Award-winning Nigerian singer and producer, Timi Dakolo, is poised to etch his name in history as he joins an exclusive league of Nigerian musicians to take their artistry to the iconic Apollo in Harlem.
The singer is scheduled to be part of the maiden ‘Naija To The World’ exhibition at the popular venue on September 16, joining the likes of Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, his son Seun Kuti, Grammy winner Burna Boy, and Adekunle Gold to perform at the arena.
The organizers of this annual event unveiled Dakolo as a key performer in the star-studded line-up set to thrill the audience at the inaugural celebration of the culture and creativity stemming from Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Since his victory at Idols West Africa back in 2007, Dakolo has risen to become one of Nigeria’s most distinct voices, endearing millions with his soulful melodies.
He’s secured top spots on respectable charts with hits such as Great Nation, Iyawo Mi, Wish Me Well, The Vow, Medicine, and many more.
Dakolo’s mastery in storytelling is expected to add a layer of excitement to the concert’s ambiance, as it aims to shed light on the untold narratives and realities of the region that has given rise to global stars like Burna Boy and Rema.
Attendees will have the opportunity to relish the voice and artistry that earned him the Best Male Vocal Performance awards at the 2014 and 2015 Headies, respectively.
Reflecting on the upcoming performance, Dakolo remarked, “It is fulfilling to see my dreams of standing on the biggest stages in the world as a young boy come to reality.
“I can’t quantify the excitement of joining some of the world’s most celebrated musicians to have performed at the iconic Apollo Theater.
“Music fans can look forward to a Timi Dakolo performance they have never experienced before.”
Dakolo will be joined by fellow Niger Delta natives such as Omawumi, Timaya, KCee, and the pantomimic dance group Seki Dance Drama, all set to enthrall Apollo’s audience.
Organizers pledge that attendees can expect performances that will provide insight into the culture of the South-South region, moving beyond its famed oil production status.
Founder of Black House Media (BHM), Ayeni Adekunle, expressed excitement over the star-studded lineup, stating, “We couldn’t be more excited about the line-up of stars that will grace the concert at the Apollo.
“From the journeys of these creative talents in a peculiar region like the Niger Delta, we believe that the world has a lot more to learn from Nigerian culture beyond just marveling at the beautiful sound of our music.”
Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Executive Officer of Buckwyld Media Network, Efe Omorogbe, said “Naija To The World – the Niger Delta Experience, will serve as a testament to the incredible reservoir of artistic brilliance present in the Niger Delta region. ‘Naija To The World‘ is described by organisers as an attempt to provide an alternative narrative to the stories out there about Nigeria and Nigerians.”
In 2019, Burna Boy sold out The Apollo’s 1,538-seat capacity for his African Giant concert.
It is anticipated that ‘Naija To The World – the Niger Delta Experience‘ will attract a similarly enthusiastic live audience of at least 1,500 attendees.
An additional 10 million viewers worldwide are projected to partake in this spectacle through broadcast partners spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
