GRAMMY NOMINATED AFRO DANCEHALL LEGEND TIMAYA IS IN DEFIANT MOOD ON HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ‘GLADIATOR’ ALBUM
Nigerian music icon and afro dancehall legend TIMAYA is excited to unveil his highly anticipated ninth studio album GLADIATOR, a triumphant ode and powerful testament to his enduring musical legacy, and exciting artistic journey so far. Over a career spanning two decades, Timaya has remained an essential and unyielding force in global music, and this new album Gladiator stands as a testament to his relentlessness, consistency, and artistic evolution. The album captures the essence of Timaya’s storied career, which began with the breakout success of ‘Dem Mama’ in 2005, and solidifies his place as one of Africa’s most enduring and influential musicians. The album is a powerful narrative of Timaya’s life, reflecting the battles he has fought and the victories he has claimed, all while staying true to his roots.
Bursting with vibrant rhythms, and infectious melodies, Gladiator is a masterful blend of dancehall, soca, afrobeats and hip-hop, showcasing Timaya’s versatility and his deft ability to seamlessly fuse genres and make them his own. The 12-track album sees Timaya collaborating with the likes of indigenous rap icon Phyno, YBNL leader Olamide, afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage, and Jamaican dancehall star Konshens, and adding a rich diversity of sounds and styles that elevate the album to new heights. The production, spearheaded by frequent collaborator Young D (Gyptian, Davido), and industry heavyweights like Jonny Blaze (Shenseea, Mavado, Sean Paul) and Masterkraft (Wizkid, Flavour), creates a lush and dynamic soundscape that perfectly complements Timaya’s powerful storytelling throughout the album.
From the opening note on Gladiator, Timaya immediately draws listeners into a world where perseverance and resilience reign supreme, with each track on the album serving as a reflection of his life experiences, challenges, triumphs, and his unshakeable belief in himself. Whether it’s the energetic anthems, or the more reflective numbers, Timaya’s Gladiator offers a deep and resonant look at the man behind the music, and takes the listener on a journey through his life and times. As Timaya himself puts it, Gladiator is “a movement, a declaration of self-belief, and a call to rise above life’s challenges”. With this album, Timaya continues to inspire, uplift, and empower his listeners, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in African music and the global music landscape at large.
Gladiator opens with ‘Payback’ where Timaya turns his past struggles into a triumphant anthem of success, while ‘Sweet Us’ takes us back to Timaya’s roots with a nostalgic afro-dancehall vibe, and ‘Compozure’ adds a layer of romance and charm to the album. As the record progresses, tracks like ‘Free’ offer an introspective look into Timaya’s current state of mind, highlighting his journey of self-discovery, and others like ‘Whinin Criminal’ capture the essence of Timaya’s infectious party spirit with a high-energy dancehall sound. ‘In My Head’ infuses a touch of Spanish romance, 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.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Gladiator, and how the record came together, Timaya says, “this Gladiator project is more than just an album to me – it’s a movement, a testimony to self-belief, and the courage to rise above no matter the challenges. This project reflects my journey, from where I started to where I am today, and where I’m headed. Music has given me everything, and this album is my way of giving back, because I will keep giving it all I have. I want to ignite a fire within my listeners, to remind them of the power they hold within themselves, and to encourage them to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. Life comes in phases, but you can’t lose yourself – you just have to keep going”.
MORE ABOUT TIMAYA
Timaya is a legendary Nigerian singer, songwriter, and musician revered for his groundbreaking contributions to the global soundscapes of afro dancehall and afro soca. Hailing from Bayelsa State, Timaya has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most influential and enduring musical forces. Known affectionately as the ‘Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa’ for his role as the voice of the people, Timaya burst onto the scene in 2005 with the explosive hit ‘Dem Mama’, and this debut single set the stage for an illustrious career that has spanned over two decades, during which Timaya has consistently delivered chart-topping hits that blend Nigerian pop music with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and elements of hip-hop, reggae, and soca, creating a signature sound that is both timeless and innovative.
Throughout his illustrious career, Timaya has released a series of critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, including True Story, Gift And Grace, De Rebirth, Epiphany, and Chulo Vibes. His music, characterized by its infectious beats, reflective lyrics, and dynamic energy, has produced essential global music hit tracks and anthems such as ‘Plantain Boy’, ‘Bum Bum’, ‘Sanko’, and ‘Cold Outside’, which have resonated with audiences across the globe, amassing over two billion streams, two Headies Award wins, and a Grammy Award nomination. As the founder of his own record label, DM Records, Timaya has also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of African music stars like Patoranking and Runtown, further solidifying his legacy as a mentor and trailblazer in the industry.
‘GLADIATOR’ ALBUM TRACKLIST
1. Payback
2. Live-Style
3. Sweet Us
4. Compozure
5. Treasure (featuring Alpha P, Olamide, Phyno)
6. Free
7. Whinin Criminal (featuring Mr Killa)
8. In My Head (featuring Tiwa Savage)
9. Dey Your Dey
10. Smile
11. Blessings (featuring Eugy Official)
12. Na Money (featuring Konshens)
13. Get My Money Right
