Fans tackle Timaya on social media



For posting what seemed like a harmless statement on Instagram between Monday and Tuesday, popular singer Timaya (real name is Inetimi Odom) was at the receiving end of criticism from his followers and music fans on social media.

It all started on Monday when, in a moment of self-adulation, the award-winning artiste, who was captured in a photograph showing him smoking a pulp pipe in company with two other men, wrote on his Instagram page: “I thank God I don’t do a 9 to 5 job. Chilling with my guys on a Monday morning.”

At first, the post had attracted positive responses from some of the fans whose comments showed clearly that they approved of the statement. But a few others, yet to understand exactly what the singer was driving at, demanded to know what he was trying to insinuate.

One fan actually reminded Timaya to ask God to “bless the hustle” of less fortunate Nigerians who often left their homes to work between 9.am and 5pm every day because he got to his present position only through the grace of God.

Then one Joshy_cross_cross threw the first punch at the singer. Obviously angry, he fired, “What does that mean? What about those who support you with the salaries they earn by working from 9 to 5? My guy, always reason well before writing certain things.”

Rubbing it in a little harder, another respondent, official.tochi, commented on the photograph of Timaya and his companions, “This picture teaches the youths nothing, except how to indulge themselves on smoking.”

The following day (Tuesday), the artiste, who was at the centre of a controversy a few months ago, defied the complaints about his statement on Instagram and went on to repeat the post on the social media platform. He wrote, “Early start. But I still thank God I don’t do a 9 to 5 or 8 to 6 job.”

This time, the fans literally descended on Timaya and pummelled him verbally. One of them, named Stella Chiamaka, was so incensed by the post that she warned, “Timaya, mind your mouth. We’re not the same. We work from 8 am to 5pm because God has blessed us with that. Watch it.”

Also, another fan, posting as houseofkrosh, responded to the singer’s latest statement, saying, “It is so shocking when somebody who is supposed to be a celebrity and a public figure makes such an outrageous comment. People like us who work from 8am to 5pm sweat to make money and to make ends meet. Also, we squeeze out money to buy your CDs and attend your concerts.”

Although the fan advised Timaya to revert his statement and tender an unreserved apology to the public, the singer had yet to respond as of 8pm press time on Tuesday the time of going to press.
Fans tackle Timaya on social media Fans tackle Timaya on social media Reviewed by Vita Ioanes on Wednesday, December 09, 2015 Rating: 5

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