The album’s title is an attempt by Timi Dakolo to restate his status as one of Nigeria’s finest vocalists.
Timi Dakolo’s albums are meticulously crafted for fan satisfaction, providing a tangible experience until his powerful August release.
Creating universally appealing music may risk losing a specific audience. To address this, artists incorporate a core sound for a particular consumer base while including elements to attract a broader audience.
Timi Dakolo strikes a fine balance in ‘TCL,’ catering to fans of contemporary gospel and modern Nigerian indigenous music.
‘Omo Ayo’ opens with church vibes, ‘Nothing Dey Spoil For God Hand’ uplifts, and ‘Everything (Amen)’ closes with contemporary gospel influences.
Timi Dakolo brings Amapiano vibes in ‘Happy Fellows’ for a catchy, party-ready track. In ‘Premium Enjoyment,’ he mixes love and good times with South African gospel influences and social media soundbites. Like ‘Happy Fellows’, ‘Premium Enjoyment’ has choral vocals inspired by gospel music.
He robustly explores indigenous Nigerian genres to create variety as well as help form a cultural core for the album. He extols his Bayelsa heritage in the Masterkraft-produced Ogene record ‘Men of the South’. The record is a cultural celebration that can be expected to become a staple in events in the South South.
He taps Patoranking, an artist distinguished for his modern take on Highlife gyration on ‘Na So E Be’ as they examine life’s complexities while encouraging listeners to embrace life’s little happiness.
Dakolo channels Fela Kuti on ‘Hustle’ where he restates how money makes the world go round. In ‘No Forget Home,’ Dakolo uses Afrobeat, echoing Sound Sultan’s ‘Motherland,’ urging Nigerians abroad to remember their roots.
Timi Dakolo is very vocal about his romantic endeavours. His classic ‘Iyawo MI’ is a wedding playlist staple, and on ‘TCL,’ he offers more love tunes just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Cobhams Asuquo produced ‘This Woman,’ a Highlife gyration where Timi Dakolo celebrates his lover. Phyno, Cobhams, and Black Jeez contribute smooth verses in Igbo, Hausa, and Ijaw languages, reflecting a diverse national outlook.
Dakolo blends Nigerian languages (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo) in love records like ‘Ke Na Ke So,’ ‘Iyawo Mi,’ and ‘Obim’ with Ebuka and Noble Igwe, creating a unique R&B with cultural flair.
‘The Chorus Leader’ is a well-crafted compilation that offers listeners enjoyable records cut from different genres with themes that are personal to Timi Dakolo.
Timi Dakolo’s musical skill shines, blending English, Pidgin, and indigenous languages to express his meaningful perspectives across the album.
Dakolo’s vocals excel on all 17 tracks, effortlessly spanning genres, hitting high notes, and adding a distinct touch of excellence to each record.
Ratings: /10
Flop (0-1.9), Near fall (2.0-3.9), Average (4.0-5.9), Victory (6.0-7.9), Champion (8.0-10).
Pulse Rating: /10
Album Sequencing: 1.8/2
Songwriting, Themes, and Delivery: 1.7/2
Production: 1.7/2
Enjoyability and Satisfaction: 1.6/2
Execution: 1.7/2
TOTAL – 8.5 – Champion
