Timi Dakolo

Timi Dakolo (born; January 20, 1981) is a Nigerian singer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes.[1][2]

Timi Dakolo
Born (1981-01-20) January 20, 1981
Accra, Ghana
OriginBayelsa State, Nigeria
GenresSoul music
Occupation(s)Singer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2007–present
LabelsVirgin Records (UMG)
Websitetimidakolo.ng

Childhood and early career

Timi Dakolo was born in Accra, Ghana to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa-native David and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who died when Dakolo was thirteen years old. Despite being born in Ghana, Timi has a Nigerian passport and does not claim dual citizenship. He was raised in Port Harcourt by his grandmother Ateni Dakolo and his aunt Susan Larry, and he credits his aunt as his early singing teacher. So deep was their relationship that Timi declined an offer to move to Lagos with his parents, opting to stay back in Port-harcourt with them.

Timi started singing in church at the age of twelve. In 2003, he joined the singing group Purple Love as a founding member. They dominated the Port Harcourt club circuit, but disbanded in 2005 as all its members had gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt. Around that same period, Timi won a local talent hunt contest G.E FACTO, which held in Port Harcourt.

Idols West Africa

In 2006, Dakolo auditioned for reality show Idols West Africa in Calabar. Timi Dakolo's songs of choice were Commissioned's More Than I and Lemar's Time to Grow. His vocals impressed the judges, and he was seen as a contender for the prize. A week before the viewing of the Top 24 performances, Dakolo received the news that his grandmother had died.

Dakolo first auditioned in Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria with Commissioned More Than I and Lemar's Time to Grow. [5] While in the competition, Timi Dakolo was never in the bottom 3. In the final three weeks of the competition it was revealed by the producers of the show that Timi had the highest number of votes each of those weeks.

While in the competition, Timi's grandmother died, a week before the viewing of the Top 24 performances. This was a big emotional blow to him. At that time, he turned to his Christian faith for strength to pull through in the competition. Before going to Idols West Africa, Timi was a student of Communication Studies in the University of Port Harcourt.

After Idol

After winning Idol West Africa in 2007, on January 1, 2008, on New Year's Day, Timi Dakolo was shot at the lobby of the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt. He had gone to the hotel to attend a church service in the company of his friends. The attack was a random act of violence by a faction of Niger Delta militants and did not target Timi. Although a hotel security guard was murdered in the attack, Timi escaped with a flesh wound, was rushed to the hospital, treated and discharged on the same day.[3]

Timi Dakolo released his first single comprising three songs in October 2009.

In 2011, he released the song "There's a Cry". The music video was filmed in Nigeria. He is currently signed with Lone Records/Now Muzik.

Timi Dakolo is one of the Judges on The Voice Nigeria.[4][5]

Timi Dakolo released a Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas, Darling" featuring guest duets such as Emeli Sandé and Kenny G in November 2019.[6][7]

Personal life

Timi Dakolo married Busola Dakolo[8] (née Amupitan) in 2012.[9] They have three children.[10] He was born to a Nigerian Father (Bayelsa born) and Ghanaian Mother.

Discography

Albums
  • 2011: "Beautiful Noise"
  • 2019: “Merry Christmas, Darling “

Singles
  • 2011: "There's a Cry"
  • 2014: "Iyawo Mi"
  • 2015: "Wish Me Well"[11]
  • 2016: "The Vow"
  • 2017: "Medicine"
  • 2018: "I Never Know Say"
  • 2019: "Merry Christmas Darling feat. Emeli Sande"
  • 2020: "Take" Ft. Olamide

Awards and nominations

References
  1. Izuzu, Chidumga. "#ThrowbackThursday: Do you remember when Timi Dakolo won "Idols West Africa?" – Movies – Pulse". Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  2. Abah, Yemisi (June 4, 2007). "Nigeria: Idols West Africa Winner Sees 'Dreams Do Come True'". Vanguard (Lagos). Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  3. Timi Dakolo Shot on New Year's Day from Ayeni The Great Blog. Retrieved December 17, 2008 from http://ayenithegreat.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/timi-dakolo-shot-on-new-year-day
  4. Izuzu, Chidumga. ""The Voice Nigeria": 2face Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Patoranking announced as judges". pulse.ng. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
  5. Akinsola, Babatunde (August 4, 2016). "Airtel's The Voice Nigeria: Arese gets SUV, all-expense paid ticket to Abu DhabiNaija247news.com | Naija247news.com". Naija247news.com | Tracking Investigative Reports, Business, Financial, International News On Nigeria. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
  6. "Timi Dakolo And Emeli Sande Team Up For "Merry Christmas Darling"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. November 8, 2019. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  7. Times, Yorkshire. "Timi Dakolo - Merry Christmas Darling (Virgin)" Check |url= value (help). Yorkshire Times. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  8. "Busola Dakolo". Retrieved June 29, 2019.
  9. Oluwatobi Bolashodun. "'What Marriage Means To Us' Timi Dakolo and Wife Share Their Love ..." Naij. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  10. "Aww…4 Years, 3 Kids & the Hit "Iyawo Mi" Song! Timi & Busola Dakolo Share their Love Story". Bella Naija. December 2, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  11. Akan, Joey. "Timi Dakolo: Singer set to release new single, 'Wish me well' – Music – Pulse". Retrieved February 13, 2017.
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