Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has recounted how a simple act of kindness at an event reportedly resulted in false reports that he had a secret child.

The singer explained that he had carried and cared for a little girl at an event after she refused to return to her mother. However, photos or videos of the interaction later sparked speculation online that the child was his alleged love child.

Timi Dakolo Speaks on Life in the Spotlight

Reflecting on the experience, Dakolo advised people who aspire to fame to develop a thick skin because public figures can easily become targets of rumours and misinformation.

He wrote:

“Grow a thick skin if you desire fame. You will definitely need it. You can go to bed a happy fellow and wake up with news of you in some mess. And because you are famous, the odds are aready against you.

“So people are always looking for who to drown. Being in the spotlight makes you an obvious target. Grow a thick skin because being famous is a whole lot.”

In the caption accompanying his post, the singer explained how the rumour began:

“I carried a little girl at an event, she just wouldn’t go back to her mum. So I parented her all evening. Next thing I saw online, Timi and his love child are inseparable. This space is a mad house.”