Nigerian singer Omawumi has firmly denied a claim made by fellow artiste Timaya, alleging that a young Burna Boy once ordered her and Waje out of a recording studio.
She described the story as entirely false and disrespectful.
In a recent interview with Naija FM, Lagos, Omawumi expressed strong disapproval of the statement, which has sparked wide discussion on social media since it resurfaced.
The original claim was made by Timaya in a December 2023 interview, where he said Burna Boy had confidently predicted his future success and told both Omawumi and Waje to leave the studio after they supposedly doubted him.
According to Timaya, Burna Boy’s words at the time included a bold prediction: “One day, they will pay me to enter a private jet.”
Omawumi reacts
However, Omawumi has now responded directly, saying the incident never occurred and that she is disappointed her name was used in what she considers an attempt to boost Burna Boy’s image at her expense.
“That thing no happen,” Omawumi said, making her position clear. “What hurt me the most about it is that I’ve been friends with Timaya for a long time. He knows me. We’ve all been in this music industry for years, and one thing I’ve always stood for is respect.”
She noted that Burna Boy himself has never made such a claim and has always shown respect whenever they meet.
“I’m very big on respect, and that’s how I’ve built my brand. I don’t talk down on my colleagues, and I expect the same from them. So, I found it irritating that Timaya brought my name into a story like that,” she said.
According to Omawumi, using her name in a negative or false light, especially in a bid to praise another artiste, crossed the line. She added that her disappointment stemmed from the fact that someone she considered a friend chose to involve her in a story that never happened, especially in a manner that could damage her reputation.
“Why mention me? Even if you want to praise Burna Boy, must you throw others under the bus? It’s not fair,” she said. “Timaya himself has had his share of awkward or embarrassing situations. But I’ve never brought those things to the public just to push my career. That’s not how I operate.”
Omawumi further clarified that there has never been a moment in her career where Burna Boy acted in such a manner towards her or Waje. She recalled the only time they all shared a space.
“For context, the only time I’ve been with Burna Boy, Waje, and Timaya in the same room was in 2010. Waje was recording a song with Burna Boy and she invited us over. I was there briefly and left early because it was getting late. That’s the only occasion I remember,” she explained.
She said the story Timaya told could have long-lasting effects, especially as people now bring it up when her name is mentioned. “Whether he meant it in a good or bad way, it doesn’t matter. The truth is, it never happened. And I don’t appreciate being dragged into something just for headlines or internet clout.”
Omawumi emphasised the importance of protecting one’s name in an industry where false stories often spread faster than the truth. She urged her colleagues to be more careful and responsible when speaking publicly, especially about others.
“This is a name I’ve worked almost 20 years to build,” she said. “Timaya should have known better.”
In closing, Omawumi reaffirmed her respect for both Burna Boy and Waje, stating that they continue to maintain a cordial relationship. She made it clear that while she has no intention of creating conflict, she will not stay silent when her integrity is being questioned.
“Respect is not just about what you say when people are watching. It’s about what you choose not to say when it could hurt others,” she added.
Read Also: Timaya: Burna Boy ejected Omawumi, Waje
Why I missed out on Nigerian Idols Season 1 finals, Iyanya recalls
