Veteran Nigerian singer-songwriter, dancehall artist Inetimi Odon, popularly known as Timaya, has voiced concerns about the current state of the music industry, saying it lacks the depth and authenticity that defined earlier eras.
Speaking in a candid interview with Afrobeats Intelligence, Timaya reflected on his musical journey from the streets of Port Harcourt to becoming one of the continent’s most recognisable voices. He contrasted the emotionally driven music of the past with today’s trend-focused sound.
“I miss the old music, not just from my time, but even further back,” he said. “Songs like Alex Zitto’s Tickle Me—they had melodies that came from the heart.”
Timaya, who launched his solo career in 2005, noted that much of today’s music feels disconnected, with many artists relying heavily on songwriters more concerned with chasing trends than crafting genuine expression. He described the shift as a sign of how commercialisation has reshaped the industry.
“It’s a completely different era now,” he said, adding that while the industry has evolved, it has done so at the cost of the raw, heartfelt artistry that once defined African music.