Chukwuka John Okafo, professionally known as Dr Soul, is a United States-based Nigerian soul and Afropop musician.
Dr Soul | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Chukwuka John Okafo |
| Born | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2021-present |
Early life and education
editMusic has always been a source of solace for me. As a child, whenever I was upset with my parents, I would go into the corner and write songs.
Dr Soul was born in Imo State. Dr Soul attended his primary school from 1999 to 2005 at Ogba Primary School and Command Day Secondary School for his secondary education graduating in 2011.[2] He was admitted to Avalon University School of Medicine in Curacao Island but later transferred to a Caribbean Medical University where he graduated in 2020.[2][3]
Career
edit
Dr Soul whose father was not in support of his musical aspirations began his musical career at age 14 by sneaking out of the house to record studios.[2] In 2021, Dr Soul appeared on American Idol rising to the top 40 of 15,000 auditions.[2] Prior his appearance on the American Idol, Soul released his debut single “Lucid Dreams” that same year. He followed “Lucid Dreams” with “Soul Fire” and “Under The Mistletoe” released in 2022. The following year he released “Hard Love”.[4]
In February 2024, Soul released "Love in the 90s," a song inspired by a couple he met at the airport who had shared their marital journey which began in the early 90s with him. As of July 2024, “Love in the 90s” has accumulated over 200,000 streams in music streaming services and reached number 1 in Nigeria.[5][6]
In August, Soul released his debut extended play,[7] a 7-track EP that explores themes of pain, healing, and triumph. “Love in the 90s” serves as the lead single from the EP. Afrocritik praises the EP's universal appeal, noting that its relatable themes resonates with a broad audience, making it a compelling listen for many. At concerts, Soul has opened for major artists such as P-Square, 9ice, Omah Lay, and Bella Shmurda, among others.[8]
Style
editDr Soul sings soul and Afropop.[2][3] He cites Tiwa Savage, Sam Smith, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, and Giveon as his inspirations.[2]
Discography
editSource:[9]
EPs
- The Younger Me (2024)
Singles
- “Lucid Dreams”
- “Soul Fire”
- “Under The Mistletoe”
- “Hard Love”
- “Love in the 90s”
References
edit- ^ "Dr. Soul explores pain, healing, and triumph in debut EP". GQ. GQ Magazine. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Okanlawon, Taiwo (1 March 2024). "Dr. Soul: An Exquisite, Crafty, Well rounded musician". The NEWS. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ a b Akinyemi, Bioluwatife (16 March 2024). "Dr Soul: The impressive life of a music sensation". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Dr. Soul explores pain, healing, and triumph in debut EP". www.gq.co.za. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ Padi, Nhyiraba (2024-04-13). "Dr Soul's "Love in the 90's" Is His Vision of True Love". Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ Oamen, Samuel (16 July 2024). "Dr Soul announces debut project 'The Younger Me'". The Nation.
- ^ Ajose, Kehinde (2024-07-19). "New EP tells my story — Dr Soul". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ ""The Younger Me" Review: Dr Soul Makes a Grand Sonic Statement With New EP". Afrocritik. 2024-09-23. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "Three pack of sublime songs from US based-Nigerian artiste". PM News. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.