Timaya – Gladiator: Timaya returns with his 8th studio album, “Gladiator,“ a 13-track collection featuring collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno, and Grenadian soca sensation Mr. Killa. This album follows his 2020 release, “Gratitude.”
Earlier this year, Timaya gave fans a taste of what was to come by dropping two singles—“Dey Your Dey” in February and “In My Head” featuring Tiwa Savage in April.
With “Gladiator,” Timaya cements his legacy as a leading figure in Afropop, skillfully blending modern production techniques with his signature dancehall-infused style. Throughout the album, his versatility shines, reaffirming his status as an industry veteran who continues to influence the musical landscape while staying true to his roots.
The Tiwa Savage collaboration, “In My Head,” stands out as a dance-ready track where Timaya embodies the role of an unattached lover, with pulsating claves, sun-soaked piano chords, and an electric guitar that radiates energy.
On the Hylander-produced track “Compozure,” Timaya fuses elements of South African house with Nigerian highlife. His playful lyrics, delivered in a mix of pidgin, Yoruba, and melodic ad-libs, glide effortlessly over the beat as he serenades a love interest.
Check out: Compromise By Fireboy Featuring Rema
The anthemic “Sweet Us” taps into Nigerian street culture with its call-and-response hook, “As e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem/As e dey pain dem, omo e dey sweet us,” reflecting a popular political taunt in Nigeria. The track is set against a galala beat, drawing inspiration from Jamaican dancehall, further showcasing Timaya’s ability to blend diverse influences into his music.
