Timi Dakolo @ 40

Timi Dakolo (born; January 20, 1981) is a Nigerian singer. He is the winner of the inaugural season of West African Idols 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes.

Timi Dakolo was born in Accra, Ghana to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa-native David, and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who died when Dakolo was thirteen years old. Despite being born in Ghana, Timi has a Nigerian passport and does not claim dual citizenship. 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. So deep was their relationship that Timi declined an offer to move to Lagos with his parents, opting to stay back in Port-Harcourt with them.

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.

Personal life
Timi Dakolo married Busola Dakolo[l (née Amupitan) in 2012. They have three children. He was born to a Nigerian Father (Bayelsa born) and Ghanaian Mother.