A household name in the Nigerian secular music scene in the 80s, pop star turned preacher, Dizzy K Falola, clocked 52 on Monday.
For contemporary music fans who know little if anything about him, we have compiled 12 facts about the man who left the fast lane for the narrow road.
- Born Kunle Falola, Dizzy K lost both parents at a young age.
- He went to Anwar-ul Islam Model College, Agege in Lagos for his secondary education after which he proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
- He met Tony Okoroji in the early 1980s and the former Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) president became his mentor.
- Influenced largely by King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Dizzy K Falola was labelled King of Afro Funk, and sang in a light and agile voice.
- His album Baby Kilode, and its title track, became instant hits.
- Other albums included Sweet Music and Excuse Me Baby.
- His last secular hit was African Jamboree, produced by Bisade Ologunde the man otherwise known as Lagbaja.
- Having had a spiritual awakening when he became born again in 1989, Dizzy K turned down a recording contract with EMI to relocate to the United Kingdom and concentrate on gospel music.
- Some of his contemporaries in pop music like Chris Okotie and Felix Liberty also left the fast lane to pursue a career in the Lord’s vineyard.
- His first Christian recording, My Joy, was released in 1994.
- He has released seven other gospel albums including Power in the Blood (1995), The Healing Songs (1996) and Incredible (2011).
- One of Dizzy K’s four children, Dami Kay, is also a gospel artiste with a 2010 album titled Young Child.
