Dana King (singer)
Dana King | |
|---|---|
| Born | Akinola Daniel Ojelabi 3 November 1992 Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Genres | R&B, Alternative pop |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 2010–present |
Akinola Daniel Ojelabi (born November 3, 1992), professionally known as Dana King, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and producer. He first gained widespread attention in 2015 following the release of his breakout single “Omoye”, as well as his cover of Hero, originally recorded by Enrique Iglesias. He emerged as Songwriter of the Year at the Eko Heritage Award in 2025.[1]
Background and education
Dana was born and raised in Ogun State. He attended African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, Before pursuing higher education at Crescent University, where he graduated in August 2019. He later continued his academic journey at Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating in May 2024. He is now based in Scotland.[2]
Career
Dana King began his musical journey in 2010 and has so far built a brand around his emotive vocal delivery and a musical style that blends alternative pop, soft rock, folk, house, R&B, soul, and African influences. In November 2025, he launched his own record label, Magnat Records, aimed at supporting creative independence and nurturing new talent.[3]
In March 2026, Dana King performed at Motif in Aberdeen.[4]
In May 2026, he announced the launch of his new EP titled “Maestro of Ballads.” [5]Speaking at an interview with New Telegraph He said the EP is about expressing emotion through different sounds and cultures.[6]
Renowned critic Emmanuel Daraloye described Dana’s single “Faraway,” released in 2024, as a tender anthem of Love, loyalty, and commitment.[7]
References
- ↑ "Dana King Wins Songwriter of the Year at 2025 Eko Heritage Awards". This Day. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
- ↑ "Dana King: From Abeokuta Roots to Global Sounds, Crafting a..." Daily Trust. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
- ↑ Nwafor (2026-03-20). "Dana King: Nigerian-born artist quietly becoming a household name in Scotland". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
- ↑ Egodo, Joseph (2026-03-30). "Dana King Delivers Electrifying Debut Performance At Heritage Aberdeen 2026". Independent. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
- ↑ Abiodun, Alao (2026-04-27). "Dana King announces launch of new EP "Maestro of Ballads"". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Telegraph-Admin, New (2026-05-01). "Dana King: My EP Is About Expressing Emotion Through Different Sounds, Cultures". New Telegraph. Retrieved 2026-06-17.
- ↑ Babalola, Seyi (2025-12-13). "Dana King's "Faraway": A Tender Anthem of Love, Loyalty, and Commitment". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2026-06-17.