I avoid trouble – Timi Dakolo

 

Timi Dakolo
| credits: File copy

Timi Dakolo has come a long way since emerging winner in the maiden edition of Idols West Africa. In this interview, he details the progress that has been associated with his career

 Was a music career something you envisaged or it happened by chance?

I had always loved music growing up, always listened to music and enjoyed it. I joined singing in groups and sang in our church choir but honestly, music as a career, happened by chance because I didn’t see this one coming. It was not something I envisaged.

 Asides music, what other dreams did you have growing up?

Like every other child, I dreamt of doing great things. I dreamt of touching lives and wowing people without necessarily knowing how I was going to achieve these aspirations but somehow it has come to be. I necessarily didn’t know what it was but I knew I wanted to be great.

 How would you classify your music since some people don’t know whether to call you a gospel or inspirational musician?

I am neither a gospel artiste nor an inspirational artiste. I just do music and my kind of music is not tied to any genre. I do music, whichever way I am inspired to and that has always been my style.

 Save for IdolsWest Africa, do you think you would have come this far?

I really can’t tell. Maybe I probably would not have gotten into music. I guess it was a well orchestrated plan by God, set in motion by Him, realised by Him and for which I am grateful.

 What’s the difference between Timi Dakolo of  Idols West Africa  and Timi Dakolo of today?

I have grown a lot in every sense of the word. I have learnt my trade and believe I am still learning. As you can testify to, in life, you never quit learning. I know much more now than I did before, hence, I have learnt to avoid certain mistakes.

 How has the journey been so far?

They say the beautiful part of life is not the destination but the journey. I have enjoyed and picked up lessons while on it. It’s been awesome and it’s still awesome.

 What were some of the obstacles you encountered on your way up?

Explaining to people why I am devoted to the kind of music I do. A lot of people did not understand and I hope they do now.

 Are you where you want to be?

Not at all! I don’t see success as a destination, I have only just started.

 How do you manage your celebrity status?

I am just me and I remain me. I try very hard to stay out of trouble as well. Being a celebrity is not an excuse for misdemeanour. A lot of people constantly look up to you as a role model. You can’t be letting your fans down.

 Your sophomore album has been a long time coming. What is the reason for its delay?

It’s being worked on and nearing its finishing stages actually. I put in a lot of work into my music and I always want it to be a collector’s item. I want it to be something you will cherish years after you first bought it. I’ve been taking my time, working with the best but it would be out sooner than soon!

 What inspires your compositions?

Life generally. There is so much about life to talk and sing about. Look around you and you will find them.

 Do you write and produce your music?

Most of the time I write. The   tunes come to me randomly and I put it down as it comes. There are times it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I also write with friends too; I don’t produce but I know exactly how I want my song to sound. Having a foreknowledge helps when I am putting the song together.

 What’s the story behind your newly released single Iyawo Mi?

Like the title aptly describes it, it’s about my love for my wife and all that she has made me accomplish, how she makes me feel. An awesome woman she is. She has been the wind beneath my sail and that is what I sang about in that song. If you have an awesome woman as a wife, appreciate her.

 How did you meet your wife and what qualities attracted you to her?

I met her in church, walked up to her and asked for her number, which began the journey we are still on, a great journey. Her qualities are simplicity and an ability to give me awesome advice.

 You bought your wife a house as Valentine’s Day gift. What motivated that choice of a gift?

This thing don cause wahala oh! (sic) I’d rather not comment about it.

 Why did you get married when you did? Some people thought you would have tarried a bit  

I knew it was time, and it has turned out to be my best decision.

 In what ways has marriage and fatherhood changed you?

It has made me more focused and I have more responsibilities.

 How do you combine your career with being a father and a husband?

Everything has its place, I try my best to give my time to both…its hard sometimes but to me, family comes first always.

 Who are your greatest musical influences?

Where do I begin from?  I love and I’m influenced by absolutely good music.

 Your image is clean-cut and sexy, is this you or a ploy to appeal to your fan base?

That is me. Clean-cut always. If you say sexy, I would not argue. Thank you.

 You have not caught been caught in the endorsement fever. Are you bothered?

No, I am not.

 What would you consider your greatest career breakthrough?

Great moments – I have a list! But the most recent was performing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

 Some people like to describe you as a late bloomer. Do you agree?

I don’t think I am a late bloomer, I may be a perfectionist in a way but I think I’m more a careful traveller on the journey.

 Your style has evolved. How do you like to dress?

   I love suits – everyone knows that. If suits were allowed to the pool or the beach I would be dressed to the nines in my suit.