David Akachukwu
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Nigerian music artist Timaya has reflected on the tragic events of the 1999 Odi massacre, which took place in Bayelsa State, his state of origin.
He recounted that the military offensive, carried out by the Nigerian Army, targeted the mainly Ijaw community of Odi and was authorized by the government at the time.
Sharing a personal connection to the incident, Timaya revealed that his mother owned a bakery in Odi, making the tragedy deeply personal for his family. He noted that the military action led to significant loss of life and destruction of property.
The singer added that his 2007 breakout song, Dem Mama, which addressed the massacre, earned him the traditional title of Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa in recognition of his advocacy through music.
He said, “It [Odi] was part of me, too, because my mum had a bakery in the village and was supplying the whole villages… It was the village that was attacked.
“It’s very touching because we lost lives, a lot of things and history. You know when the government just says ‘go and shoot these people down’.
“I sang about it [the massacre]. 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. I became the voice, which they gave me the title of the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa State. That is the mouthpiece of the people.”
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Jonathan Nwokpor
