The son of a carpenter, Isaiah Kehinde Dairo was born in 1931 in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. His early interest in music reportedly emerged when his father made a drum for him, which he carried around with him at all times. Unable to finish his education, Dairo worked as an apprentice barber and learned to play and make drums in his free time. By 1942 he had joined his first juju band. (Juju music is an upbeat urban music style that began in the 1930s; it is rooted in Yoruba dance drumming with traditional call-and-response patterns.)
From 1942 to 1946, Dairo traveled western Nigeria as a migrant farm laborer, cloth merchant, carpenter, and road builder. By night he played with juju bands led by pioneering musicians such as Oladele Oro and Ojoge Daniel. In 1950 he joined the Rolling Dollars dance band, considered important contributors to the development of modern juju. Settling in Ibadan, he began a decade-long apprenticeship under Daniel that allowed him to explore and polish his own musical ideas. In 1956, he formed a ten-member group called the Morning Star Orchestra, which would later be renamed the Blue Spots.
Dairo was not entirely content with playing traditional juju and embarked on a path of experimentation that revealed his talents as a composer/arranger and forever changed the sound of the music. In addition to the influences of juju pioneers like Ojoge Daniel, Dairo was inspired by the West African highlife style as performed by E. T. Mensah, Victor Olaiya, Bobby Benson, and the Ramblers Dance Band. He began to research and incorporate local oral traditions into his music, while at the same time adding modern elements like the ten-button accordion and Latin American rhythms. Although he sang mostly in Yoruba (a Niger-Congo language of southwestern Nigeria and parts of Togo and Benin), he also used other local languages such as Hausa, Urhobo, and Itsekiri, as well as English, the colonial language of Nigeria. Lyrics, culture, and innovations aside, another factor contributing to Dairo's success was his ability to write music that fit into the format of the three-minute song.
In 1960 Nigeria gained independence and Dairo's parallel rise to stardom made him a favorite of kings, businessmen, ambassadors, and heads of state. In 1963 Queen Elizabeth named him a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his cultural contributions to the Commonwealth, making him the only African musician to receive that honor. Dairo was also a clear favorite among the Nigerian people, noted Andrew C. Frankel on the Roots World website, quoting the Nigerian magazine Spear, whose readers called him the "Shakespeare of Music" and "an earthly god of music."
During the 1960s Dairo enjoyed increasing success with a number of songs about women, their elegance, and beauty—best-selling hits like "Salome." After a 1965 performance at Westminster Theatre in London, Dairo went on to participate in the World Negro Arts Festival held in Dakar, Senegal.
Despite Dairo's immense popularity, the juju music of Nigeria's poor had yet to replace highlife as the nation's favorite. In the late 1960s, during the Nigerian Civil War (a conflict he predicted in his 1963 song "Ka Sora") Dairo and his band released a stream of successful singles that would, by 1970, establish juju as Nigeria's national sound. This popularity continued throughout the decade with the release of albums such as Kekere, Talaka Nke Ebi, and Emini Oni Gbe Sajo.
By 1980 Dairo had been eclipsed as the king of juju by artists such as King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. Performing less and less often, he managed several clubs and a Lagos hotel to earn a living. Dairo was a founding father of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria and served as Nigerian chapter resident of the Performing Rights Society. He also became a minister in the syncretic Christian Cherubim and Seraphim church movement, whose worship services include Yoruba language, music, dance. After 15 years without an album, Dairo and a reconstituted Blue Spots band in 1990 released Juju Master, which contributed to a greater international interest in his music.
While he officially retired at his sixtieth birthday party in January of 1991, Dairo and the Blue Spots embarked on the first of three North American tours that same year. His final album, Ashiko, released in 1992, reached number eleven on the Billboard charts in 1994, with Dairo singing lead vocals and playing the guitar, talking drum and accordion on the album's tracks. Billboard called the album an "excellent showcase of his singular juju styling," pointing to "the sparse but poignant guitars and deadpan backing vocals of 'Ko Wa Jo,' the relentless beats and delicate picking of 'Ekun Rere,' the oddly compelling harmonies of 'Mo Sorire,' and the accordion-and-talking drum groove of 'Salome.'"
From 1994 to 1995, Dairo held a professorial position on the ethnomusicology faculty at the University of Washington, Seattle. Inspired by his sojourn abroad and the resulting contact with international musicians, Dairo was reportedly ecstatic about his plan to record an album reflecting these influences. Unfortunately Dairo, who suffered from hypertension and complications from diabetes, died in Effon-Alaiye, near Akure, Nigeria at age 65.
Out
Paul I.K. Dairo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look
First off
I was stepping outta bounds
Can’t stand within the lines
I rather speak on all the things i’ve earned
Instead of what was found
I’m living proof
I made it true so if i did it
That means u can do it too
These niggas knew
That i’d neva settle fa number two
And if i do that’s means that i gave the opportunity to you
I made it through
And made a couple bags to split between the group
So we can ball out without a problem
Look how fast we blew
If i’m chasing after bags i gotta get it bigger
Really gotta open up ya eyes to see the bigger picture
A lot of niggas in ma city always pulling triggers
Knowledge equals power
You might get it but i got it quicker
U gotta budget i’ll get whicha
Sometimes i really think this rap stuff will make me richer
Hmm
See fade away but i can’t make it clearer
I get a couple things just to
Make ya pockets bigger
Make ya pockets bigger
See if u down and got different problems can’t take a chance
But if i’m taking a shot i want it to be advanced
It’s like i’m stuck in another time and can’t take a stand
But if u gotta problem with making money u needa plan
See if u down and got different problems can’t take a chance
But if i’m taking a shot i want it to be advanced
It’s like i’m stuck in another time and can’t take a stand
But if u gotta problem with making money u needa plan
First off
I was stepping outta bounds
Can’t stand within the lines
I rather speak on all the things i’ve earned
Instead of what was found
I’m living proof
Of all the other things they said i couldn’t do
I made it true so if i did it
That means u can do it too
These niggas knew
That i’d neva settle fa number two
And if i do that’s means that i gave the opportunity to you
I made it through
And made a couple bags to split between the group
So we can ball out without a problem
Look how fast we blew
The lyrics of Paul I.K. Dairo's song Out delve into the theme of success and achievement, with the artist reflecting on his accomplishments and giving advice to listeners. The song starts with the artist acknowledging that he has often strayed from the traditional path and taken risks, but it has paid off in the end. He speaks of his success as proof that one can achieve anything they set their mind to, as long as they are willing to work hard and believe in themselves. The artist then goes on to speak of the importance of financial stability and planning, stating that if one wants to achieve success, they must have a plan in place.
In the second verse, the artist continues to discuss the importance of taking risks and making moves towards success. He notes that those who are afraid to take risks and make moves towards success will only remain stagnant in their lives. He advocates for a proactive approach to life and success, emphasizing the need for planning ahead and taking calculated risks.
Overall, the song "Out" is a reflective and motivational track that encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and work towards success. It conveys an overarching message of self-belief and determination as keys to success and encourages practical planning and calculated risk-taking.
Line by Line Meaning
First off
To start with
I was stepping outta bounds
I was taking risks and going beyond my comfort zone
Can’t stand within the lines
I can't confine myself to the usual rules
I rather speak on all the things i’ve earned
I'd rather talk about my achievements than what I've found
Instead of what was found
Instead of discussing what I've stumbled upon or discovered
I’m living proof
I am evidence that it can be done
Of all the other things they said i couldn’t do
Of all the things people believed I couldn't accomplish
I made it true so if i did it
I made it a reality, so if I could do it
That means u can do it too
It is possible for you to achieve it too
These niggas knew
These people were aware
That i’d neva settle fa number two
That I'd never be content with being second best
And if i do that’s means that i gave the opportunity to you
If I settle for second place, it means I've given you an opportunity to take the lead
I made it through
I succeeded despite challenges
And made a couple bags to split between the group
I earned money to be shared among the team
So we can ball out without a problem
So we can live extravagantly without any worries
Look how fast we blew
See how quickly we became successful
If i’m chasing after bags i gotta get it bigger
If I'm focused on making money, I need to aim for making more
Really gotta open up ya eyes to see the bigger picture
I need to broaden my perspective to understand the whole situation
A lot of niggas in ma city always pulling triggers
Many people in my area resort to violence
Knowledge equals power
Acquiring knowledge gives you control and influence
You might get it but i got it quicker
You may eventually understand, but I grasped it much faster
U gotta budget i’ll get whicha
You need to manage your finances, I can help you with that
Sometimes i really think this rap stuff will make me richer
Sometimes I think music will bring me more wealth
See fade away but i can’t make it clearer
Things may disappear, but I can't explain it any better
I get a couple things just to make ya pockets bigger
I earn some things to increase your finances
See if u down and got different problems can’t take a chance
If you're struggling with your own issues, you can't risk taking chances
But if i’m taking a shot i want it to be advanced
But if I'm going to make a move, I want it to be calculated and strategic
It’s like i’m stuck in another time and can’t take a stand
It feels like I'm trapped in a different era and can't make a move
But if u gotta problem with making money u needa plan
But if you struggle with earning money, you need to have a strategy
But if u gotta problem with making money u needa plan
But if you struggle with earning money, you need to have a strategy
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Kyri Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chiomaamaka5948
My creator, I hold on to you
I hold on to you
My creator, I hold on to you
I must not fall. My creator I hold on to you father. I hold on to you
My creator, I hold on to you
I must not fall. I thank you for yesterday's blessing. Father I thank you. I thank you for today's blessing. Father I thank you I also thank you for tomorrow's blessing. Father I thank you. If I wake up early in the morning I will hold
My head. I am fortunate My creator I thank you. Lord of the whole world. It's only you that
I put my trust Father father father
Father father God when a child give thanks For yesterday's blessing, he will receive another
One No one else can do it,
If not You. Ruler of the whole world
I am fortunate
My creator I thank thee .. father
I am fortunate
My creator I thank you.
@liszmkd7749
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mo di'e mu
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mi'o gbodo jabo
Eleda mi mo di'e mu baba
Mo di'e mu
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mi'o gbodo jabo
Baba mo dupe o
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro kutukutu ma d'ori mi
Mu
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro kutukutu ma d'ori mi
Mu
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Olorun agbaye
Olorun agbaye
Olorun agbaye
Olorun agbaye
Iwo ni kan ni
Igbekele mi
Iwo ni kan ni
Igbekele mi
Baba baba baba
Baba baba Oluwa
T'omode ba dupe
Ore ana, a ri omiran
Gba
Ko si eni to le se, bi
Kin se wo o
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro
Kutukutu ma d'ori mi mu
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro kutukutu ma d'ori mi mu ah
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Hmm oya
Hmmm oya
Hmmm eje ka dupe lowo Olorun... eh
Eje ka dupe lowo Olorun... mo ti s'orire
Eje ka dupe lowo Olorun... eh eyi eyi eh
Eje ka dupe lowo Olorun
Ha... easy, woske
Ha ha ...easy... o yo
O de ske ske ske ske ske
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mo di'e mu
Eleda mi mo di'e mu baba
Mi'o gbodo jabo
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mo di'e mu
Eleda mi mo di'e mu
Mi'o gbodo jabo
Olorun agbaye
Olorun agbaye
Olorun agbaye
Mi'o gbodo jabo Add or View Explanation
Ko si eni to le se, bi kin se wo o
Ko si eni to le se, bi kin se wo o
Aterere kari aiye Add or View Explanation
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro kutukutu ma d'ori mi mu ah
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Bi mo ba ji lo'wuro kutukutu ma d'ori mi mu
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba mo dupe o
Baba mo dupe o
Baba mo dupe o
Baba mo dupe o
Mo s'orire o... baba
Eleda mi mo dupe o... baba
Mo ti s'orire o
Mo s'orire o... baba
Eleda mi mo dupe o... baba
Aterere kari aiye
Aterere kari aiye o
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o... baba
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Baba oshe
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
Mo s'orire o
Eleda mi mo dupe o
@chiomaamaka5948
My creator, I hold on to you
I hold on to you
My creator, I hold on to you
I must not fall. My creator I hold on to you father. I hold on to you
My creator, I hold on to you
I must not fall. I thank you for yesterday's blessing. Father I thank you. I thank you for today's blessing. Father I thank you I also thank you for tomorrow's blessing. Father I thank you. If I wake up early in the morning I will hold
My head. I am fortunate My creator I thank you. Lord of the whole world. It's only you that
I put my trust Father father father
Father father God when a child give thanks For yesterday's blessing, he will receive another
One No one else can do it,
If not You. Ruler of the whole world
I am fortunate
My creator I thank thee .. father
I am fortunate
My creator I thank you.
@erhaborhilary7399
Wow I remember having a crush on a girl in my primary school and seeing her dance to this song during a cultural event in school, I had goose pimples all over me and I felt I was in love at the time. Little did I know that I still had a long way to go in life but I had to savor and cherish that moment. I could see her face when I was watching this video once again after 20 years.
@kamil748
+Erhabor Hilary LMAO... u still gat the crush?
@erhaborhilary7399
Kamil Gbadamosi Hahahahahaha she may be married now I guess. I still gat the crush though. LMAO
@princesscanipe6352
Rip dad ..always played this song for me as a kid
@abrokenlife
oNE OF THE BEST SONGS in Nigerian Music Industry!
@veobosi
This is 2020 and this music still rocks. God I thank you.
@rokoroko7090
I am a Ghanaian and have no clue on the lyrics, yet this song hits me to the bone marrow. I cannot stop dancing to this cool and soft music. God bless Paul Play.
@ayomiku22
basicly his saying god i thank you
@gloriaoluyinka4004
Wow, so I’m the only one that came here in 2020?! Nice 😂