- Source: Gladiator (Timaya album)
Gladiator (stylized in all caps) is the eighth studio album by Nigerian afro pop artist Timaya. It was released on 15 August 2024, by Dem Mama Records and Empire. The album features guest appearances from Alpha P, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno, Konshens, Eugy and Mr. Killa. The album featured producers such as Masterkraft, Spotless, Yung Alpha, Jonny Blaze, Semzi, Young D, Michon, Hylander, Scarlet Sounds, Michon and Xtreme the Producer. Gladiator houses the singles "Get My Money Right", "Sweet Us", "Dey Your Dey", and "In My Head". The album serves as a follow-up to Gratitude (2020).
Background
The album was pushed back two times. It was first pushed back when it was supposed to be released 21 June 2024, then getting pushed back to 12 July 2024, and getting pushed back another time to 15 August 2024 for no reason. Timaya feels very passionately about the album, stating that "this Gladiator project is more than just an album to me – it's a movement, a testimony to self-belief, and the courage to rise above no matter the challenges. This project reflects my journey, from where I started to where I am today, and where I'm headed. Music has given me everything, and this album is my way of giving back, because I will keep giving it all I have. I want to ignite a fire within my listeners, to remind them of the power they hold within themselves, and to encourage them to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. Life comes in phases, but you can't lose yourself – you just have to keep going".
Singles
The album's lead single "Get My Money Right" was released on 30 June 2022 and produced by Spotless. The album's second single "Sweet Us" was released on 11 November 2022 and produced by Michon. The album's third single "Dey Your Dey" was released on 2 February 2024 and was produced by Masterkraft. The album's fourth single "In My Head" features Tiwa Savage and was released on 15 April 2024. The song was produced by Xtreme the Producer and the music video was directed by Director Pink.