VIDEO: “The world is hard presently, but Nigeria is harder” – Timaya

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

The sad reality of Nigeria’s rising cost of living seems to be hitting not just ordinary citizens but even entertainment stars.

Nigerian singer Timaya has voiced his deep concerns over the country’s economic challenges, expressing empathy for the hardships many Nigerians are facing.

In an interview with Channels Television, the artiste shared that the rising cost of living is affecting not just the average citizen but also celebrities like himself.

“Things are really hard. I feel it for people because if people are not happy, I can’t be happy too,” Timaya said. He noted that, like many others, he is responsible for paying bills and supporting others, adding, “I’m also feeling it.”

Timaya pointed out that the cost of living has increased, impacting everyone.

He noted the financial strain of providing for his staff and his mother, saying, “Upkeep is high, everything is higher.”

He also stressed the difficulty of coping with the economic situation unless one earns in foreign currency, stating, “The only way you can meet up is if you’re earning in dollars… that’s how you can ball.”

While Timaya acknowledged that economic hardship is a global issue, he insisted that Nigeria is faring worse than other countries.

“The world is hard right now, but Nigeria is harder,” he stated.

Addressing how the economic downturn has affected the music industry, Timaya explained the increasing costs of producing and promoting music.

“It used to cost just 1.5 million naira to shoot a music video. Now, it’s 50 to 100 million, and promotion costs even more,” he said.