Timaya Speaks Out on Nigeria’s Economic Hardships
Nigerian singer and songwriter Inetimi Alfred Odom, known as Timaya, has shared his deep concerns regarding the escalating economic challenges facing Nigeria. In a recent interview, he expressed empathy for the struggles many Nigerians are enduring, emphasizing that their unhappiness affects him as well.
“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too,” Timaya remarked. He highlighted the significant increase in the cost of living, which has had a detrimental impact on everyone, including himself. The artist noted, “I pay bills. I help a lot of people, so I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it.”
Timaya pointed out that the expenses for his staff and family upkeep have soared. “If I was paying so and so for my staff and upkeep for my mum before, now upkeep is high; everything is higher,” he explained. He lamented the drastic changes brought on by the rising cost of living, stating, “You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me.”
The singer elaborated on the disparity between earning in foreign currencies compared to the Nigerian naira. “The only way you can meet up with the standing is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball,” he added.
While acknowledging that economic instability is a global issue, Timaya believes Nigeria’s situation is particularly severe. He said, “Even in America right now, things are still hard there… but they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. It’s hard everywhere in the world, but Nigeria is harder.”
Timaya also discussed the impact of the economy on the music industry, noting that promoting music has become increasingly expensive. “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 would cost just 1.5 million naira. 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.”
