Timaya Talks Record Deals & Music Business

Timaya Talks Record Deals & Music Business

Author: Joey Akan/OkayAfrica May 16, 2025 Duration: 1:01:51
“The Money…” In this electrifying episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian music icon Timaya, the “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.” From dancehall-infused Afrobeats anthems like “Dem Mama” to global hits, Timaya’s journey is a masterclass in grit and innovation. This candid conversation traces his rise from Port Harcourt’s streets to Lagos’ spotlight and beyond. Timaya kicks off with his deep ties to Bayelsa and his annual Timaya Day concert (0:00–7:00), then breaks down the evolution of Nigerian music eras, from recording challenges to resource access (7:48–11:20). He shares his origin story, revealing why music was his only hustle in Port Harcourt (11:29–21:13), and details his bold crossover to Lagos (17:53–34:40), including his first N500k deal (22:47–28:20) and self-promotion as a backup singer (18:07–19:53). Hear how he coined “Timaya Don Blow” after his second album deal (31:25–34:13). Timaya reflects on his controversial eras, from bold moves to the Empress Njama car saga (38:50–42:45), his Caribbean exploits (43:30–51:50), and Afrobeats’ global takeover (52:00–56:38). He wraps with a raw take on money as his drive, revealing the $100k cost of producing a song (57:24–58:25). Join Joey Akan and Timaya for a no-holds-barred dive into resilience, reinvention, and the pulse of Afrobeats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive deep into the rhythms and stories shaping a global movement with Afrobeats Intelligence. This isn't just a surface-level scan of the latest hits; it's a thoughtful exploration of the vast, interconnected world behind the music. Hosted by the acclaimed journalist Joey Akan, each episode pulls back the curtain on the creative and commercial forces at work across Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and beyond. You'll hear candid, revealing conversations with the artists, producers, executives, and cultural architects who are defining the sound of a continent. The podcast moves beyond the spotlight to examine the intricate ecosystem-the business deals, the cultural shifts, the personal journeys-that fuels this artistic explosion. It’s about understanding the humanity and the meticulous processes that converge to create something truly resonant. For anyone curious about the stories behind the streams, Afrobeats Intelligence offers a essential, nuanced perspective. Listen for Akan's expert guidance through interviews that feel more like insightful dialogues, unpacking not just how the music is made, but why it matters. This is where art meets analysis, providing a richer appreciation for the complexity and excellence of African music today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Afrobeats Intelligence
Podcast Episodes
Joeboy gets HONEST about FANS, DM's, and the REAL Music Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
Joeboy gets brutally honest in this revealing long-form conversation with Joey Akan. For the first time, he breaks down his peaceful transition from emPawa Records, launching Young Legend, learning from Mr. Eazi, and bui…
S3E17: Tee-Y Mix - How To Break Street Artists The Dapper Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:19
In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music sce…
S3E16: Kiing Lu - How to Sell Great Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:43
In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s evolvin…