Timaya Recounts Personal Pain from Odi Massacre, Says His Music Gave Voice to the Tragedy

Nigerian music star Timaya has opened up about the deep personal impact of the 1999 Odi massacre in Bayelsa State, describing it as a devastating chapter in his life and the history of his community.

Speaking about the military invasion of Odi, a predominantly Ijaw town, Timaya said the Nigerian Army carried out the assault under government orders, resulting in the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction of property.

“It was very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things, and history,” he said. “You know when the government just says, ‘Go and shoot these people down.’”

Timaya revealed that the tragedy struck close to home – his mother owned a bakery in Odi, which served several surrounding communities before the military operation razed the area.

The singer later channeled his grief and anger into his breakout 2007 single Dem Mama, a protest song that vividly recounted the events of the massacre.

“That’s the most I could do – I sang about it. I told the story of how the military was sent to burn down the village,” he explained.

The song’s powerful message resonated widely, eventually earning him the honorary title “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa,” a recognition he describes as symbolic of his role as a voice for the people.

“I became the voice,” he said. “That’s why they gave me that title – it means the mouthpiece of the people.”