In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian music, few figures stand out like Timaya, the celebrated street-pop icon known for her infectious beats and catchy lyrics. Recently, in an exciting interview with Channels Television, Timaya expressed his admiration for the controversial rising star Portable and revealed that their similarities spark a nostalgic connection with his younger self. In a conversation that veered between heartfelt remembrance and candid humor, Timaya laid bare what makes Portable a soul mate in today’s busy music scene.
Timaya sat down for the interview and spoke with the warm familiarity of an older brother reflecting on his younger brother’s antics. “He reminds me of my younger self,” he chuckled, immediately catching the attention of onlookers who were curious about the unusual comparison. But what exactly is it about Portable’s personality that reminds him of the youthful wildfire of Timaya? The answer, as simple as it is profound, can be summed up in one word: madness.
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For the uninitiated, Portable made waves in the Nigerian music scene with his track “Zazu Zeh,” a song that catapulted him to fame and cemented his status as a vibrant, if somewhat polarizing, figure. Recalling his first encounter with Portable’s music, Timaya remarked, “When he first came out, I told 2Baba (2face Idibia) about him while we were on our way to Delta State. I said, “Did you hear that portable Zazu Zeh? This guy is just like me because I was a crazy guy.’”
In a world where artists often craft their images with painstaking precision, Portable’s free-spirited approach is a breath of fresh air – or perhaps a whirlwind of chaos. With a grin, Timaya remembered that he too was once considered the outrageous artist, known for his wild performances and fiery personality. “This Generation Z doesn’t know about my early career,” he mused, a playful grin crossing his face. “So sometimes when I talk, people say, ‘Timaya is so unproblematic, he minds his own business.’ I just look at them like they only know me!”
It’s a familiar story in the music industry: the clear personality that often hides a tempestuous history. A seasoned veteran of Nigerian music, Timaya understands all too well the balance between the public and private self. “I was really, really crazy back then,” he said, punctuating his thoughts with a gesture reminiscent of fireworks exploding in the night sky. “I was hot as fire!”
Yet there is a lightheartedness in his reflection that many might find endearing. Despite the wild nights and impulsive decisions that marked his early career, Timaya quickly realizes the importance of growth. “I think there is growth,” he noted. “It was a strategy for me at the time.”
Oh yes – strategy! If only the rest of us could explain our more turbulent pasts with as much confidence and ease. Who knew youthful rebellion could be so…strategic?
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Timaya’s preference for portable is expressed throughout the interview. He recognizes the raw talent and relentless drive that characterizes the younger artist and seems hopeful about what the future holds for him. “Music is not just about making hits,” emphasized Timaya. “It’s about being authentic. Portable is real, unapologetically himself, and that’s something that can take you far.”
As part of the discussion, the veteran artiste took the opportunity to offer some sage advice to young musicians navigating the current waters of the industry. “Remember, there is a difference between ‘crazy’ and reckless,” Timaya warned, his tone changing to a serious tone. “Live your truth, but learn to transform it into something positive.”
At a time when many young artists are often embroiled in controversy or struggling with the pressures of instant fame, Timaya’s words are a reminder that authenticity coupled with hard work can be a winning formula. And while he’s effusive in his praise for Portable’s success, he’s quietly reflecting on the importance of maintaining a narrative that resonates with fans – a narrative grounded in personal story, growth and, most of all, laughter.
Of course, towards the end of the conversation, one can’t help but imagine the two artists on stage – an experience that would undoubtedly be equal parts exhilarating and chaotic. Picture this: Timaya, the seasoned veteran, performing his classic moves while Portable bounces around, fueled by limitless energy. The stage? A melting pot of past and present, with each song hitting the nerve of both of their contributions to the industry.
Timaya’s final statement rings true in the cacophony of their similar escapades: “At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to find our way in this crazy world of music – some of us are a little crazier than others!”
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This leaves the audience with a smile and the warm feeling that artists, no matter how far they climb, always take a piece of themselves with them on the journey. Their travels remind us that life, like music, is a harmonious mix of wild energy and thoughtful moments, and that it often takes a little craziness to keep things interesting.
As we continue to celebrate the vibrancy of Nigerian music, the delightful shenanigans of artists like Timaya and Portable make it clear that the industry thrives not just on beats and rhythms, but also on stories, laughter and a dash of unpredictability.