Nigeria's Timaya opens up on legacy and Afrobeats origins

Timaya Reflects on His Legacy, Hustle, and the Early Days of Afrobeats on ‘Afrobeats Intelligence’.
Nigerian music legend Timaya is opening up like never before, offering fans a rare look into his journey, struggles, and unwavering self-belief in a new interview on Afrobeats Intelligence with Joey Akan.
Seated in his signature look, dark shades, a stylish hat, and a crisp white t-shirt paired with colourful Ankara, Timaya speaks with calm authority, taking listeners back to the roots of Afrobeats and his rise to fame.
With more than two decades in the game, he reflects on starting with nothing but raw talent and a dream, betting on himself with no safety net.
"I believe so much in myself. There’s no Plan B," Timaya says boldly, highlighting the mindset that propelled him from the streets of Port Harcourt to global stages.
In a time when the Afrobeats movement was just budding and financial rewards were slim, he recalls how only a handful of artists, himself, P-Square, 2Baba, and D’banj, were making any real money.
The self-proclaimed Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa also shared insights into the darker side of success, noting that "every new level demands a new devil," a phrase that captures the challenges that come with growth, reinvention, and maintaining relevance in a fast-evolving industry.
Now, with countless hits, a loyal fan base, and his music festival in his home state, Timaya stands as a symbol of grit and longevity in African music.
Yet despite the accolades, he remains grounded, focused, and hungry for more.
Timaya’s conversation with Joey Akan is more than just a trip down memory lane—it's a masterclass in hustle, vision, and the power of self-confidence.
It's a reminder that the roots of Afrobeats are as deep as they are dynamic, shaped by artists who dared to dream without limits.