“They wanted to kill me” – Timaya reveals

• In an interview with Channels TV, the ‘Dem Mama’ crooner admitted that being controversial was a strategy, but the media overstretched it, resulting in costly consequences.

Singer Inetimi Alfred Odom, widely recognized as Timaya, has recently discussed the repercussions of his choice to employ controversy as a strategic approach, which ultimately did not yield the desired results.

In a recent interview with Channels TV, the artist known for the hit ‘Dem Mama’ expressed that while he initially viewed controversy as a tactic, the media’s excessive coverage of it became detrimental.

“My being controversial was a strategy but the press took it too far; they wanted to kill me. And back then, it wasn’t the internet; it was newspapers. When they publish it [controversial story], it goes on the street for one week before they publish another one. For that one week, you will be the topic of discussion,” he reflected.

He further elaborated, “When you go to buy suya the next week, you will see your face in the newspaper that was used to wrap it. So, it was really hard. And that time, I was the only one causing controversy. People thought I was crazy. My foundation as a Port Harcourt boy also played a role in me being controversial back then.”

Timaya noted that he took intentional steps to rebrand himself after realizing the negative impact of his controversial strategy.

Throughout his career, the singer has faced various controversies, including the retrieval of a car gift from his former partner, actress Empress Njamah, following their separation.

He also experienced a public dispute with producer Nico Gravity several years ago.

Additionally, last year, fellow artist Terry G publicly criticized him regarding alleged unpaid music royalties.