I tried more than 6 times before I made it —Idyl, winner, The Voice Nigeria season 2

Daniel Diongoli, whose stage name is Idyl of Team TIMI (Timi Dakolo) is the winner of The Voice Nigeria season 2. The Bayelsa-born singer, who got a recording contract with Universal Music Africa, a brand new GS4 SUV by GAC motors and all-expenses paid trip tour of Dubai courtesy of Ajala.ng, told Newton-Ray Ukwuoma in a chat about how he was turned down by other reality shows before emerging winner two Sundays ago.

 

How has winning changed your life?

My life has changed for the better. I am adapting to the new life of a star; you know, having to go out and people taking photographs and stuff. It is new to me, but I am getting used to it.

 

Was it a dream come true?

Yes, it is a dream for every young person out there to achieve a certain height. It had always been my dream and I am grateful that it came true.

 

What was the lowest point in the competition?

I think it was when I was up for eviction and put on probation. Those were, for me, the lowest points in the competition. It put me down a bit, but I got up after a while and I kept pushing.

 

Some people are of the opinion that Ebube or Mimi should have won. What do you have to say about that?

We are all talented in our own ways. It is music. It is artistry. Everybody had a chance to win, but it just happened that I am the one.

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Beyond thinking that anyone could have won, who among the contestants do you see as a real talent?

Everybody on The Voice Nigeria is a real talent. To have made it up to the live show is proof that we all got great talents.

 

How was growing up for you?

Growing up was amazing. The things I learnt growing up have seen me all through life up until this moment. I believe it will take me a long way.

 

What would you say is the edge you had over others?

Everyone put in a lot of hardwork. So, I would say it was the grace of God that did it for me and Nigerians.

 

Have you ever auditioned for any other reality show?

Yes. [Smiles] I have gone for many reality show auditions.

 

Name five.

At one time, I went for MTN Project Fame. I started auditioning from Season 5, 6, 8 to Season 9. I went for Nigerian Idols Season 2, 3, 4 and 5 auditions. I went for X Factor audition. I have been doing this for a long time.

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What were the comments of the judges at the points of audition?

They will say, “You are good, but you are not ripe for the stage”. That was what they told me. Some of them will tell you Yes, but then you’d go back home expecting a call that never came.

 

Why didn’t you stop?

I don’t stop. Where I come from we don’t stop. We pursue the goal until we get it. And music is life to me, it is the only way I express myself. Getting to stop pursuing my career is like stopping my breath.

 

What role did your family play towards your emergence as winner?

They did a lot. My mum is my prayer warrior. My dad is my inspiration. My younger ones were always there. They were always calling me, telling me that I was a winner. They kept my head on the goal.

 

You said that you don’t quit where you come from. Where do you come from?

I come from Bayelsa State. Bayelsa is a small state. People don’t really know we have lots of talents there. Coming from there, I wanted to make that point.So, this is for Bayelsa. And I will be selling Bayelsa State to the world. To think I just moved to Lagos not long now before this happened!

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When exactly did you relocate?

I relocated finally to Lagos six months ago. And this happened.

 

Why did you relocate?

I came to Lagos for a programme at Muson Centre. I did a six-month music programme at Muson Centre. It was to pursue my career in music. I wanted to learn more.

 

At the point of registration for this audition, what were your thoughts?

It wasn’t even my idea to register for this competition. Some of my friends urged me on. So, when I was registering for The Voice Nigeria, I was like, “Let me do this thing, whatever comes out of it”.

 

You didn’t think you were going to win?

No. It was just another audition. I didn’t think I was going to win.

 

What changed it?

Grace.

 

You once said you are from the streets, you performed mostly street songs. Do you think that made a lot of difference?

Yes. I am from the streets. And the street is originality. We don’t fake it where I come from.I was original all through. Maybe it made some impact on the audience, and to Nigerians.

 

That sounded like Efe.

Yes.

 

What should Nigerians expect from you?

They should expect great music from me. Expect creativity from me. Winning The Voice Nigeria was the starting point for me.

 

What are your expectations after winning?

I expect to be on the world stage in the future. I intend to work with a lot of people moving forward.

 

Coming from Bayelsa and seeing Timi Dakolo on the stage. Did you expect any favours?

No.

 

But were you looking up to him?

Yes, I have always looked up to him. But I didn’t expect anything from him. I wanted my winning to be by merit. He never saved me.

 

So, you came to the competition to win?

Yes, I came to win actually.