In a recent interview with Channels TV, Nigerian singer and songwriter Timaya candidly addressed the prevailing climate within the music industry, highlighting a lack of camaraderie among fellow artists.
Known for his impactful contributions to Afrobeats, Timaya’s insights shed light on the competitive nature of the industry, underscoring how it often resembles the cutthroat dynamics of a corporate environment.
Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Alfred Odon, expressed that many music colleagues are not necessarily friends, reiterating that while the industry may feature numerous collaborations and partnerships, the underlying motivations are often self-serving.
He poignantly declared, “Your colleagues are not your friends, na. The only person who wants to see you better than them is your father o, your parents.”
This statement encapsulates his belief that the only unconditional support an artist can expect comes from their family, drawing a clear boundary between personal relationships and professional alliances.
The singer elaborated on the intricate challenges artists face when it comes to collaboration within the industry.
Timaya lamented that many artists may fail to show up for video shoots, leaving their collaborators in a lurch.
He added that in some cases, artists might demand a financial fee to even consider featuring on a fellow musician’s track.
Read Also: Timaya Laments: Life in Nigeria is Hard
‘They tried to kill me’- Timaya
This behaviour, he argues, is detrimental to both the music and the creative process, as it fosters an environment of scepticism rather than support.
“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,”
Timaya stated, highlighting the transformation in artist dynamics which seems to prioritize personal gain above artistic integrity.
Reflecting on the evolution of the industry, Timaya pointed out that the landscape has changed significantly, indicating a shift away from the old paradigms of collaboration and creativity.
“Times have changed, you can’t blame them. Old ways cannot open new doors. There’s a lot going on,” he remarked, suggesting that the competitive nature of music today compels artists to adopt a more cautious approach to partnerships.
By acknowledging these changing times, he seems to suggest that adapting to new trends is crucial for survival in a rapidly evolving industry.
Moreover, Timaya touched upon the notions of vindictiveness and negativity that can often permeate professional relationships within the music sector.
He noted the underlying tensions that arise from past grievances, asserting that many artists may harbour feelings of bitterness towards colleagues who have wronged them.
This introspection into the emotional landscape of the industry added another layer to his narrative, one that illustrates the complexities beyond mere musical collaboration.
“There are also tendencies to be vindictive towards colleagues that did you wrong. So already there’s a strain there,” he explained.
Perhaps most striking is Timaya’s assertion that the contentious atmosphere he describes is not unique to the music industry; rather, he likens it to the competitive spirit found in traditional workplace environments.
“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 normal,” he stated, erasing any illusion that the music industry is a utopia filled with mutual support and admiration.
This analogy powerfully encapsulates the reality many artists face, contending not just with creative challenges, but with interpersonal dynamics that can hinder artistic progress.
Despite the challenges, Timaya remains undeterred.
He conveys a message of resilience and self-sufficiency, emphasizing that his creativity and success are not dependent on external validation from fellow artists.
His perspective serves as a reminder of the importance of self-belief and determination in overcoming the hurdles that characterize the contemporary music scene.
Furthermore, Timaya’s candid observations offer a refreshing and sobering perspective on the realities of the Nigerian music industry.
His revelations serve as both a call to reflection for fellow artists and an invitation for fans to recognize the intricate dynamics that influence their favourite musicians.
Through his words, the complexity of professional relationships in music is brought to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges that are often hidden behind the glitz and glamour of the industry.
While competition may reign supreme, it is the authenticity of the artists, like Timaya, that ultimately spells the future of music in Nigeria.
