Nigerian singer Timaya recently shared his thoughts on controversial street singer, Portable.
In a recent conversation with Channels Television, Timaya humorously noted that he admires Portable because of his unconventional style, which reminds him of his own wild past.
Timaya reflected on his first encounter with Portable’s music and acknowledged the similarities between them.
He stated that Portable’s energy and craziness resonate with him, as he too was known for his wild side in his early career.
Seeing Salo’s gunshot wounds at hospital brought me to tears – Toyin Abraham narrates to Faithia Williams
He however also emphasized that his current persona is more calm and reflective.
He said:
“That’s why I like Portable; the first time he came out, I told 2face about him on the way to Delta State. I said to him, ‘Have you heard that guy Portable?’ Zazu Zeh. That guy is just like me because I was a crazy guy.
“These Gen Z’s don’t know now so sometimes when I talk, some people would be like Timaya is unproblematic. I just look at them like, if only they knew me. They say ‘Timaya minds his business’ and I say hmm. It’s now I have calmed down, I was crazy then. I was really really really crazy I was hot like fire but I think there’s growth . At the time it was a strategy for me.”
He clarified that his past behavior was a strategy to stand out in the industry, and he never got into trouble with military personnel, contrary to rumors.
He explained, “The story about me having a negative encounter with military men is untrue. Why would I get involved with them? I’m not trying to shade or disrespect anybody, but in whatever you do, you must apply wisdom or sense. No matter how crazy I was, it was all a strategy, even though I was crazy. I blew in the industry because at the time everyone was singing love songs and I’m from the Niger Delta, so I didn’t come as a lover boy.”