Timaya’s ‘Gladiator’: A Chronicle of Triumph
A big name in the Nigerian music industry, Timaya has been in the game for two decades, consistently blessing us with so many bangers, and has not shown any sign of stopping as he drops his highly anticipated 9th studio album “Gladiator.”
A testament to his musical legacy and how much impact he has had in the industry, Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, as he is also known, uses “Gladiator” to reflect on his journey to stardom. From his humble beginnings in his hometown, his breakthrough with the hit song “Dem Mama” in 2005, to working his way to the top. He has had his battles, fought bravely, overcame them, and tasted victory like a true gladiator.
An influential Afrobeat and dancehall artist born Inetimi Timaya Odon, Timaya announced himself with the single “Dem Mama” which spoke on the oppression and hardship experienced by the people of the Niger Delta. Over the last two decades, Timaya has grown as a person and as an artist, successfully combining Afrobeat with dancehall as well as bits of reggae into his sound. Undeniably a pioneering figure in the Nigerian music industry, Timaya has released timeless hit singles and albums, all of which have cemented him as a certified hitmaker.
Released on the 14th of August 2024, Timaya’s 9th studio album, “Gladiator,” is a 12-track album running for 36 minutes featuring a star-studded roster of A-list artists that Timaya enlisted to make the album even more spectacular. Stars such as Phyno, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Alpha P, and Jamaican sensations Konshens brought even more rhythm and style to this masterpiece. At the helm of production, iconic producers Young D, Jonny Blaze, and Masterkraft. It’s nothing new to see Young D and Timaya working together, as they have always been collaborating frequently. These producers, who are known to create anthems, didn’t disappoint with this one.
Serving as the first track on the Gladiator album is the track titled “Payback,” which speaks on Timaya turning his past struggles. If there’s anything we know about Timaya, it’s the fact that he is not scared to speak about his struggles in the early parts of his life and how he used the hardships to work his way to victory, and that is exactly what the track “Payback” is all about. He speaks about proving doubters wrong and doing what they told him he couldn’t do.
“Live-Style” is a sweet and chill afrobeat tune that you can add to your playlist for a soothing night drive. As the title says, this track has Timaya speaks on the lifestyle he has been blessed with and how he doesn’t involve himself with anything that wants to weigh him down. The perfect song to have you nodding and vibing as you cruise on your late-night drive.
On the third track, ‘Sweet Us’ takes us back to Timaya’s roots with a nostalgic afro-dancehall vibe. This tune resonates with everyone who has had non-believers who have constantly undermined them. “Sweet Us” is definitely one track to have the party going, as it features a rhythmic dancehall beat that can get anyone up on their feet dancing.
The tracks “Compozure,” “Smile,” and “Treasure” add a layer of romance and charm to the album. A masterful blend of afrobeats and dance hall, “Compozure” speaks on understanding what his woman wants and how he admires qualities about his woman. “Smile” speaks of his love for his woman, and how he needs her in his life if not, he would be lost. In “Treasure,” Timaya enlists the trio of Phyno, Olamide, and Alpha P as they create a romantic, and harmonious romantic track that’s definitely going to be on repeat for the lover boys at heart.
As the record progresses, the track ‘Free’ offers a reflective look into Timaya’s current state of mind, highlighting his journey of self-discovery. For ‘Whinin Criminal,’ Timaya teams up with Mr. Killa to bring us a tune with so much high-energy dancehall sound that Timaya uses to capture the essence of an infectious dancehall party spirit.
Timaya & the African bad girl Tiwa Savage collaborate on ‘In My Head’ which infuses Afro Pop and Dancehall, while ‘Dey Your Dey’ stands out as a self-empowerment anthem. The album then concludes with ‘Na Money’, which explores the influence of wealth, and ‘Get Your Money Right’, a relentless anthem of hustle and determination.
Timaya showed us in this album that he is not done giving us good hits and doing what he does best. He reminds us why he has been in the game for so long and why he is one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Listen to Timaya’s Gladiator and share your thoughts below.
Rating: 8/10
