Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, recently shared a candid reflection on his journey to becoming a professional musician. Known for his hit song “Great Nation,” Dakolo explained that his entry into the music industry was more of an accident than a calculated career move. The singer discussed his early experiences with music and how his passion eventually transformed into a full-fledged career during a recent episode of the ‘On The Record’ podcast.
Dakolo, who initially sang in church choirs and casually enjoyed music, never envisioned himself pursuing it professionally. “I still see myself as an accidental musician,” he confessed during the interview. “Yeah, I used to sing in choir. I used to just like that I sang. The first idea of music was during morning devotion,” he said, reflecting on his early exposure to music in a religious setting.
As a young man, music was simply a hobby for Dakolo. He described how his early attempts at singing were rooted in fun and socializing with friends. “We used to have notebooks where we write songs and they were girls to impress,” he recalled with a laugh. “So music was not something I thought I would do professionally.” Despite these humble beginnings, his love for music remained, but it wasn’t until a life-changing opportunity arose that Dakolo considered taking the art form seriously.
His turning point came in 2007 when he won the inaugural season of Idols West Africa, a reality talent show that helped catapult him into the spotlight. Winning the competition marked a significant change in Dakolo’s approach to music. “It was after Idols that I decided to do music professionally,” he explained. The experience gave him the confidence to pursue a career in music, despite his earlier reluctance to view it as a career path.
Dakolo’s reflection also highlighted a deeper understanding of destiny. “I said to myself, ‘Okay, we are here. Sometimes you meet your destiny on the road you take to avoid it,'” he shared. This statement encapsulates his unexpected path to success, one that unfolded when he least expected it. His victory on Idols West Africa acted as a pivotal moment, bringing him closer to his true calling, even though music had not initially been part of his plan.
Throughout the podcast, Dakolo also touched on the personal growth and transformation he has experienced as a musician. He acknowledged that his journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, but it has ultimately been rewarding. As an artist who started with no professional aspirations, Dakolo now stands as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians.
