Afrobeats star Timaya has dismissed comparisons between himself and veteran singer Eedris Abdulkareem, claiming the latter is not respected within the music industry because of his talkative nature.
Speaking during an interview with Naija FM, Timaya downplayed the notion that both he and Abdulkareem are feared in the industry, emphasizing a distinction in their personalities.
“I don’t talk like Eedris. I don’t behave like him. Nobody is afraid of him because he talks too much. He has always been a talkative,” Timaya remarked.
He added, “I don’t even want people to be afraid of me. I respect myself so that people will respect me.”
Reflecting on his past working relationship with Abdulkareem, Timaya described it as a “boss and apprentice” dynamic, acknowledging Abdulkareem’s role in his early career but clarifying the absence of a deeper connection.
“I have never had any problem with Eedris. It was just a relationship of the boss and apprentice. I don’t even think he knew my name at that time. I only gave him a shoutout because he was part of my success story,” Timaya said.
The singer also criticized Abdulkareem’s attitude during their time together, stating, “When I was serving in his band, he didn’t have any reason to build a relationship with me. When people are serving you, don’t act like you’re tolerating them—treat them like family because you don’t know tomorrow.”
