Nigerian artist Timaya has released his ninth studio album, “Gladiator”, a star-studded project featuring Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, and other music heavyweights.
This masterpiece blends dancehall, pop, and afrobeat to create a unique sound that showcases Timaya’s versatility and dominance in the industry.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Timaya has built a loyal fanbase since his debut single “Dem Mama” in 2005. His subsequent hits like “Gift and Grace” solidified his position in the Nigerian music scene.
“Gladiator” boasts 13 infectious tracks, each carefully crafted to appeal to a wide audience.
The album’s diverse sound, which incorporates elements of soca, hip-hop, and more, ensures a refreshing listening experience.
The Tiwa Savage collaboration “In My Head” is a standout dance track, where Timaya embodies the carefree lover, set against a vibrant backdrop of pulsating claves, radiant piano chords, and an electric guitar that thrums with infectious energy.
On the Hylander-produced “Compozure”, Timaya masterfully blends South African house and Nigerian highlife elements, delivering playful lyrics in pidgin, Yoruba, and soaring melodic ad-libs. His effortless flow serenades a love interest, creating a captivating sonic experience.
The anthemic “Sweet Us” taps into Nigeria’s street culture, featuring a call-and-response hook that echoes a popular political phrase, “As e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem/As e dey pain dem, omo e dey sweet us”. Set against a galala beat inspired by Jamaican dancehall, this track is a testament to Timaya’s ability to craft music that resonates with the masses.
As fans immerse themselves in the world of Timaya, it’s clear that the “Gladiator” era is just beginning. Timaya’s fanbase is growing. This is because Gladiator cuts across almost all the music genres so there is a track list for everyone.
“Gladiator” is available for streaming and download across all major digital platforms.
