Timaya, the Nigerian singer, also known as Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, disclosed that he spent three years as a backup singer for his fellow artist, Eedris Abdulkareem. According to Timaya, this stint in Abdulkareem’s band played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Reflecting on his time with Abdulkareem, Timaya emphasized the influence it had on his musical journey. Despite the lack of current communication, Timaya expressed immense respect for Abdulkareem, affirming that he would always be considered his boss.
Timaya shared, “I was a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem for 3 years. I gathered what I learnt from there and went back to Port Harcourt. I realised that with the knowledge that I have, I’m not promoting [my music] from Port Harcourt but Lagos even though I was living in Port Harcourt. Because to live in Lagos at that point was too expensive for me. Even to do a promotion.”
Continuing, he advised upcoming artists based on his own experience, stating, “So, I needed to go back and start from my foundation. I left Port Harcourt after I blew. Even Burna Boy, I told him he had to leave Port Harcourt. If you blow up in a place, you have to leave there and love them from afar.”
In his closing remarks about Abdulkareem, Timaya reiterated his reverence for the artist and clarified their current dynamic, saying, “Eedris Abdulkareem will always be my boss but we don’t talk… Not like we are quarrelling.”