During the Raypower FM PH Grand Slam in 2006/2007, the late Sound Sultan had just arrived from the airport, timaya accompanied by W4, Intruder, and several other notable names from Lagos.
As I escorted Sultan to his hotel room, a young man followed us on the stairs. Sultan turned to me and the young man and said, “Square, this is my boy, Timaya. He’s talented—please, promote him.”
I turned to Timaya and asked if he was from Port Harcourt. He confirmed, and I told him that if he was truly from PH, he’d know where to find me, and I gave him my number.
We later met at Nite Box, where I encouraged him to give his song to the DJ. That song was “Dem Mama,” and it marked the beginning of something monumental.
Back then, if your song was good and made it onto my show, you’d become a big star in Port Harcourt within two weeks. Timaya quickly took over the city, and the rest is history.
We became close friends and brothers.
I’m proud that we’re both still active in the industry—he as a global music star releasing his 9th studio album today, and me as a four-time General Manager of a radio station in Lagos.
I fondly remember Tapas Bar, Haruk Road, and many other moments.
Happy Birthday to my friend, Egberi Papa Timaya, the one who inspired me to get dreadlocks in 2007. He twisted my hair bit by bit, and that’s how I joined him in rocking locks.
I’m proud of all you’ve achieved.
SUPERSTAR
GAME CHANGER
BIG BIRD
18 Years in the Game and Still Going Strong
AGBA BALLER
Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa
Olalekan Da O-Square
OAP/General Manager
LASGIDI FM 90.1 @lasgidifm901 LAGOS