Paul Play Dairo

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

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

1999–2002: Breakthrough with Kennis Music

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

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

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

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

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

Studio albums

  • Dairo Music Foundation Project 1 (1999)
  • Project 2 (2002)
  • No.1 (2004)
  • Hitaville (2005)
  • Hero (2010)

Selected singles

  • 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

  1. ^ a b c "Paul Play Dairo releases remake of "Angel of My Life"". Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Life dealt me a big blow at the peak of my career – Paul Play Dairo". The Punch. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Obituary: Chief I.K. Dairo". BBC News. 15 February 2003. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  4. ^ a b c "Quickchat with Paul Play Dairo". Feferity. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Paul Play Dairo Biography". Kontatv. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  6. ^ "Paul Play Dairo's music career". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  7. ^ "Paul Play Dairo releases 'Kolo'". The Cable. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  8. ^ "Headies Awards winners". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  9. ^ "What happened to Paul Play – A trip back in time". Soot Africa. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
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