I had always dreamt of becoming a great lawyer - DARE MERCY

 

Biography of Dare Mercy (Oluwadare Mercy Folagbade)

Early Life and Education

Oluwadare Mercy Folagbade, popularly known as Dare Mercy or “Isakabulah”, hails from Ibuji Kingdom in Ondo State, Nigeria. He is a royal son of Oba Folagbade Ojo Sumonu.

From an early age, Dare Mercy showed a deep interest in music, beginning with the church choir where he developed his vocal strength and instrumental skills. He later studied at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music.

Music Career

Dare Mercy officially started his professional music career around 2005, after years of building his craft in gospel, juju, and highlife circles. Over the years, he has developed a unique sound blending juju, gospel, highlife, and contemporary African rhythms.

He is the founder of the Dare Mercy Band and CEO of Dare Mercy Concept, through which he manages his music, concerts, and collaborations. His shows are known for high energy, deep messages, and community impact.

Albums and Songs

Dare Mercy has consistently released music projects for nearly two decades. Some of his works include:

• Albums:
  
• IRETEMIDE (2010)
• MY STYLE (2017)
• Dare Mercy Essentials (2021)
• Dare Mercy Essentials Vol. 2 (2023)
• 
  
• Popular Songs:
  
• Oluwakemi
• Isakaba Dare Mercy Ma Le Yí Oo
• Uyàn
• Most High
• Baba Nla
• Unavailable

Achievements and Recognition

• Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by Faith University, USA, in partnership with Imoletv Media.
• Recipient of the Galafame Entertainment Award and Resourceful Personality Award.
• Nominated for the YOMAFA Global Award (2025) as Best Gospel Juju Artist.
• Organized the Isakabulah Night Concert (2019) and other major live shows in Nigeria and abroad.
• Has toured internationally, including performances in Côte d’Ivoire 

Impact and Mission

Dare Mercy’s music carries a strong message of unity, peace, and community upliftment. For him, music is not just entertainment but a way to bring people together and spread positive values. Alongside music, he also runs small business ventures in his community.

With 20 years of experience on stage, Dare Mercy is recognized as one of the most resourceful and resilient juju/gospel musicians of his generation. His journey continues to inspire upcoming artists who see him as proof that persistence and originality can open doors in the music industry.

Recent Milestone

In September 2025, Dare Mercy celebrated 20 years on stage with a grand concert in Ado-Ekiti, marking two decades of musical excellence and community impact.

I had always dreamt of becoming a great lawyer while growing up even during the days I helped my mother hawk around just so we could have food on the table.

At the same time, I found myself playing different kinds of percussion in church as a young boy. 

The rhythm was in me, but so was the hunger for greatness. From the very beginning, the dream to rise and make an impact was deeply planted in my heart.

I have always known the value of a good name in society, and how far a life of positive impact can take a person on the journey of destiny. I trained, not expecting anything in return, but by God's grace-the giver of all talents 

| found my true path.

Though I haven't yet achieved everything I desire, I am no longer where I used to be. OLUWADAMILARE OLUWABUSUYI FOLAGBADE ..