Nigerian singer, Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, known as Timaya, recently revealed his arduous journey to break free from drug addiction. In an interview with The Beat 99.9 FM in Lagos, the ‘Dem Mama’ crooner described the experience as a “tough fight.”
Timaya confessed, “I am not a saint. I have done drugs. Breaking off from drugs was a hell, it was a tough fight. I got introduced to drugs during the COVID-19 lockdown, 2020.”
He attributed his introduction to drugs to the influence of young individuals in his household. Timaya expressed astonishment at their constant state of happiness, prompting his curiosity about the source of their elation. “And they told me that they got molly,” he said.
Reflecting on his initial experience with molly, Timaya admitted, “When I took it, I did not understand myself. I was so happy that I dashed all the money in my pocket. So I wanted to just keep feeling like that.” This pursuit of artificial happiness led to significant weight loss and a disregard for essential nutrition.
Timaya emphasized the adverse effects of relying on substances for happiness, stating, “How you go just want dey happy? You are supposed to first of all, be happy naturally. But when you now need substance to make you happy, it replaces the natural happiness. So you have to be buying happiness.” He disclosed that his consumption of molly escalated to a staggering three pills per day, likening it to a form of daily medication.
This candid revelation sheds light on the pervasive impact of drug addiction, extending beyond societal stereotypes to affect individuals irrespective of their status and success. Timaya’s willingness to share his struggle serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by many, urging heightened awareness and support for those battling addiction.
