Timaya Opens Up on How Controversy Backfired on His Career
In a recent interview with Channels TV, Nigerian singer Timaya revealed that his decision to use controversy as a strategy had unexpected consequences. The ‘Dem Mama’ crooner expressed that being in the spotlight for the wrong reasons was intentional, but the media took it too far.
Timaya recalled, "My being controversial was a strategy, but the press took it too far; they wanted to kill me." He explained that back in the day, newspapers were the primary source of news, and when a controversial story was published, it would take a week for another story to come out. This meant that Timaya was the topic of discussion for that entire week.
The singer compared the experience to seeing his face on a newspaper used to wrap suya (a Nigerian snack) while buying from a vendor. He admitted that being the only one causing controversy at the time made it even harder. Timaya attributed his Port Harcourt background to his willingness to push boundaries and be provocative.
However, the strategy eventually backfired, and Timaya decided to rebrand himself. This decision came after a string of controversies that included taking back a car gift from his ex-girlfriend, actress Empress Njamah, and a public feud with producer Nico Gravity. More recently, fellow musician Terry G called him out over an alleged debt in music royalties.
While Timaya has since made efforts to change his public image, his past controversies remain a topic of interest. The singer’s story serves as a cautionary tale on the unintended consequences of using controversy as a career strategy.
By sharing his experience, Timaya aims to shed light on the perils of seeking fame and attention through provocative means. His journey towards rebranding himself and rebuilding his public image is a testament to the singer’s willingness to learn from his mistakes and adapt to the ever-changing entertainment industry.
