By Habeeb Ibrahim
Popular Nigerian musician, Timaya, has come under fire on social media following a recent post where he questioned why some people choose to wear fake items.
The singer wrote on his page: “I don’t know how/why you prefer to wear fake.”
Although Timaya did not mention any names, many Nigerians interpreted the post as a direct attack on people who wear fake clothes, shoes, or accessories, especially those who may not be able to afford original designer items.
Shortly after the post, reactions poured in from fans and social media users, some of whom reminded Timaya of his humble beginnings as a plantain seller.
A user, Anyanfulugo, replied: “When you dey sell plantain you no been know say original dey.”
Another user, Mario, referenced a past clash between Timaya and convicted fraudster Hushpuppi, saying: “Same thing Hushpuppi tell you, you run enter studio sing ‘Telli Person’.”
Many people accused the singer of looking down on the poor and forgetting the struggles he once faced.
One user, Brolow, said: “You wey be plantain seller before? Life don favour you na… unnecessary classism to push more people into fraud and prostitution.”
Another person added: “Senior man. One time in your life, you wore a fake shirt in every single video and stage performance.”
However, not everyone attacked the singer. Some tried to explain that Timaya may have been talking about people who have enough money but still choose to buy fake products.
One user, Rozapepper, said: “He is referring to people who have the money to purchase the original but PREFER to purchase fakes. Emphasis on PREFER.”
Another, Stepheniah Omeh, said people should take time to understand the message before reacting. “Same phrase can mean different things. Maybe he is talking about people living a fake life.”
Even with those clarifications, most of the responses showed anger and disappointment. Many felt the comment was a form of class discrimination.
A user, The Priest Marshal, shared this opinion:
“People wear what they can afford. Only those who feel pressured go the extra mile just to feel among. In the end, it’s about covering your body, not showing off”, he commented.
Timaya’s post may have been short, but it sparked a wide conversation about class, struggles, and the pressures of society.
