Nigerian singer Timaya has stirred controversy after sharing his views on marriage, saying he believes it is better to have children out of wedlock.
The ‘Dem Mama’ crooner made the comment in a now-viral video where he appeared alongside fellow musicians Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, and Phyno.
In the clip, the singers were seen giving Phyno advice about relationships and family life.
Speaking in pidgin, Timaya suggested that marriage often does not work and encouraged having children outside of it.
“Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” he said.
Mixed reactions online
The comment quickly sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many users disagreeing with the singer’s views on marriage.
Some critics argued that marriage remains an important institution, while others defended Timaya’s right to share his personal opinion.
Singer’s personal life
Timaya is a 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 a daughter, Maya, with Dunnie Onasanya.
In a previous interview with Naija FM in 2024, the singer explained that he remained unmarried in his 40s because he had never felt strongly drawn to the institution of marriage.
However, he also noted that his position could change in the future.
