Afrobeats star Timaya has taken a swipe at veteran singer Eedris Abdulkareem, claiming that his outspoken nature has earned him little respect in the Nigerian music industry.
Timaya made the comments during a recent interview with Naija FM, Lagos.
The discussion turned heated when the host tried to compare Timaya’s personality with that of Abdulkareem.
“You and Eedris Abdulkareem are among the artists that people are mostly afraid of picking a fight with,” the host remarked.
Timaya quickly dismissed the comparison, stressing that his approach to life is different from Abdulkareem’s.
“I don’t talk like Eedris. I don’t behave like him,” Timaya said confidently.
He then went on to criticize Abdulkareem’s reputation in the industry.
“Nobody is afraid of him because he talks too much. He has always been a talkative,” Timaya stated bluntly.
According to Timaya, being feared is not his goal.
“I don’t even want people to be afraid of me. I respect myself so that people will respect me,” he added.
The comments have sparked reactions on social media, with fans weighing in on the long-standing tension between the two artists.
Timaya Reflects on His Time with Abdulkareem
Timaya also took time to reflect on his early days in the industry, when he worked with Abdulkareem.
According to Timaya, their relationship was more of a boss-apprentice dynamic.
“I have never had any problem with Eedris. It was just a relationship of the boss and apprentice,” he explained.
He claimed that Abdulkareem did not even know his name during that period.
“I don’t even think he knows my name at that time,” Timaya said with a shrug.
Despite this, Timaya acknowledged that Abdulkareem played a role in his rise to fame.
“I only gave him a shoutout because he was part of my success story,” he admitted.
However, he made it clear that they do not maintain contact today.
“We don’t have any reason to communicate,” Timaya stated firmly.
A Lesson on Respect and Relationships
Timaya also used the opportunity to share his thoughts on how people in power should treat others.
“When people are serving you, don’t act like you’re tolerating them. Treat them like family because you don’t know tomorrow,” he advised.
The statement appeared to be a subtle jab at Abdulkareem’s past behavior towards him.
Many fans see Timaya’s comments as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect in the entertainment industry.
Eedris Abdulkareem’s Influence on Nigerian Music
Eedris Abdulkareem is a well-known figure in the Nigerian music scene, famous for his controversial lyrics and outspoken views.
He rose to prominence in the early 2000s with hits like Jaga Jaga, a song that criticized corruption and poor governance in Nigeria.
Despite his influence, Abdulkareem has often found himself in the middle of controversies.
His outspoken nature has earned him both admirers and critics over the years.
Timaya’s Rise to Fame
Timaya, on the other hand, has carved out a successful career in Afrobeats and dancehall music.
He gained recognition with his hit song Dem Mama and has since released several chart-topping tracks.
Known for his unique style and confidence, Timaya has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading music stars.
