Ferdinand Ekechukwu
King of Afro-Dancehall/Soca, Timaya, late last December continued to push boundaries with his latest single, “Joko,” featuring the legendary Jamaican artiste, Shaggy. This collaboration not only showcases the dynamic fusion of African and Caribbean sounds but also serves as a sneak peek into Timaya’s upcoming album, “Gladiator.”
Following this latest single, the singer ushered his home state of Bayelsa into the New Year as he celebrated the annual second edition of Timaya Day; the first was in 2020 shortly before the Covid era. A day officially dedicated to celebrate Bayelsa’s “first & finest son”, which is always a memorable day for Bayelsans and the Niger Delta at large.
Very few entertainers can put on a show like the Egeberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa with his homecoming concert, and he sure did for his people whom he has represented proudly from day one and they reciprocated as over 25,000 people gathered to revel with their legend at the Oxbow Pavillon Lake in the state capital, Yenagoa.
Colourful with some of the finest entertainers in Nigeria and on the continent who are now either his close friends or mentees of some sort, Timaya ensured Bayelsa had the finest New Year Celebrations in the country with D’banj, Phyno, Tekno, King Perry, Portable and Ajebo Hustlers all gracing the stage.
While actor and skit maker, Oga Sabinus hosted the show in his trademark comic style, they all delivered memorable performances which Bayelsans will hold dear for some time. The Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri and other notable State House of Assembly Members were in attendance to celebrate a son of the soil who has now become prominent in his own right.
As he has continued to put Bayelsa on the continental & global map, aside the entertainment spectacle, the Timaya Day, dedicated to celebrating Timaya’s legacy, is also an event used to provide young artistes/creatives from the state with the opportunity to showcase their talents and get a platform on which to build from.
As someone who first gained visibility from a talent hunt, Timaya has always been passionate, supporting the next generation of talents with a platform to show their skills to the world while also helping to develop the entertainment sector in the Niger Delta. The timing for the show is pristine as it comes at a time when Bayelsans far and wide are at home.
