Timaya Criticizes Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s Reputation

By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel

Afrobeats sensation Timaya has voiced his opinion on veteran singer Eedris Abdulkareem, asserting that his excessive talk has diminished his respect within the music industry.

Timaya expressed this during a recent interview with Naija FM in Lagos, where he dismissed comparisons between himself and Abdulkareem.

When the host suggested, “You and Eedris Abdulkareem are among the artists that people are mostly afraid of picking a fight with,” Timaya quickly countered the narrative.“I don’t talk like Eedris. I don’t behave like him,” Timaya stated emphatically.

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“Nobody is afraid of him because he talks too much. He has always been a talkative. I don’t even want people to be afraid of me. I respect myself so that people will respect me.”

Reflecting on his history with Abdulkareem, Timaya clarified that their relationship was more hierarchical than personal. “I have never had any problem with Eedris. It was just a relationship of the boss and apprentice,” he explained.

“I don’t even think he knows my name at that time. I only gave him a shoutout because he was part of my success story.”

Timaya further emphasized the importance of mutual respect, regardless of one’s status. “When I was serving in his band, he didn’t have any reason to build a relationship with me. When people are serving you, don’t act like you’re tolerating them—treat them like family because you don’t know tomorrow.”

Eedris Abdulkareem is known for his talks against the government for it’s ills in the Nigerian society. His hit song, ‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ is one of such while Timaya is one of Nigeria’s famed singer with hits such as ‘Ogologomma’, ‘Sweet us’, ‘Chulo’ etc.