Singer Timaya has stated that it’s much easier for new artists to break through now compared to when he started his career.
In a recent Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Timaya attributed this ease to advancements in technology and social media.
According to Timaya, the current generation of musicians has more control over their work, and platforms like TikTok have made it possible for artists to gain popularity with just one song.
He contrasted this with his experience where artists had to rely on record labels and radio stations to get their music out.
Timaya noted that while he appreciates the changes in the industry, he finds it challenging to adapt to the new landscape, having started his career in a different era.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the increased accessibility and speed of success are benefits for new artists.
He said: “Making music is easier for the new crop of musicians than in my time. Ahn ahn, before how do you want to blow? It’s only one person that has all the control.
“This ‘Odeshi’ song that I did with Flavour, we got to realised that it was Premier Music that has the catalogue. We wanted to do ‘Can I have A Dance?’, who did we contact? Premier. We paid again. “But right now, your father or your mother can just buy you studio equipments, you do one bad song. You can even just register yourself. One TikTok song and you are made. All you need is data.
“Back then, we want get… Before dem go play your song sef for radio station enh! Ahhh! It was difficult. Now you are uploading a song. It’s very very fast to blow now. You can just be in your house and be shouting. I also like it. But because I didn’t start like that, it’s difficult for me. It’s stressful posting. Sometimes, I think I don’t have to. But it’s the business, I got to.”
Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025.
Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26 to August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.
“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” Ujiri said. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn’t. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa’s leaders of tomorrow.
Taking place across Kigali Sports City’s BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa’s sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.
The festival will conclude with spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.
Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball’s unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival’s championship and all-star games.
This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon’s Hortense Mbea (Afropian), Niger’s Alia Baré (Alia), and Rwanda and South Africa’s Nyambo (Masa Mara) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.
Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women’s Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit’s 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali’s local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda’s own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025.
Timaya also urged herders to ranch their cattle instead of allowing them to graze freely and destroy crops.
He described the situation as very sad.
On his X handle on Tuesday, he wrote, “Pls the government should do something. They are destroying farms in Bayelsa. Aboki, take your in cow inside and feed them. This is so sad.”
Singer Timaya has praised young sensation Rema, hailing him as the leader of Nigeria’s new crop of musicians.
In a recent Cool FM interview, Timaya attributed Rema’s standout status to his bold fashion, impressive music, and electrifying stage performances.
“I’m a fan of Rema. Among all the young boys [new generational musicians], he’s at the top. Rema is their dad. You don’t know? See his abss, his dress sense, crazy!
Award-winning Afro-dancehall star Timaya has officially released the highly anticipated music video for his latest single ‘Mase.’
The music video is directed by the renowned PinkLine. The visually stunning video showcases Timaya’s signature charisma, storytelling, and energetic performance style.
The video’s vibrant and artistic direction highlights Timaya’s evolution as a music icon while staying true to his unique Afro-dancehall roots. The release of ‘Mase’ comes just weeks ahead of the third edition of the Timaya Day Concert, set to take place on January 1, 2024, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa.
The annual event has become one of Nigeria’s biggest New Year cele brations, drawing thousands of fans eager to experience electrifying live performances.
Now in its third year, the Timaya Day Concert is more than just a musical event—it’s a homecoming celebration that honors Timaya’s journey from Bayelsa to international stardom.
With “Mase” already creating a buzz, anticipation for the Timaya Day Concert is at an all-time high. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience filled with powerful performances, energetic vibes, and a celebration of Afro-dancehall excellence.
Singer Timaya has shared his reasons for remaining unmarried despite his successful career.
In a recent interview with Naija FM, Timaya revealed that he never fancied getting married, stating that it’s not something he’s ever been drawn to.
However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of changing his mind in the future.
“I’ve never been a married guy right from time but it can change because marriage ‘dey craze’? I just look at it like if I marry today, would I be able to get out? In all my previous relationships, I was the one who got out because I don’t like stress”, he said.
Timaya explained that his hesitation towards marriage stems from his desire for freedom and his dislike for stress.
The singer emphasised the importance of open communication in relationships, stating that he values honesty and transparency.
He explained: “If you have a problem with me, let’s talk about it because I don’t like going to bed thinking about things, I go die o. I don’t like anything to bother me at all.”
On fatherhood, Timaya shared that his children live with their respective mothers, but they maintain a close bond.
He explained that being a father can be stressful, but it’s also enjoyable.
Timaya revealed that he spends quality time with his children, and they often visit him for extended periods.
Despite not being in a romantic relationship with their mothers, Timaya emphasised that they have a respectful and familial relationship.
“Being a father is stressful because I love them too much but it’s enjoyable. My four kids live with their mothers so when I want to see them, I ask their mothers and they come to my house and we spend two to three months together then they go back to their mothers. Christmas is coming and they’d spend it with me as well, but their mothers don’t come because they’re in relationships. We’re all family now so I can’t date any of them, we’re family now and we respect each other”, he said.
Singer Timaya has shared how his faith and positive affirmations paved the way for his success.
In a recent interview with Naija FM 102.7, the Afrobeats star recounted purchasing a Bentley key holder at Bishop David Oyedepo‘s Shiloh event, long before he could afford the luxury car.
Timaya highlighted the power of maintaining a positive mindset and speaking affirmations into existence.
He attributed his achievements to unwavering faith and determination, which he believes were instrumental in shaping his journey to success.
The singer recalled: “Before I bought my Bentley, I first bought the key holder for it at Shiloh. I didn’t even have the money for the Bentley at the time.”
Afrobeats star Timaya has opened up about his strained relationship with veteran singer Eedris Abdulkareem, attributing it to a lack of personal connection.
In a recent interview with Naija FM in Lagos, Timaya dismissed comparisons between their personalities.
“I don’t talk like Eedris. I don’t behave like him. Nobody is afraid of him because he talks too much,” Timaya said. “I don’t even want people to be afraid of me. I respect myself so that people will respect me.”
Reflecting on their history, Timaya revealed that he was once a member of Abdulkareem’s band but noted they never shared a close relationship.
He added that Abdulkareem made little effort to foster one.
Timaya noted: “I have never had any problem with Eedris. It was just a relationship of the boss and apprentice. I don’t even think he knows my name at that time. I only gave him a shoutout because he was part of my success story. We don’t have any reason to communicate.
“When I was serving in his band, he didn’t had any reason to build a relationship with me. When people are serving you don’t act like you’re tolerating them, treat them like family because you don’t know tomorrow.”
According to Timaya, Burna Boy’s reaction was intense, as he asked Omawumi and Waje to leave the studio.
Timaya described Burna Boy as “fearless,” stating that nothing he does now surprises him.
“Nothing Burna Boy is doing now surprises me. The guy is fearless. There was one time when Burna Boy, Omawumi and Waje were in the studio, and he [Burna Boy] started saying that a time would come when he would be getting paid to enter jet. Omawumi and Waje started doubting him because then Nigerian artists hadn’t started flying private jets. He got angry and opened the studio door and asked them to leave”, he said.
