The celebrated Nigerian singer Inetimi Alfred Odom, better known as Timaya, shared his poignant observations regarding the state of the world’s economy during a recent interview with Channels Television.

With an emotional depth that resonates with many, Timaya lamented that while economic difficulties are a global issue, they are particularly acute in Nigeria.

“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too,” Timaya began, the weight of his words evident.

He further explained that his financial obligations and commitments to his staff and family make him acutely aware of the daily struggles endured by countless Nigerians.

“I pay bills. I help a lot of people. So I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it [the hardship],” he added, underscoring his empathy for those facing similar challenges.

The singer highlighted the rising costs associated with maintaining a livelihood in the current climate. “My staff’s salaries and upkeep for family members have drastically increased because of the high cost of living,” Timaya revealed.

This statement reflects a grim reality for many Nigerians, as inflation and economic instability grip the nation, forcing individuals and families to rethink their financial strategies.

Timaya went on to articulate a shared sentiment among citizens, stating, “You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me.”

This observation reveals a broad consensus that the economic landscape has destabilized not just the average citizen but those at the highest levels of governance as well.

It raises questions about the efficacy of policies intended to mitigate this suffering and highlights the urgency of addressing these financial woes.

In the discussions of economic survival, the musician specified that those who earn in foreign currencies, particularly in dollars, are in a relatively better position.

“The only way you can meet up with the current economic demands is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball,” he explained, suggesting that the sharp depreciation of the naira affects the purchasing power of those earning in the local currency.

Timaya does not shy away from acknowledging that the challenges are not confined to Nigeria.

He pointed out, “Even in America right now, things are still hard there because they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. It’s hard everywhere.”

This statement recognizes a global trend of economic hardship, nevertheless, he firmly believes, “The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder.” This assertion speaks volumes about the unique challenges faced by Nigerians amidst the global economic downturn.

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Furthermore, Timaya examined the implications of economic hardship on the entertainment industry, a field he knows intimately.

“Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music,” he disclosed, indicating that financial burdens have shifted how artists approach their careers.

He reminisced about the earlier days when the cost of producing a music video was a manageable expense, saying, “Before, we didn’t even bother about shooting music videos. Even if we were shooting a video, it cost just N1.5 million.”In stark contrast, Timaya detailed the current exorbitant costs associated with creating and promoting music content. “Now, just to shoot one video:100 million,50 million,60 million. And when you shoot the video, to promote it, you need more millions.”

This escalating financial requirement contributes to rising booking fees for artists, making it increasingly difficult for musicians to break into the industry or maintain their presence.

As Timaya’s reflections on the economic climate continue to resonate, they serve as both a reminder and a call to action for stakeholders at all levels, be they in government, within the private sector, or among the general populace, to address these pressing challenges with renewed urgency and empathy.

The hope is that, through concerted effort and understanding, a more prosperous future may emerge amid these hardships.