Nigerian singer Timaya has brought renewed attention to the tragic 1999 Odi massacre, a dark chapter in his home state of Bayelsa.
Timaya explained that the massacre was a military attack ordered by the Nigerian government on the predominantly Ijaw community of Odi. The incident remains deeply personal for the singer, as his mother owned a bakery in the town that supplied neighboring villages.
He recalled the devastating loss of lives and property during the military operation, describing the government’s directive to “go and shoot these people down” as a painful reality for the community.
Timaya first addressed the tragedy through his 2007 hit song, “Dem Mama,” which vividly narrated the events of the massacre. His efforts earned him the honorary title of Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, meaning “the mouthpiece of the people.”
Reflecting on the experience, Timaya said, “Odi was part of me too because my mum had a bakery in the village and was supplying the whole villages… It’s very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things and history. I sang about it. That is the most I can do. I told the story, how they sent the military to burn down the village. I narrated my story and it helped me to get an impact.”
Timaya’s music continues to serve as a powerful voice for those affected by the massacre, preserving the memory of the tragedy for future generations.
