Nigerian artist Timaya has expressed deep concern about the ongoing economic challenges facing Nigeria, emphasizing the hardships many citizens are enduring. In a recent interview with Channels Television, Timaya articulated a sentiment that resonates with numerous Nigerians, highlighting a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of the economy.
“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too,” Timaya stated. He emphasized his understanding of the situation, noting, “I pay bills. I help a lot of people, so I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it.”
The artist underscored the significant rise in the cost of living, which has affected everyone in the country. He remarked on the drastic increase in expenses, stating, “If I was paying so and so for my staff and upkeep for my mum before, now upkeep is high; everything is higher. Things have drastically increased because of the high cost of living.”
Timaya elaborated on the extent of the economic struggles, stating that even politicians are feeling the pinch. “You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me. Do you understand what I’m saying?” he said. He added that the only way to cope with the rising costs is to earn in foreign currency: “If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball.”
While acknowledging that economic instability is a global issue, Timaya believes Nigeria faces more severe challenges compared to other nations. “Even in America right now, things are still hard there. I’m not going to lie to you because it’s still the same conversion, but they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars,” he explained. “The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder.”
The impact of these economic conditions is also being felt within the music industry, according to Timaya. “Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music. Before, we didn’t even bother about shooting music videos,” he explained. He detailed the dramatic rise in production costs, saying, “Even if we were shooting a video, it would cost just 1.5 million naira. Now, just to shoot one video: 100 million, 50 million, 60 million.”
Timaya highlighted the financial strain this places on artists and the music industry as a whole. “And when you shoot the video, to promote it, you need more millions. That’s why booking fees for artists now are expensive,” he noted, illustrating the wider implications of economic instability on cultural production.
His remarks resonate with a growing chorus of voices calling for attention to Nigeria’s pressing economic issues. As Timaya continues to advocate for the welfare of his fellow citizens, his perspective sheds light on the intricate connection between economic hardship and the arts in Nigeria.
