Nigerian singer Timaya has revealed that his decision to use controversy as a strategy early in his career ultimately backfired.
In an interview with Channels TV, Timaya explained:
“My being controversial was a strategy, but the press took it too far; they wanted to kill me… When you go to buy suya the next week, you will see your face in the newspaper that was used to wrap it.”
Timaya cited his foundation as a Port Harcourt boy and the media’s exaggeration as factors that contributed to the negative impact.
The singer has been involved in several controversies, including retrieving a car gift from ex-girlfriend Empress Njamah, his beef with producer Nico Gravity and an alleged debt dispute with Terry G.
Timaya acknowledged making deliberate efforts to rebrand after realizing the strategy’s harm.