Leading the pack of a new generation of Neo-Folk artists is emerging star, DOTTi The Deity. Born Oladotun Okeowo Alani, DOTTi is a dynamic and highly creative songwriter and recording/performing artist, known for his unique, strong, and skilled vocals.
Fearlessly drawing inspiration from the lost-era of Nigerian Folk music, he brings a fresh and timeless sound to the forefront of the music scene.
Hailing from the ancient town of Osogbo, DOTTi was born to Serifat, the second wife of Amusat Okeowo. However, at a young age, he had to be separated from his family and was raised by his grandparents in Lagos, Nigeria.
It was during this time that he began honing his musical skills, composing his first song at the tender age of six while playing at his grandfather’s dining table. As he grew older, DOTTi drew inspiration from various genres such as Jazz, Soul, Yoruba Folk, and Pop music, creating his own unique blend of sound that he fondly calls Nu Age Folk.
DOTTi’s musical journey continued as he pursued a National Diploma in Music Tech from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Throughout his studies, he found influence and inspiration in the works of renowned artists like Fatoumata Diawara, Asa, Brymo, Lagbaja, Oumou Sangare, Mali Music, and Adeolu Akinsanya.
He released his debut single, ‘Jolly Christmas,’ on December 14, 2019. Produced by the talented Rotimikeys, the song showcased DOTTi’s artistry and garnered positive attention from listeners.
The breakthrough moment in DOTTi’s career came when he emerged as the inaugural winner of the MTN Y’ELLO STAR Music competition, catapulting him into the spotlight.
Undeterred by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, DOTTi demonstrated his resilience by releasing his first EP, titled ‘Songs in Isolation,’ in 2020. This project, a compilation of five songs inspired by his personal experiences during the lockdown, further solidified his reputation as a skilled and introspective musician.
With his growing prominence, DOTTi graced the stage for several headline live performances. However, it was his release in 2022, ‘Forever Sweet,’ that truly captivated audiences and received critical acclaim.
The song celebrated the purity and timelessness of love, showcasing DOTTi’s ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
Continuing his musical journey, DOTTi unveiled his debut project, ‘For You Knew Me,’ to further critical acclaim. This release firmly established him as an artist to watch, with his unique fusion of Neo-Folk sounds resonates deeply with audiences.
DOTTi The Deity’s talent extends beyond his solo work. He has collaborated as a songwriter and vocalist with prominent names in the Nigerian music industry, including Cobhams Asuquo, RotimiKeys, Omawumi, and many others.
His voice and songwriting skills have been featured in popular jingles for radio and TV advertisements, such as the GTBank Quick Credit advert, the British American Tobacco Foundation campaign song titled ‘Wealth is here’ advert, the Dettol Sure advert, the Lipton Ice Tea advert, and the Supa Komando advert, among others.
These collaborations further showcase his versatility and contribute to his growing reputation in the industry.
With each endeavour, DOTTi The Deity continues to forge a path that defies genre boundaries and captivates audiences with his soulful melodies and poetic lyricism. As the rising star illuminates the music scene with his unique blend of Neo-Folk sounds and timeless appeal, it’s clear that DOTTi’s journey has only just begun, promising an exciting future filled with artistic brilliance and heartfelt compositions.
Dotti is whatever he calls himself.
My fave ❤️