Living in Nigeria becoming harder – Timaya laments

Nigerian singer Inetimi Alfred Odom, widely known as Timaya, recently expressed his deep concern over the current economic hardships affecting the world, with Nigeria bearing the brunt of it. In an interview with Channels Television, Timaya opened up about how the economic situation has impacted not just the general population, but also his own responsibilities.

“Things are really tough,” Timaya lamented, noting how the struggles faced by everyday people also affect him. “I help a lot of people, pay bills, and take care of staff. So, I feel the weight of this hardship as well. Salaries and family upkeep have skyrocketed due to the high cost of living."

He pointed out that even politicians are struggling, emphasizing that the only way to keep up with today’s financial demands is to earn in foreign currency. “If you’re earning in dollars and converting it to naira, you can manage. But for most people, including me, it’s hard.”

Timaya also shed light on how the economic crisis is hitting the entertainment industry hard. The cost of promoting music has skyrocketed, making it a tough environment for artists. “It used to be that music videos cost just N1.5 million, but now a single video can cost N50 to N100 million, and promoting it takes even more. That’s why booking fees have risen so much,” he explained.

Despite the global nature of the hardship, Timaya stressed that Nigeria is facing an even tougher battle than most countries, making it an especially difficult time for many.