Singer and songwriter, Timi Dakolo shared a glimpse into his childhood, recounting how he sold oranges and ice water while being raised by his grandmother.
In a recent interview on the Tea with Tay podcast, Dakolo said his parents, who were young at the time, left him in his grandmother’s care due to their limited resources.
When they had me they were like ‘Let’s go and see your grandma’ Then they dropped me with her and ran away because they were too young and didn’t know what to do with me.
I don’t think my mother was up to 20 years old when she had me and my dad was probably in his early 20’s. They were childhood sweethearts, then they left each other and he went back to Ghana.
Timi Dakolo – Singer
Despite the unconventional upbringing, Dakolo expressed gratitude for the love and care he received, highlighting the impact of his grandmother on his life.
I grew up with my grandmother and it didn’t affect me in any way, I did not lack love and my grandmother was my parent so I didn’t miss anyone. She was doing everything that concerned me.
Timi Dakolo
This experience of selling items at a young age, he believes, contributed to shaping the person he is today.
When you are raised by an old woman, at a young age, alone with her at home, you become an adult at a very young age. You would be doing things while your mates are playing, … and you must sell something. I sell everything in season. I sold orange, ice water. Those days they used to sell waterproof, black and yellow, and pure black colour.
Timi Dakolo
Timi Dakolo rose to fame after winning Idols West Africa in 2007.
Dakolo was born on January 20, 1981, in Accra, Ghana. His father is from Bayelsa while his mum is from Ghana.
Story: Christy Dung
Credit: Instagram/Timi Dakolo