Dizzy K Falola
Dizzy K Falola (born Kunle Falola) is a London-based Nigerian singer, currently performing as a gospel artiste, but is perhaps best known as a former 1980s pop star, famed for the hit "Baby Kilode".[1]
Early life and pop career
[edit]Falola, whose parents died when he was young, was raised in Nigeria, where he displayed an early talent for music,[1] and studied at the University of Ife.[2]
He met Tony Okoroji, who became his mentor, in the early 1980s and soon began working with him. His album Baby Kilode, and its title track, became instant hits.[1] Other albums included Sweet Music and Excuse Me Baby.[3] Along with Chris Okotie, Felix Lebarty and Jide Obi Falola stimulated Nigeria's emerging music industry with a unique brand of pop music. His last secular hit was African Jamboree, produced by Bisade Ologunde.[2]
Gospel music ministry
[edit]As a famous singer, Falola lived life in the fastlane[4] until he became a born-again Christian in 1989. Encouraged by singer Ebenezer Obey who himself had rediscovered Christianity, Falola turned down a recording contract with EMI to relocate to the United Kingdom and concentrate on gospel music.[1] His first Christian recording was in 1994; since then he has toured with ministries through Europe and America[2] where his albums My Joy, Power in the Blood, The Healing Songs, I'm Blessed, and Marvellous have sold alongside Canada, Sweden, and numerous African counties.[1][2] In 2001, after many years abroad, he paid a short visit to his homeland, and in 2002 performed at the official African launch of the Dizzy K Gospel Music Ministries and the Centre of my Joy album.[2]
Now married with four children, Falola continues to reside in London, and runs a studio that publicises youth problems.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Nwaogu, Kingsley (2004-11-16). "A Musician's Grand Home Coming". THISDAYonline. Archived from the original on May 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ a b c d e Adeniji, Olayiwola (2002-04-26). "For Dizzy K, a Centre of Joy". Africa News Service.
- ^ Iwuagwu, 'Nonye (2009-04-18). "Dizzy K. for Okoroji's book launch". Punch on the Web. Retrieved 2009-05-23. [dead link]
- ^ Dizzy K is back[permanent dead link]