Nigerian Singer Inetimi Alfred Odom, fondly called Timaya, recently revealed how his attempt to use controversy as a publicity strategy ended up working against him.
In an interview with Channels TV, Timaya explained that while the tactic was intentional, the media took it too far, leading to unforeseen consequences.
“My being controversial was a strategy but the press took it too far; they wanted to kill me. And back then, it wasn’t the internet; it was newspapers. When they publish it (controversial story), it goes on the street for one week before they publish another one. For that one week, you will be the topic of discussion.
“When you go to buy suya the next week, you will see your face in the newspaper that was used to wrap it. So, it was really hard. And that time, I was the only one causing controversy. People thought I was crazy. My foundation as a Port Harcourt boy also played a role in me being controversial back then,”he shared.
Timaya revealed that he intentionally worked on reinventing himself following the fallout from his contentious actions.
Over the years, the singer has been at the center of various scandals, such as reclaiming a car he had gifted to his former girlfriend, actress Empress Njamah, post their split.
He also clashed with producer Nico Gravity in the past, and just last year, fellow artist Terry G accused him of owing music royalty payments.