Timaya Breaks Silence Again on the Odi Massacre That Shaped His Life: “It Was Part of Me”

 

Nigerian music star Timaya has once again opened up about a painful and deeply personal tragedy that shaped his life and music — the Odi massacre of 1999. For many Nigerians, the name "Odi" may simply be a sad chapter in our national history, but for Inetimi Alfred Odon, known to fans around the world as Timaya, it is much more than a name. It is a scar, a memory, and a powerful reminder of loss, pain, and resilience.

In a recent emotional interview, the award-winning artist revisited the brutal military invasion of his hometown, Odi, in Bayelsa State, which was carried out by the Nigerian Army under the orders of the federal government in late 1999. The operation, which was intended to flush out militants suspected of killing policemen, ended up killing hundreds of innocent civilians, destroying homes, and displacing families.

“It was part of me,” Timaya said, reflecting on the tragedy that continues to haunt his memories.

The Odi Massacre: What Happened in 1999?

Before diving into Timaya’s personal story, it's important to understand the background of the Odi massacre — one of the darkest episodes in Nigeria’s post-independence history.

On November 20, 1999, under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, soldiers were deployed to the small town of Odi in Bayelsa State in response to the killing of 12 policemen by suspected militants in the area. What followed was a brutal military operation that devastated the town.

Eyewitnesses and human rights organizations reported that the soldiers did not differentiate between militants and innocent civilians. Houses were burnt, businesses destroyed, and people—young and old—were killed indiscriminately. The only building left standing was a bank and the Anglican church.

Timaya’s Personal Loss

For Timaya, this wasn’t just a news story or another historical event. It was a personal loss, a moment that tore his childhood apart.

“It’s very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things, and history,” he shared during the interview.
“You know when the government just says, ‘go and shoot these people down’?”

Timaya’s mother was a successful bakery owner in Odi at the time. Her bakery didn’t just serve Odi alone — it supplied bread and other baked goods to surrounding villages. The family was doing well. Life was relatively peaceful.

But when the army stormed Odi, everything changed. The bakery — a symbol of the family's hard work and source of income — was completely destroyed. Along with it went their sense of security and the very foundation of their lives.

Turning Pain Into Music: The Birth of “Dem Mama”

While many would have been silenced by such trauma, Timaya chose to fight back in the way he knew best — through music.

In 2007, he released the song that catapulted him into national fame: “Dem Mama.” The powerful track wasn’t just another dancehall anthem; it was a musical protest, a bold narrative of the Odi massacre, and an unfiltered cry for justice and remembrance.

“I told the story, how they sent the military to burn down the village,” Timaya said.
“I narrated my story and it helped me to get an impact.”

“Dem Mama” stood out not only because of its raw lyrics but because it dared to say what others were afraid to speak out about. The song gave a voice to the people of Odi, and by extension, to oppressed communities across Nigeria who have suffered violence and government neglect.

This fearless storytelling would become a trademark of Timaya’s music career, as he continued to speak on real issues affecting ordinary Nigerians — from poverty to corruption to police brutality.

The Voice of the People: “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa”

For his courage, honesty, and relentless dedication to telling the truth, Timaya earned more than just fans — he earned respect. In recognition of his musical activism and deep connection to his roots, he was honoured with the traditional title:

“Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa” — meaning the mouthpiece of the people.

And truly, few titles have ever felt so deserved. Timaya became the cultural and musical ambassador of his people, using his platform to ensure that what happened in Odi would never be forgotten.

Legacy of the Odi Massacre: Pain, Memory, and Healing

Even over two decades after the incident, the wounds of the Odi massacre are still open for many survivors. Communities in the Niger Delta, particularly among the Ijaw people, continue to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and systemic violence.

What Timaya’s story reminds us is that behind every headline, there are real people, real families, and real trauma. The scars of state violence do not just disappear — they stay with the victims, often shaping who they become.

Timaya’s rise from that tragedy to global stardom is a powerful story of resilience, but it is also a warning. A warning that without justice, the cycle of violence and loss can repeat itself.

Why Timaya’s Voice Still Matters Today

In a country like Nigeria, where history is often swept under the rug, voices like Timaya’s are more important than ever. Artists who use their platforms to speak the truth are not just entertainers — they are historians, truth-tellers, and catalysts for change.

Timaya's openness about the Odi massacre isn't just about reliving a painful memory — it's about making sure Nigeria doesn't forget. It’s a call to hold those in power accountable, to protect vulnerable communities, and to demand justice, even decades later.

In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, songs like “Dem Mama” found new meaning for a new generation of Nigerians who were once again facing state-sponsored violence. Timaya’s words became a soundtrack for resistance and remembrance.

Final Thoughts: A Story That Must Never Be Forgotten

The story of the Odi massacre and Timaya’s role in keeping that memory alive is one that deserves to be shared again and again. It is more than just history — it is a lesson, a warning, and a reminder of the power of art to heal, to protest, and to demand justice.

“It was part of me,” Timaya said.
“I narrated my story and it helped me to get an impact.”

And indeed, he did. Today, Timaya is not just a music icon — he is a symbol of resistance, a voice for the voiceless, and a true son of Bayelsa whose heart still beats for his people.