I miss my life before fame – Timi Dakolo

Weekend Magazine: Idols West Africa was a big deal when it happened. How has your life been after emerging winner?Timi Dakolo: It’s been great. There have been different phases, but with more ups than downs. I am happily married now, with children and music has done me well. I couldn’t believe it at first, then […]

Weekend Magazine: Idols West Africa was a big deal when it happened. How has your life been after emerging winner?
Timi Dakolo: It’s been great. There have been different phases, but with more ups than downs. I am happily married now, with children and music has done me well. I couldn’t believe it at first, then it dawned on me that I could be an instrument to pass the message to people who have lost hope that anything can be done.  
WT: Do you miss the version of yourself before Idols West Africa?
Dakolo: Every once in a while I do. Like the places where I grew up and the people I grew up with. I stay wondering how they are faring with life’s journey and all. Sometimes I just want to do the ordinary and stay away from the spotlight and all, but with fame one cannot do anything not expected of him.  
WT: What have been your challenges in the industry so far?
Dakolo: Honestly, piracy is a major problem for us artistes. It surprises me that the more we talk, complain and come up with solutions on how to go about it, the more the pirates bloom. We need to have a situation that involves everyone for the benefit of the industry. We need a single body that runs things for the benefit of all.
WT: How would you categorise your music genre?
Dakolo: I wouldn’t say I have a genre of music per se. I just love music. I do music as I hear or feel it. Whatever form a music I sing comes out is the best form in which it was composed.
WT: What would you say is the price you’ve had to pay for being a celebrity?
Dakolo:  Surprisingly, I would say loneliness is one such price. As you imply, the job comes with a price and mine is loneliness, because sometimes I just want to do things with friends and can’t. They are free to do it but I am not. Regular folks can do what I can’t. So we are alone in our own world.
WT: Being a celebrity sometimes comes with scandals. How have you been able to maintain a clean slate all these years?
Dakolo: I sit at home and stay out of trouble. When I smell any from far I run as far as my legs can take me.  But basically I’m just being me and trying all I can to stay out of trouble. As a celebrity one has to be smart because trouble is at every corner just waiting for you to take the wrong step.  
WT: What inspired you to start singing?
Dakolo: I have always loved music. First it came naturally because I usually sang for fun but when the chance to showcase my talent came via Idols West Africa I had to go for it. At the beginning, I did music with much effort but now I am just myself when I sing.
WT: How did your parents feel when they found out what you wanted to pursue music as a career?
Dakolo: It wasn’t my chosen field before Idols West Africa. I grew up in a house where education and school was the most important thing. It was after my win that I decided to do music. By then I had come of age, so they encouraged me.
WT: Do you write your songs yourself?
Dakolo:  Some I write for myself and most of it with input from others. I get inspiration for my songs from everyday happenings and some from experiences of friends.
WT: What do you have in stock for 2015?
Dakolo: 2015 is a year that I will be releasing my new album titled ‘Love and Consequences’, new videos and probably my own concert. It is a year of new possibilities.
 WT: Which international artistes do you hope to work with in future?
Dakolo: If I had the chance I’ll do a duet with Adele and John Legend. They both sing from the heart and their messages via their songs are well-passed and received.
WT: What advice do you have for upcoming artistes without an avenue for their talents?
Dakolo: I’ll advise them to keep dreaming big, because dreams do come true. They should work hard and be smart.