// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Paul Play Dairo's music say to him? "You play, I'll dairo.
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Paul "Play" Dairo is a Nigerian R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer, best known for hit singles such as Angel of My Life, Forever, and You and Me.[1][2] He is the son of the late I. K. Dairo, a Juju music legend who was the first African musician to receive an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II.[3]
Early life
[edit]Paul Play Dairo was born in Nigeria to Chief I.K. Dairo and grew up surrounded by music.[3] He initially studied Mechanical Engineering and briefly worked with Shell Petroleum before pursuing a full-time music career.[4]
Music career
[edit]1999–2002: Breakthrough with Kennis Music
[edit]Dairo rose to prominence after releasing a remix of his father's classic Mo So Rire, which caught the attention of Kennis Music.[4][5] Under the label, he released Dairo Music Foundation Project 1 (1999) and Project 2 (2002), which produced the hit Forever.[5]
2004–2007: Independent success
[edit]After leaving Kennis Music, he founded Playground Entertainment and released No.1 (2004) and Hitaville (2005), followed by Hero (2010).[6] His single Angel of My Life became a staple Nigerian R&B classic.[1]
2014–present: Comeback and collaborations
[edit]Following a health challenge that forced a break from music,[2] Dairo returned with singles such as Renegade (2014), Best Thing (2014), Fool in Love (2016), Tell It to Me (2016), Kolo (2020), and a remake of Angel of My Life (2020).[7][1]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Dairo has won multiple Headies Awards, including Best R&B Album, Artist of the Year, and Recording of the Year.[8] He has also received FAME Awards, AMEN Awards, and recognition from M-Net South Africa.[4]
Personal life
[edit]In interviews, Dairo has spoken about health challenges that nearly ended his career and his determination to continue making music.[2] He has also publicly discussed royalty disputes with his former label, Kennis Music.[9]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- Dairo Music Foundation Project 1 (1999)
- Project 2 (2002)
- No.1 (2004)
- Hitaville (2005)
- Hero (2010)
Selected singles
[edit]- Forever (2002)
- Angel of My Life (2004)
- Renegade (2014)
- Best Thing (2014)
- Fool in Love (2016)
- Tell It to Me (2016)
- Kolo (2020)
- Angel of My Life (Remake) (2020)
- Guidance (2020)
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 "Paul Play Dairo releases remake of "Angel of My Life"". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Life dealt me a big blow at the peak of my career – Paul Play Dairo". The Punch. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- 1 2 "Obituary: Chief I.K. Dairo". BBC News. 15 February 2003. Retrieved 10 August 2025.[dead link]
- 1 2 3 "Quickchat with Paul Play Dairo". Feferity. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- 1 2 "Paul Play Dairo Biography". Kontatv. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ↑ "Paul Play Dairo's music career". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ↑ "Paul Play Dairo releases 'Kolo'". TheCable. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ↑ "Headies Awards winners". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
- ↑ "What happened to Paul Play – A trip back in time". Soot Africa. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2025.