Timaya expresses his struggles, saying, “The world is tough, but Nigeria is tougher!”

Nigerian singer Timaya has voiced his deep concerns about the severe economic challenges facing the country, stating that those earning in dollars are the only ones who can manage better.
In a candid interview with Channels Television, Timaya lamented, “Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too. I pay bills and help many people, so I understand what they’re going through. I’m feeling it too.”

He highlighted the significant rise in the cost of living, which has taken a toll on everyone. “If I was paying a certain amount for my staff and supporting my mum before, everything has drastically increased because of the high cost of living,” he explained.
Timaya emphasized that the current situation is not just affecting ordinary Nigerians but also politicians. “The only way you can keep up is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and converting it to naira, that’s how you can enjoy life,” he added.
While acknowledging that economic instability is a global issue, he pointed out that Nigeria is facing a particularly tough situation. “Even in America right now, things are still hard there, but they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder,” he stated.
Discussing the impact of the economy on the music industry, Timaya remarked, “Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music. Before, we didn’t even worry about shooting music videos. Now, just to shoot one video costs between 50 to 100 million naira, and promoting it requires even more millions. That’s why booking fees for artists have become so expensive.”