Why industry colleagues aren’t your friends – Timaya

Nigerian Singer Inetimi Alfred Odom aka Timaya has stated that there is a lack of goodwill among colleagues in the music industry.

In an interview with Channels TV, monitored by Diaspora Digital Media on Monday night, 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.

“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.

Who is Timaya?

Timaya is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his unique blend of Nigerian pop, dancehall, hip-hop, and soca sounds.

Born Inetimi Alfred Odom on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, he hails from Odi, Bayelsa State.

*Early Life and Education
Timaya grew up as the youngest of 15 children in a large family. His father worked as a banker, while his mother was a trader.

For his early education, Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School, and later enrolled at Ikeja Grammar School.

*Music Career
Timaya’s solo career began in 2005 with the release of his debut single, “Dem Mama,” which recounted the massacre that occurred in his community of Odi.

His debut album, “True Story,” was released the following year to critical acclaim.

He has since released several successful albums, including “Gift and Grace” (2008), “De Rebirth” (2010), “Upgrade” (2012), “Epiphany” (2014), “Chulo Vibes” (2019), “Gratitude” (2020), and “Gladiator” (2024).

*Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Timaya has earned numerous awards and nominations, including four Headies Awards, two AFRIMMA Awards, one Nigeria Music Award, and one NEA Award.

He was also appointed as a Peace Ambassador by the Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) in 2011.

*Discography
Some of Timaya’s notable works include:

– _True Story_ (2007)
– _Gift and Grace_ (2008)
– _De Rebirth_ (2010)
– _LLNP Long Life N Prosperity_ (2011)
– _Upgrade_ (2012)
– _Epiphany_ (2014)
– _Chulo Vibes_ (2019)
– _Gratitude_ (2020)
– _Gladiator_ (2024).

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