry in Port Harcourt capital of Rivers state still in the Niger Delta.

He was so attached to his late grand mother that he refused to live with his parents in Lagos but lived with her in Port Harcourt till she died.
Like most of his colleagues, Timi started singing in church at the age twelve, he later co founded a singing group that dominated the social circle in Port Harcourt.

The group which was called “Purple Love” disbanded in 2005 as all its members had gained admission into the university.

The singer was admitted into the university of Port Harcourt to study communication studies. In that same year purple love disbanded, the singer entered for a local talent hunt show “G.E Facto” in Port Harcourt and won with ease.

By the time he decided to enter for the Idols west Africa show, he was already a popular Port Harcourt boy. He traveled to calabar in 2006, to audition for idols and was successful.

He advanced to the last phase along side other strong competitors like Omawumi, Jodie and the late Eric Arubayi. Towards the final stage of the show, Timi lost his grandmother and when the news got to him, he was so devastated that he contemplated leaving the show but changed his mind knowing that his grandmother wouldn’t have loved the idea of him leaving when the competition hadn’t ended.

In his own words, he admitted that he looked to his Christian faith for help and God gave him the strength to stay focused in the competition during the trying period.

He finally won the competition to the delight of his fans who always voted to keep him at the top of the polls. The singer was humble with vocals that could penetrate the depth of any soul, till date some people shed tears whenever Timi sings.

Winning idol west africa,was a plus for dakolo who did not come from a rich home. As a little boy, he hawked on the streets of Port Harcourt to make ends meet.

His pain however, was the fact that his grand mum did not live to share good times with him. He returned to Port Harcourt after winning the show but shuttled Lagos frequently for the purpose of making music.

In 2008, Timi was shot accidentally at the lobby of the presidential hotel in Port Harcourt by a group of Niger Delta militants, a security guard died at the incident but the singer escaped and received adequate medical attention. He eventually moved to Lagos.

In 2009, he released his first three singles that included “There is a cry” and “Heaven Please”. These gradually introduced him into the entertainment scene as people began to see what he had to offer after winning a big reality show.

By this time, his fellow contenders at the show like Omawumi had already blown. One thing commendable about the Great Nation crooner is his consistence and faith in his dreams, he never deviated from making soulful intellectual music even when it looked like it wasn’t going to sell in Nigeria.

He was so focused that he made “Great Nation” a strong patriotic single that binds Nigerians together whenever it plays irrespective of their political, religious and tribal difference.

At a political event “PLAY FORUM” in 2015, Nigerian youths from opposing political parties were engaged in heated debate that doused everyone present with tension until Timi mounted the stage to sing “Great Nation” peace magically returned as everyone held hands and sang along with singer to the greatness of Nigeria.

Many have advocated for the song to replace our national anthem as its lyrics are rich and evokes a spirit of love, unity, patriotrism and responsibility in Nigerians.

Another of his single that has been well received by fans is “Iyawo Mi” which has become a wedding song in Nigeria.

He released “The Vow” another beautiful love song in celebration of his marriage anniversary and “Medicine” in 2017, a song that communicates and appreciate the power and place of a woman in taking care of her home and family.

The singer has made a lot of money performing it at countless number of weddings. Recently (July 2017) he surprised his fans by performing at their weddings free of charge.

The reactions from the fans and the general public was massive as accolades poured in and he won the heart of many and increased his fan base.

He has also held open performances in shopping malls in Lagos to the delight of fans and all who went shopping. His kindness and humility endears many to him. He works mostly with singer and producer Cobhams Asuquo because Cobham’s understands his music.

Timi married his beautiful wife Busola dakolo, a former banker turned photographer and entrepreneur in 2012 and they are blessed with three children Alexander, Hallel and Zoe. He is a passionate family man who fondly refers to his family as his yard people.

Songs And Collaborations

Timi is that soul singer who can’t be found on any kind of collaborations, he is bold, confident, strong and not afraid to stand alone in communicating his message through intelligent lyrics and strong vocals.

I do not think there is any other nigerian singer who has performed at government events like Timi Dakolo, He is a class act whose popular songs include: Iyawo Mi, Wish me well, Great Nation. Medicine, The Vow, Love of my life, Heaven please and so beautiful.

His debut album “Beautiful Noise” was released in 2011 and he is currently working on another album titled “Love and Consequences” He is worth about 1 billion naira.

Deals And Endorsements

Timi is currently a judge on the Voice Nigeria,a reality show sponsored by Airtel a telecommunications company that is being recorded in south Africa.

He is also an ambassador of Nigerian fashion line “OUCH” and anti tobacco ambassador of Nigeria alongside Mr eazi.

Awards

The Headies 2010: Best male vocal performance of the year
The Headies 2015: Best Vocal male performance of the year for wish me well, Best R &B single and Best recording of the year.

📢 We are hiring writers!