After 11 years in the industry, Timaya ‘still feels like an upcoming’ artiste

Timaya has released several hit songs, popular albums and held sway for long periods in the past eleven years, yet the dancehall star says he still has the hunger of an upcoming artiste.

The singer, who became famous for his standout track ‘Dem Mama,’ says new artistes inspire in him, the drive to stay ambitious.

“I still feel I’m upcoming, I wake up every day and I see a lot of artistes come out and are very strong,” he told HIP TV.

Timaya continued: “I realise that once they come out, they have the attention of the people so I need to up my game to still be among.”

Using the analogy of black and white/colour television, he inferred that the listening public will always opt for new innovations and fresh sounds.

“Even the poorest houses today, they don’t have black and white television,” he said, adding that: “You need to up your game. That’s how I stay relevant.”

Timaya says he believes that collaborations are essential for an artiste’s survival and “relevance”.

“Everyone needs everybody. Everyone needs somebody. No one is an island. I listen to every artiste because I wanna be relevant. I want to know what is going on out there,” he said.

“Till today, Coca Cola still does promo, if I need to feature this artiste and I will get more popularity, I will do it.”

Timaya released his second single of 2017 ‘Dance’ featuring PSquare’s Paul Okoye in May.