Timi Dakolo-Bio
| Born | January 20, 1981 |
| Origin | Bayelsa State, Nigeria |
| Genre(s) | Soul, R&B , Contemporary Rock. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, record producer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Website | www.timidakolo.com www.myspace.com/timidakolo www.facebook.com/timidakolo |
Dakolo was born in Accra, Ghana to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa-native David and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who died when Dakolo was thirteen. His grandmother Ateni Dakolo, who lived in Port Harcourt, raised him, and he credits her as his early singing teacher.
Dakolo 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 its members had gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt, where Dakolo studied Communication Studies.
In 2006, Dakolo auditioned for reality show Idols West Africa in Calabar. His vocals impressed the judges, and 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. A devout Christian, he turned to his faith for strength to pull through in the competition.
During his tenure on the show, Dakolo was popular with voters, and was never in the bottom three. In the final weeks of the competition it was revealed by the producers of the show that Dakolo had the highest number of votes.
Timi has performed in high profile events like:
* The African Movies Academy Awards (2008)
* The Grand Finale of The Apprentice Africa (2008)
* Stars of the Future (2007)
* Fash Football Challenge (2008)
* Starville Concert alongside Lil’ Kim, Amerie, and Brick & Lace (2007).
* Performed at an event organised by the eventual winner of The Apprentice Africa, Isaac Dankyi-Koranteng as part of the final task of the show.
* Farafina Magazine’s Visual Arts and Literature Event attended by award winning authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Biyi Bandele.
* Rhythm Unplugged (2008)
* From Lagos with Love (2008)
* Valentine At Christmas organized by The British Council (2008)
* Vlisco Fashion Show (2009)
On December 18, 2008, Timi released his first single, Let It Shine, a neo-soul inspirational self-written autobiographical song. It is topping the charts on radio stations in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya and spreading fast.
Let It Shine is one of the 12 tracks on his debut Album aptly titled ‘TIMI…’ which will hit stores March, 2010.
Let It Shine
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I Love You
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