Nigerian singer Timaya has sparked debate online after sharing his views on marriage, suggesting that having children outside wedlock may be better.
The “Dem Mama” crooner stirred reactions after appearing in a viral video where he discussed marriage and family while speaking with fellow musicians Paul Okoye and Phyno.
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In the clip circulating widely on social media, the singers appeared to be giving marital advice to Phyno when Timaya made a controversial remark about marriage.
Speaking in Pidgin English, the singer said:
“Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work.”
His comment immediately drew mixed reactions from those present in the room and later from social media users after the video went viral.
While some people disagreed with his stance and defended the value of marriage, others argued that individuals should be free to choose the family structure that works best for them.
Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Timaya Odon, is the father of four children with three different women.
He shares his first two daughters, Emmanuella and Gracey, with Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo. He also has a son, Emmanuel, with Tamar, and his youngest child, Maya, with Dunnie Onasanya.
In a previous interview with Naija FM in 2024, Timaya explained that he remains unmarried in his 40s because he has never felt strongly drawn to marriage.
However, the singer added that his perspective could change in the future.
“I’ve never really been the marriage type, but who knows? It might still happen someday,” he said during the interview.
The recent viral clip has since continued to generate conversations online about marriage, parenting, and personal choices in modern relationships.