Tag: Timaya

Singer Timaya has stated that there is a lack of goodwill among colleagues in the music industry.

In an interview with Channels TV, Timaya emphasised that colleagues are not necessarily friends and should not be viewed as such. 

He noted the only people who truly want to see one’s success are one’s parents.

Timaya also spoke about the challenges of collaboration in the industry, saying that some artists may not show up for video shoots or may demand a fee to feature on a track. 

He attributed these issues to the changing times and the competitive nature of the industry.

The singer also acknowledged that there can be vindictive tendencies towards colleagues who have wronged others in the past, which can create tension and strain in the industry.

Timaya views the lack of goodwill in the Nigerian music industry as normal, comparing it to the competitive nature of an office environment.

Read Also: Timaya laments global economic hardship

“Your colleagues are not your friends na. The only person who wants to see you better than them is your father o, your parents.

“I’m not looking for anything from anybody. If Adidas can collaborate with Gucci, then what are you talking about? Collaboration, I said it a long time ago, ‘collabo follow for promo.’ But there are some artists you will collaborate with right now and they’ll end up not showing up for the video shoot. You even have to pay a fee before you can feature some of them. And those things are killing the music and creativity.

“Times have changed, you can’t blame them. Old ways cannot open new doors. There’s a lot going on. There are also tendencies to be vindictive towards colleagues that did you wrong. So already there’s a strain there. There has never been love in the music industry, na normal thing. It’s just like in an office, there’s competition na. It’s a normal,” he said.

Singer Timaya has expressed concerns about the worldwide economic hardship, stressing its severe impact on Nigeria.

In an interview with Channels Television, Timaya shared his empathy for those struggling, citing his own experiences with increased expenses and helping others.

Timaya highlighted the disparity between earning in dollars versus naira, making it challenging for Nigerians to keep up with economic demands.

He said: “Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too. I pay bills. I help a lot of people. So I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it [the hardship],” he lamented.

“My staff’s salaries and upkeep for family members have drastically increased because of the high cost of living.

Read Also: How strategy almost destroyed me – Timaya

“You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me. The only way you can meet up with the current economic demands is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball.

“Even in America right now, things are still hard there because they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. It’s hard everywhere. The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder.”

He also discussed the entertainment industry’s struggles, noting: “Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music. Before, we didn’t even bother about shooting music videos. Even if we were shooting a video, it cost just N1.5 million.

“Now, just to shoot one video: 100 million, 50 million, 60 million. And when you shoot the video, to promote it, you need more millions. That’s why booking fees for artists now are expensive”.

Singer Timaya has shared how his controversial personality nearly destroyed him at the start of his career.

In a recent Channels TV interview, Timaya confessed that his controversial lifestyle was initially a deliberate move to gain attention.

However, he said the media’s intense scrutiny took it too far.

He recalled how he faced intense backlash, with people labeling him “crazy” due to his actions.

Following the harsh criticism, he deliberately rebranded himself.

Read Also: Timaya set to release “Gladiator” album August 15

He attributed his past behavior to his roots as a Port Harcourt boy and being the sole controversy-stirrer at the time.

The ‘Dem Mama’ crooner recalled: “My being controversial was a strategy but the press took it too far; they wanted to kill me. And back then, it wasn’t the internet; it was newspapers. When they publish it [controversial story], it goes on the street for one week before they publish another one. For that one week, you will be the topic of discussion.

“When you go to buy suya the next week, you will see your face in the newspaper that was used to wrap it. So, it was really hard. At that time, I was the only one causing controversy. People thought I was crazy. My foundation as a Port Harcourt boy also played a role in me being controversial back then.”

Singer and songwriter Timaya, born Inetimi Alfred Odom, has shared the journey to stardom and commitment to staying true to himself.

In an interview with Channels Television, Timaya emphasised that he has always been authentic and unapologetic about who he is.

He stated that others’ opinions don’t bother him, and he’s focused on his growth and success.

Reflecting on his transformation from a plantain seller to a renowned musician, Timaya attributed his change solely to his increased wealth.

Read Also: Portable shares my ‘craziness’ trait – Timaya

He proudly asserted that he has nothing to hide, is unafraid to speak his mind, and remains genuine.

Timaya said: “How somebody sees me doesn’t bother me. I’ve gone past those things. What you think or how you think are like fried eggs and bread.

“I’m not doing anything bad. I’m original. I’ve been like this all my life. The only thing I know that people can say is that I’m a very blunt guy, I speak my mind and I’m not afraid of anybody… I’m not a fraudster, I don’t have anything to hide.

“It is very difficult when you are trying to live a life that you are not. The only thing that has changed is the money that I have now. From a plantain boy, now I look better, not like I was that bad but I was bad.”

Timaya also discussed his ninth album, Gladiator, and the experiences that inspired its title.

With his signature bluntness, he reaffirmed his commitment to staying true to himself and his art.

Timaya, a Grammy-nominated musician, has caused a stir on social media by announcing his ninth studio album, “Gladiator,” scheduled for release on August 15, 2024.

He shared the news on Instagram, stating, “Album number 9, 18 years since True Story and I’m not stopping! Aug 15th! Get ready.”

Reflecting on his journey, he said that it has been 18 years since his debut album “True Story” in 2006.

Read Also: Timaya curses sellers of fake alcoholic products

Over the past nearly two decades, Timaya has become a prominent figure in the Afrobeat genre, releasing hit singles and collaborating with notable artists.

Singer Timaya has called out a member of his team, Bolaji Fadipe, for using his official handle to comment on the trending music industry ‘beef’.

Recall that A-lists artists have been pressing one another’s neck negatively over several different matters.

Davido and Wizkid on one side have been throwing massive shade; Tekno and Kizz Daniel have also clashed online.

A member of Timaya’s team had used his account to tweet about the ongoing beef.

“Industry Wars,” he wrote.

Read Also: Yhemo Lee, Timaya, others party hard as Quilox returns

Exonerating himself, Timaya revealed on his Instagram handle that he wasn’t the one who tweeted it but a member of his team.

He heavily lambasted him for using his account to involve himself in other people’s business.

Timaya said: “Bolaji Fadipe u are A mad man for Tweeting with my handle. I have warned you severely but you wouldn’t listen. Y’all know I mind my business but this guy doesn’t listen because u work with my team and have access doesnt mean u should put me on peoples business. I want you to enjoy the fame you want to hide behind. Fool.”

On Friday, April 19, Shina Peller rolled out drums for the reopening of his popular nightclub, Quilox amidst pomp and glee.

The event had, in attendance, several music and movie stars that include Patoranking, Yhemo Lee, Timaya and a host of many others.

The 11th reopening is coming a few weeks after the completion of the renovated nightclub after it was shut down in March 2024.

Read Also: Lagos govt shuts Quilox for causing traffic congestion

According to Peller, the period of Ramadan is one of rebirth, and that is why Quilox, which celebrated its 11th anniversary yesterday, is always closed for one month at that time of the year.

Speaking further, Peller, a former house of reps member, said, “Chaos, they say, precedes order. On April 19, 2024, Club Quilox returned from its annual break. The break of over one month is usually a time to revamp the space, unlearn old ways and learn new ones, creating an environment with better service and experience for guests.”