Artist Profile – Paul Play Dairo
For anyone who grew up in the 2000s, Paul Play Dairo arrived like an R&B singer who had seen the world. In the post-African Queen era, his hits like “Angel of My Life” and “Forever” felt like an upgrade – polished visuals, smooth vocals, and flawless English lyrics. Paul Play wasn’t just singing love songs; he was presenting a refined, cosmopolitan version of the African R&B artist.
Paul Play’s entry into music began in his father’s band. After his father’s death, he started out behind the scenes, producing songs for artists like Tony Tetuila. But it didn’t take long before he stepped into the spotlight himself with “Mo So Rire”, a remake of one of his father’s classics, released under Kennis Music. It was an instant hit, but also came with comparisons. Much like Femi Kuti before him, Paul Play was accused of leaning too heavily on his father’s legacy.
Determined to prove himself on his own terms, he pivoted. He committed to writing an album entirely in English, distancing his sound and lyrical identity from his father’s influence. That album became Hitville, his first under his own label, Playground Entertainment, and a bold reintroduction of his artistry. The album swept the Headies, winning four awards including Album of the Year. It was fresh, emotional, and unguarded – a vulnerable take on R&B with no posturing. And most importantly, it stood completely apart from his father’s work.
Then, just as his star was shining brightest, Paul Play disappeared from the scene. Fans didn’t know that he was quietly battling a life-threatening kidney issue, diagnosed while he was in South Africa. He would need a transplant and time away from the spotlight. In his absence, Nigeria lost one of its finest R&B voices.
Now, Paul Play is back and hasn’t missed a beat. His recent collaboration with Olamide finds him effortlessly in tune with the sound of today, while staying true to the soul of his original style. His return marks a rare kind of longevity, one that only a few from his generation, like 2Baba, can lay claim to.
More than a comeback, Paul Play Dairo’s career is proof of evolution. He remains a vital thread in the Afro-R&B lineage, a sound we still see thrive through artists like Tems, Tay Iwar and the alté movement. His journey, both personal and artistic, is a testament to resilience, talent, and the enduring power of reinvention.