Nigerian singer Inetimi Alfred Odom, popularly known as Timaya, has expressed concern over the growing hardships worldwide, noting that the situation is especially severe in Nigeria. In a recent interview with Channels Television, Timaya emphasized that while economic challenges are a global issue, Nigeria's struggles are far more intense.
"Things are really tough. I feel for people because if they're not happy, I can't be happy either. I pay bills and help a lot of people, so I understand what they're going through. I'm also feeling the pinch of this hardship," he said.
Timaya explained that the cost of living has significantly impacted him, particularly in terms of paying his staff and supporting his family. "Salaries and upkeep have skyrocketed. You can't expect things to be normal. Even politicians are struggling, so imagine what it's like for people like me. The only way to cope is if you're earning in foreign currency. If you're earning in dollars and converting it to naira, that's the only way you can thrive."
He went on to explain that even in the U.S., where people earn and spend in dollars, life is still tough. "It's hard everywhere, but Nigeria is harder," he added.
Timaya also discussed how the economic crisis is affecting the entertainment industry. "These days, promoting music requires a lot of money. In the past, we didn't even think much about shooting music videos, and when we did, it cost just about N1.5 million. Now, shooting one video can cost 50 to 100 million naira, and promoting it takes even more millions. That's why artists' booking fees have gone up," he explained.
