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Editor: Created page with "{{pp|type=semi}} {{BaseArticle | shortdesc = Nigerian singer and songwriter }} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Timi Dakolo {{Verified artist}} | verified = yes | background = solo_singer | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|01|20}} | birth_place = Accra, Ghana | origin = Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | instrument = Vocals | genre..."

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Created page with "{{pp|type=semi}} {{BaseArticle | shortdesc = Nigerian singer and songwriter }} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Timi Dakolo {{Verified artist}} | verified = yes | background = solo_singer | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|01|20}} | birth_place = Accra, Ghana | origin = Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria | instrument = Vocals | genre..."

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{{pp|type=semi}}
{{BaseArticle
| shortdesc = Nigerian singer and songwriter
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Timi Dakolo {{Verified artist}}
| verified = yes
| background = solo_singer
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|01|20}}
| birth_place = [[Accra]], Ghana
| origin = Gbarantoru, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
| instrument = Vocals
| genre = [[Soul music]]
| occupation = Singer
| years_active = 2007–present
| label = [[Virgin Records]] (UMG)
| website = {{URL|timidakolo.com}}
| image = Timi Dakolo (cropped).png
}}
'''Timi Dakolo''' (born January 20, 1981) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2021 |title=Why I fear for the future of my children —Timi Dakolo |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/why-i-fear-for-the-future-of-my-children-timi-dakolo/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Nigerian Tribune]]|language=en-GB}}</ref> He emerged winner of the inaugural season of ''[[Idols (West African TV series)|Idols West Africa]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2019 |title=Timi Dakolo, Emeli Sandé collaborate on new song |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/361551-timi-dakolo-emeli-sande-collaborate-on-new-song.html |access-date=2022-03-19 |language=en-GB|newspaper=[[Premium Times]]}}</ref> Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/throwbackthursday-do-you-remember-when-timi-dakolo-won-idols-west-africa-id5186210.html|title=#ThrowbackThursday: Do you remember when Timi Dakolo won "Idols West Africa?" – Movies – Pulse|last=Izuzu|first=Chidumga|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200706040789.html|title=Nigeria: Idols West Africa Winner Sees 'Dreams Do Come True'|last=Abah|first=Yemisi|date=June 4, 2007|newspaper=Vanguard (Lagos)|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref>

==Early life ==
Timi Dakolo was born in [[Accra]], [[Ghana]] to a Nigerian father, [[Bayelsa]]-native David and a Ghanaian mother, Norah Kimmy Head, who died when Dakolo was thirteen years old.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 23, 2021 |title=Waves of Timi Dakolo at 40 |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/01/23/waves-of-timi-dakolo-at-40/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[This Day]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Although born in Ghana, Dakolo holds Nigerian citizenship and does not claim dual nationality. 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.

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=eribake |first=akintayo |date=2014-04-12 |title=I avoid some female fans like plague — Timi Dakolo |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/avoid-female-fans-like-plague-timi-dakolo/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Career ==

Timi Dakolo began his music career singing in church choirs as a teenager in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2021 |title=Why I fear for the future of my children —Timi Dakolo |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/why-i-fear-for-the-future-of-my-children-timi-dakolo/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Nigerian Tribune]]|language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2003, he co-founded the group Purple Love, which gained regional popularity before disbanding in 2005 when Dakolo left to focus on his university education.

In 2007, Dakolo rose to national prominence after winning the inaugural season of ''Idols West Africa''. His soulful performances throughout the competition earned him widespread acclaim and a recording contract with Sony BMG Africa.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200706040789.html|title=Nigeria: Idols West Africa Winner Sees 'Dreams Do Come True'|last=Abah|first=Yemisi|date=June 4, 2007|newspaper=Vanguard (Lagos)|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref>

In 2009, he released his debut single "Heaven Please," which introduced him to mainstream Nigerian audiences. In 2011, Dakolo released "There's a Cry" and "Great Nation," the latter becoming an anthem promoting national unity and hope in Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 15, 2011 |title=Timi Dakolo releases patriotic song 'Great Nation' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/timi-dakolo-releases-patriotic-song-great-nation/1yltye1 |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Pulse Nigeria]]}}</ref>

That same year, Dakolo released his debut studio album ''Beautiful Noise'', which featured tracks such as "Great Nation" and "Love Song." The album was praised for its emotive lyrical content and Dakolo’s powerful vocal delivery.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Timi Dakolo releases debut album 'Beautiful Noise' |url=https://thenet.ng/timi-dakolo-releases-debut-album-beautiful-noise/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[The Netng|The NET]]}}</ref>

In 2014, Dakolo released "Iyawo Mi," which became a wedding anthem across Nigeria, showcasing his mastery of soulful R&B infused with African highlife influences.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 4, 2014 |title=Timi Dakolo releases wedding anthem 'Iyawo Mi' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/new-music-timi-dakolo-iyawo-mi/2v60j6l |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Pulse Nigeria]]}}</ref> The following year, he released "Wish Me Well," which won Best Recording of the Year and Best Vocal Performance (Male) at [[The Headies]] 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Full list of Headies 2015 winners |url=https://www.theheadies.com/full-list-of-headies-2015-winners/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=The Headies}}</ref>

Between 2016 and 2018, Dakolo continued to release successful singles, including "The Vow" (2016), "Medicine" (2017), and "I Never Know Say" (2018), all of which explored themes of love and devotion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 13, 2016 |title=Timi Dakolo drops new single 'The Vow' |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/02/new-music-timi-dakolo-the-vow/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=BellaNaija}}</ref>

In 2019, Dakolo signed a record deal with [[Virgin EMI Records]]. That same year, he released his second studio album, ''Merry Christmas, Darling'', featuring international collaborations such as [[Emeli Sandé]] on the title track.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 8, 2019 |title=Timi Dakolo, Emeli Sandé collaborate on new song |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/361551-timi-dakolo-emeli-sande-collaborate-on-new-song.html |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Premium Times]]}}</ref>

In 2020, Dakolo released "Take," featuring Nigerian rapper [[Olamide]], blending soulful melodies with [[Afrobeat]] rhythms.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Timi Dakolo features Olamide on 'Take' |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/377145-timi-dakolo-features-olamide-on-take.html |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[Premium Times]]}}</ref> In 2021, he released "Everything (Amen)," which received widespread airplay across West Africa and reinforced his influence in the region’s music industry.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2021 |title=Timi Dakolo returns with 'Everything (Amen)' |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/timi-dakolo-returns-with-everything-amen/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[The Nation (Nigeria)|The Nation]]}}</ref>

Between 2022 and 2023, Dakolo continued to solidify his reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading soul singers. In 2023, he served as a coach on ''The Voice Nigeria'', mentoring emerging vocal talents.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Timi Dakolo joins The Voice Nigeria as coach |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/524441-timi-dakolo-joins-the-voice-nigeria-as-coach.html |access-date=2023-04-06 |newspaper=[[Premium Times]]}}</ref>

In 2024, Dakolo released his third studio album, ''The Chorus Leader'', which showcased his growth as a vocalist and songwriter. The album blended soul, gospel, and Afrobeat influences and featured collaborations with artists such as [[Patoranking]], [[Phyno]], [[Falz]], Black, Geez, and [[Ebuka Songs|Ebuka]]. Critics praised the project for its rich vocal arrangements and socially conscious lyrics addressing faith, resilience, and African pride.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2024 |title=Timi Dakolo releases new album 'The Chorus Leader' |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2024/01/timi-dakolo-the-chorus-leader-album/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=Bellanaija}}</ref>

==''Idols West Africa''==

In 2006, Dakolo auditioned for reality show Idols West Africa in [[Calabar|Calabar, Cross River State]] of [[Nigeria]]. 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.

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.

During 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]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=eribake |first=akintayo |date=2014-04-12 |title=I avoid some female fans like plague — Timi Dakolo |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/04/avoid-female-fans-like-plague-timi-dakolo/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==After ''Idol''==
After winning ''Idol West Africa'' in 2007, on January 1, 2008, Dakolo was shot and injured during an attack by militants at the Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt. He sustained a minor wound and was discharged the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=allAfrica.com: Nigeria: 16 Killed in P-Harcourt (Page 1 of 2) |url=http://allafrica.com:80/stories/200801021004.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106133413/http://allafrica.com:80/stories/200801021004.html |archive-date=2008-01-06 |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=allafrica.com}}</ref>

Timi Dakolo released his first single comprising three songs in October 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2024-02-20 |title=Almost A Decade Later, Timi Dakolo Is Still True To Himself On “The Chorus Leader” |url=https://culturecustodian.com/almost-a-decade-later-timi-dakolo-is-still-true-to-himself-on-the-chorus-leader/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |language=en-GB}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timi Dakolo Drops Love Song Video |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/06/06/timi-dakolo-drops-love-song-video/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Staff |date=2012-05-24 |title=Beautiful Noise of Timi Dakolo Presents Love Song Video |url=https://articles.connectnigeria.com/beautiful-noise-of-timi-dakolo-presents-love-song-video/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |website=Connectnigeria Articles |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Timi Dakolo is one of the Judges on The Voice Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/the-voice-nigeria-2face-idibia-waje-timi-dakolo-patoranking-announced-as-judges-id4577472.html|title="The Voice Nigeria": 2face Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Patoranking announced as judges|last=Izuzu|first=Chidumga|website=pulse.ng|date=January 19, 2016 |access-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://naija247news.com/2016/08/04/airtels-voice-nigeria-arese-gets-suv-expense-paid-ticket-abu-dhabi/|title=Airtel's The Voice Nigeria: Arese gets SUV, all-expense paid ticket to Abu DhabiNaija247news.com {{!}} Naija247news.com|last=Akinsola|first=Babatunde|date=August 4, 2016|website=Naija247news.com {{!}} Tracking Investigative Reports, Business, Financial, International News On Nigeria.|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref>

Timi Dakolo released a Christmas album titled "[[Merry Christmas, Darling (album)|Merry Christmas, Darling]]" featuring guest duets such as [[Emeli Sandé]] and [[Kenny G]] in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 8, 2019|title=Timi Dakolo And Emeli Sande Team Up For "Merry Christmas Darling"|url=https://m.guardian.ng/life/timi-dakolo-and-emeli-sande-set-christmas-mood-in-merry-christmas-darling/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2020-09-29|newspaper=[[The Guardian (Nigeria)|The Guardian]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Graham |date=2019-12-12 |title=Timi Dakolo – Merry Christmas Darling (Virgin) |url=https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Timi-Dakolo--Merry-Christmas-Darling-Virgin |access-date=2020-09-29 |website=Yorkshire Times}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Timi Dakolo married Busola Dakolo<ref>{{cite web |title=Busola Dakolo |date=June 29, 2019 |url=https://gyonlineng.com/busola-dakolo-vs-pastor-biodun-fatoyinbo/ |access-date=June 29, 2019}}</ref> (née Amupitan) in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://entertainment.naij.com/347571-what-marriage-means-to-us-timi-dakolo-and-wife-share-their-love-story.html|publisher=Naij|title='What Marriage Means To Us' Timi Dakolo and Wife Share Their Love ...|author=Oluwatobi Bolashodun|access-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref> They have three children.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/12/aww-4-years-3-kids-the-hit-iyawo-mi-song-timi-busola-dakolo-share-their-love-story/|publisher=Bella Naija|title=Aww…4 Years, 3 Kids & the Hit "Iyawo Mi" Song! Timi & Busola Dakolo Share their Love Story|date=December 2, 2014|access-date=February 6, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 20, 2022 |title=Always know I'm here for you, Timi Dakolo's wife assures singer on birthday |url=https://punchng.com/always-know-im-here-for-you-timi-dakolos-wife-assures-singer-on-birthday/ |access-date=2022-03-19 |newspaper=[[The Punch]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

Dakolo is an lifelong supporter of [[Premier League]] club [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/timidakolo/status/1993805616134131988|title=What a time to be an @Arsenal fan. What a beautiful feeling!!!! #championsleaugue #Gunnersforlife #COYG}}</ref>

==Discography==
===Albums===
*2011: "Beautiful Noise"
*2019: "Merry Christmas, Darling “
*2024: "The Chorus Leader"

===Singles===
*2011: "There's a Cry"
*2011: "Great Nation"
*2014: "Iyawo Mi"
*2015: "Wish Me Well"<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://pulse.ng/music/timi-dakolo-singer-set-to-release-new-single-wish-me-well-id3625141.html|title=Timi Dakolo: Singer set to release new single, 'Wish me well' – Music – Pulse|last=Akan|first=Joey|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref>
*2016: "The Vow"
*2017: "Medicine"
*2018: "I Never Know Say"
*2019: "[[Merry Christmas, Darling (album)|Merry Christmas Darling feat. Emeli Sande]]"
*2020: "Take" Ft. Olamide
*2021: "Everything (Amen)"

==Awards and nominations==
*[[The Headies 2010|2010]]: [[The Headies Award for Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year|Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year]] – Nominated, during [[The Headies]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=By |date=2024-02-20 |title=Almost A Decade Later, Timi Dakolo Is Still True To Himself On “The Chorus Leader” |url=https://culturecustodian.com/almost-a-decade-later-timi-dakolo-is-still-true-to-himself-on-the-chorus-leader/ |access-date=2026-06-08 |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*2015: Best Recording of the Year- Wish Me Well

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.timidakolo.ng/ Timi's Official Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071208114500/http://www.mnetafrica.com/Idols/ Idols WA Official Website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dakolo, Timi}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Nigerian soul singers]]
[[Category:Nigerian musicians]]
[[Category:Nigerian people of Ghanaian descent]]
[[Category:21st-century Nigerian male singers]]
[[Category:People from Bayelsa State]]
[[Category:Musicians from Accra]]
[[Category:The Headies winners]]
[[Category:English-language Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:Yoruba-language Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:University of Port Harcourt alumni]]
[[Category:Ghanaian people of Nigerian descent]]

Timi Dakolo - Revision history

Editor: Set stable version settings for "Timi Dakolo": Excessive vandalism [Auto-review: requires "sysop" permission]

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Editor at 20:06, 23 June 2026