Nigerian singer, Inetimi Alfred Odom, popularly known as Timaya, has collaborated with several Nigerian artists but two stars stand out for him.
Timaya shared that of all the Nigerian artists he has worked with, the two he finds most impressive are BNXN and Kefee.
While answering questions on working with the late singer, Kefee who was a defining voice in Nigerian music in the 2000s, Timaya shared that working with her was an unforgettable experience only matched by his collaboration with BNXN.
“She was a natural talent with the voice of an Angel,” Timaya said as he narrated how he was awestruck watching the late songstress record her verse and chorus of their hit collaboration ‘Kokoroko’ off her album ‘A Piece of Me’.
In 2021, Timaya delivered one of the major hit records of the year with his collaboration ‘Outside’ featuring BNXN.
According to the Dancehall maestro, the song was a product of a conversation he was having with BNXN FKA Buju who wasted no time in reproducing it in the studio.
Timaya shared how the hit Yung Willis produced collaboration came about.
“We were just talking and I said ‘It’s so cold outside’ and went upstairs. Before I came back he had recorded the song.”
Timaya
Timaya’s praise for the late Kefee and BNXN is a testament to the talent of both artists, especially as the Bayelsa-born Dancehall fusing star is regarded very highly by stars in Nigerian mainstream music.
Timaya Decries High Cost of Producing Music Videos
The Nigerian music maestro shared his thoughts on the high cost of music marketing.
Timaya disclosed that music video now costs as much as 100 million Naira as opposed to the 1.5 million it used to be back in the day.
The Nigerian music industry is also feeling the high inflation with music marketing now more expensive than it has ever been.
Nigerian Dancehall maestro decried the high cost of putting together a music video. “Before we used to shoot music videos, 1.5 million. Today, 100, million, 50 million, 60 million,” Timaya said.
He added that after shooting the video, artists still need to spend millions on marketing. He pointed out that the high cost of promotion has contributed to a hike in artist fees as Nigerian superstars are becoming increasingly expensive to book.
“That’s why when you call these young guys they will tell you 50 million, 30 million because they are spending a lot of money and need to make it.”
Timaya
Timaya’s concerns have been echoed by industry stakeholders who have complained about the increase in cost at all levels with influencers, videographers, and artists, all charging record-high fees.
He recently released a new album’Gladiator’ which continues his over-a-decade run of hit releases that has earned him a status as one of Nigeria’s most prolific stars.
Netizens reacted to Timaya’s statements concerning the high cost of music marketing.
“That’s why boy llona is up there. The guy would just shoot video in a farmland in his hometown, just him in the video singing his Afro depression.”
@nogettime
“Sounds like a cap. For a video less than 4mins 100M?? You know how much 100M be?”
@DAwadje
“Them dey collect money pass Producers? Put them on Royalty, if the song no come get views, they do take am like that, if e get views na win.”
@Iamjoebrighton1
“Money money money…. You use money to get more money.”
@AMOSONIJOSEPH
“Everything don cost like this.”
@stephraysan
“100m for video and promotion he meant 🤨😏.”
@nasirgitten
Timaya also lamented about the current hardships in the globe. He noted that while economic hardship is a global phenomenon, it’s more severe in Nigeria than anywhere else.
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