- Timaya noted that while economic hardship is a global phenomenon, it’s more severe in Nigeria than anywhere else.
- Timaya stated this in a recent interview with Channels Television.
Singer Timaya has expressed his worries about the increasing difficulties faced by Nigerians in their daily lives.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, he highlighted the severity of economic hardship in Nigeria, acknowledging that it is a global issue but more pronounced in the country.
Timaya empathized with those struggling, stating that he also feels the effects of the economic downturn.
He mentioned the significant increase in expenses, including staff salaries and family upkeep, due to the high cost of living.
The singer emphasized that meeting the current economic demands is challenging, even for those earning a decent income.
He noted that the situation is difficult globally, but Nigeria’s circumstances are particularly tough.
He said:
“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too. I pay bills. I help a lot of people. So I understand what people are going through. I’m also feeling it [the hardship]
“My staff’s salaries and upkeep for family members have drastically increased because of the high cost of living.
“You don’t expect things to be normal. Even politicians are crying, too, not to talk of me. The only way you can meet up with the current economic demands is if you’re earning in dollars. If you’re earning forex and you convert it to naira, that’s how you can ball.
“Even in America right now, things are still hard there because they’re earning in dollars and spending in dollars. It’s hard everywhere. The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder.”
Timaya also spoke on the effect of the current economic hardship on the entertainment industry.
He said:
“Currently, you need a lot of money to promote music. Before, we didn’t even bother about shooting music videos. Even if we were shooting a video, it cost just N1.5 million.
“Now, just to shoot one video: 100 million, 50 million, 60 million. And when you shoot the video, to promote it, you need more millions. That’s why booking fees for artists now are expensive”.