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Living in Nigeria becoming harder – Timaya laments
Nigerian artist Timaya has voiced his concerns about the widespread economic hardship, emphasizing that while the issue is global, it is more severe in Nigeria.
In an interview with Channels Television, he expressed empathy for people struggling to cope with rising living costs, noting that the burden has affected everyone, including himself.
Timaya highlighted how this hardship has increased his financial responsibilities, such as paying staff salaries and supporting family members, which have become more costly due to inflation. He commented, “Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy, too. I’m also feeling it.”
He explained that even politicians are struggling with the economic situation and remarked that the only people who can manage are those earning foreign currency, specifically dollars, as converting it to naira allows them to maintain their lifestyle.
However, he noted that even in places like the United States, where people earn and spend in dollars, times are tough.
Regarding the entertainment industry, Timaya explained that the current economic situation has dramatically increased the costs of producing and promoting music.
He pointed out that music video production has skyrocketed from ₦1.5 million in the past to as high as ₦50-100 million today. The high costs also extend to promotion, forcing artists to charge significantly higher fees for performances to keep up with the industry’s demands.
Timaya’s reflections shed light on the challenges both artists and everyday people face in navigating the current economic landscape, particularly in Nigeria.
“The world is hard right now but Nigeria is harder”
— Timaya pic.twitter.com/ovNCSspeZL
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 22, 2024