Nigerian singer, Timaya, has stirred debate after sharing his views on marriage and having children outside wedlock.

The Dem Mama crooner drew criticism after appearing in a now-viral video where he suggested that it is better to have children outside marriage, claiming that marriage does not always work.

In the clip, Timaya was seen alongside fellow musician Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, as they appeared to offer marital advice to their colleague, Phyno.

Speaking in pidgin English, Timaya said, “Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” a comment that triggered mixed reactions from people present in the video.

The clip has since generated varied responses on social media, with many users expressing disagreement with the singer’s views on marriage.

Timaya is a father of four children with three different women. He shares his first two daughters, Emmanuella and Gracey, with Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo. He also has a son, Emmanuel, with Tamar, and his youngest child, Maya, with Dunnie Onasanya.

In a 2024 interview on Naija FM, the singer explained that he remains unmarried in his 40s because he has never felt particularly inclined toward marriage.

However, he noted that his perspective could change in the future.