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

The Dem Mama crooner remarked in a now-viral video where he appeared alongside fellow musicians Paul Okoye and Phyno.

In the clip, Timaya was seen advising Phyno while discussing relationships and family. Speaking in pidgin, he suggested that it is better to have children outside of marriage, adding that marriage often does not work.

“Just born pikin, pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work,” he said, drawing mixed reactions from those present.

The video quickly spread across social media, sparking debates among fans and critics. While some people dismissed the comment as a casual remark, many others disagreed with his view on marriage.

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

In a 2024 interview with Naija FM, the singer explained that he remains unmarried in his 40s because he has never felt strongly drawn to marriage. However, he also noted that his opinion could change in the future.

Watch the video below

Timaya and Psquare advising Phyno about Marriage with Nigerian women 😂😂👑 pic.twitter.com/Ndz1DWoRXp

— Number One🥇 (@numberonetweep) March 10, 2026