Listen to Timaya’s ninth album showcasing warhorse Afro-Fusion chops: ‘Gladiator’

[media-credit name=”Courtesy” width=900 align=”center”][/media-credit]

Opening his ninth album with a record that could’ve been produced with the likes of American rapper 50 Cent in mind and stored for twenty years, Timaya took the time to sing about how their quality of life has increased and living his life as a “free man” Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former and late President. Coming in at number three is ‘Sweet Us’, Timaya’s largely supported rhythmic single with bright and tropical Afro-Caribbean influence. When I touched down in Lagos, Nigeria, for Christmas in 2022, we listened to the track as we rode through the steamy traffic-prone roads. Following suit with the high-tempo riddims is ‘Compozure’, an Afrobeats song that speaks to the desire to achieve peace (“wanting no commotion”), competition from “other girls” who want what she has (Timaya), and craving love and affection from her partner.

Following suit with the high-tempo riddims is ‘Compozure’, an Afrobeats song that speaks to the desire to achieve peace (“wanting no commotion”), competition from “other girls” who want what she has (Timaya), and craving love and affection from her partner. ‘Treasure’ finds Afrobeats artist Alpha P’s official return to the market, alongside Nigerian music veterans like Olamide and Phyno.

‘Free’ is an Amapiano variant different from most signature Timaya songs. However, if you are from Southern Africa and reading this, you may liken it to the music you’d hear at the News Cafe in the bustling Rosebank, Johannesburg. Immediately after one song that feels out of place from the others, Timaya and Mr Killa’s hardcore Dancehall tune ‘Whinin Criminal’ adds a different vibe.

Next, the seemingly wobbly tracklist resets and realigns into the smoother Afro sounds like on ‘In My Head’ with Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage throughout to the end.