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Timaya Verified artist
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Background information
Birth name Inetimi Alfred Odon
Born 15 August 1980 (age 45)
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Origin Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Genres

Dancehall

Instrument(s) Vocals
Years active 2005–present
Labels DM Records

Inetimi Alfred Odon (born 15 August 1980), known by his stage name Timaya, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. He is from Sampou, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.Timaya is known for combining Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, hip-hop and soca, as well as Afro-Caribbean/Dancehall music. He is the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited.[1]

Timaya's solo career began in 2005 with the release of the single "Dem Mama," which is about the Odi massacre. His debut album, True Story, was released the following year, and his second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008. His third studio album, De Rebirth, was released in collaboration with Black Body Entertainment and featured the single "Plantain Boy".[2] He collaborated with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity), released in 2011. In 2012, Timaya released Upgrade. To date, his work has earned him four Headies Awards, two AFRIMMA Awards, one Nigeria Music Award, and one NEA Award.[3]

Early life

Inetimi Alfred Odon was born on 15 August 1980, in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up as the youngest of 15 children in a large family. His father worked as a banker, while his mother was a trader. For his early education, Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School.[4] His secondary education began at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt,[2] where he often broke house rules to attend late-night music events. After relocating to Lagos, he enrolled at Ikeja Grammar School where he obtained his secondary school certificate.[5]

Timaya enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, only to drop out after the first semester due to low grades,[4] eventually moving back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem's hip-hop group as a backup vocalist.[6] After three years with Eedris, Timaya left the group to pursue a solo career. He began collaborations with fellow new artists and made his first cameo appearance in an unreleased music video by UDX, a Lagos-based rap group.[7] Subsequently, he met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who produced his first major hit record, "Dem Mama", after hearing his a cappella performance.[8] Timaya collaborated with Namse Udosen (Menthol X) on "Pomporo", a track on his debut album True Story.

Career

2005–2009: True Story, Gift and Grace, and De Rebirth

Timaya's solo career began in 2005 with the release of his debut single, "Dem Mama", which recounted the Odi massacre. The song appeared on his debut album, True Story,[9] released the following year to critical acclaim. His second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008, and was reportedly recorded in two weeks.[10] His third studio album, De Rebirth, was released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment. This album featured the hit single "Plantain Boy".

2010–2017: Upgrade, Epiphany, Bum Bum Remix, and Grammy nomination

In 2010, Timaya was featured on the song "Kokoroko" by the late female gospel artist Kefee, which won the Best Collaboration category at the 2010 Headies Awards. On 25 June 2012, Timaya released another album titled Upgrade, which spawned hits like "Bum Bum", "Sexy Ladies", and "Malonogede". The album featured collaborations with Attitude, Terry G, and Vector. Duncan Mighty and Timaya dueted on "I Know I Know Dat", which leaked onto the internet a few hours after Duncan Mighty's album Footprints was released in stores. Both artists were honored at the fourth annual Odudu Music Awards, alongside M-Trill, Sodi Cookey, Becky Enyioma, and Timi Dakolo.[11]

On 25 September 2014, Timaya released his fifth studio album titled Epiphany. It featured 20 tracks, being preceded by "Bow Down" and "Sanko", and 4 bonus tracks, "Ekoloma Demba", "Ukwu", "Hold Me Now" and "Bum Bum Remix" featuring Sean Paul. Outside of those, the album also included collaborations with 2Face Idibia, Patoranking, Olamide, Sir Shina Peters, Deetii, Phyno, and Terry G.[12] The track listing for Epiphany was released on 15 September 2014.[13] On the cover, Timaya is dressed like a Roman Catholic figure, in a cassock with a rosary, posing with a slight wink and his hands together.[14] Al Yhusuff of tooXclusive said Epiphany met Timaya's core audience, calling it "Ukwu-phany" because of the many "bum-bum songs" and noting that it "doesn't fall below par," giving it a rating of 3 out of 5.[15]

In 2017, Timaya performed in Nassau, where he headlined the first Afro-Soca concert. In 2018, he received his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. He was featured on Avrakedabra, an album by Morgan Heritage on the track titled "Reggae Night (Global Remix)". Timaya established his record label, DM Records Limited, which became home to artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he signed the young dancehall/Afro-fusion artist King Perryy and producer Killertunes to the DM Records imprint. On 21 January 2019, he collaborated with KCee on the song "Erima."[16]

Timaya Performing for fans at a tour in Rwanda, April 2022.

2019–2020: Chulo Vibes and Gratitude

After five years of releasing singles, albums, and touring, Timaya released an EP titled Chulo Vibes. This project featured collaborations with Tanzanian artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca legend Machel Montano, and Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.[17] His sixth solo studio album, Gratitude, was released in 2020. The album included singles such as "Balance", "I Can't Kill Myself", "Gra Gra", "Don Dada", and "Born To Win" respectively.

2023–present: Gladiator

In 2023, Timaya's 2022 release, "Sweet Us", became a national hit and an anthem for the 2023 general elections,[18] after he reached an agreement with Nyesom Wike's band leader, Bamidele, who was the original creator of the song's chorus.[19]

In 2024, Timaya released Gladiator, his eighth-studio album. During a discussion with African Folder's Ukpeme Udoh, Timaya stated that his life's challenges inspired the album.[20]

Honours

The Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) appointed Timaya as a peace ambassador in 2011.[21]

Discography

Albums

  • True Story (2007)
  • Gift And Grace (2008)
  • De Rebirth (2010)
  • LLNP Long Life N' Prosperity (2011)
  • Upgrade (2012)
  • Epiphany (2014)
  • Gratitude (2020)
  • Gladiator (2024)

Extended plays

  • Chulo Vibes (2019)

Selected singles

Year Title Album Ref
2024 Mase Non-Album Single
2024 "In My Head" (featuring Tiwa Savage) Non-Album Single [22]
2023 "Tomato" Non-Album Single [23]
2022 "Charger" [24]
2021 "Cold Outside" (featuring Bnxn FKA Buju) [25]
2021 "Eff All Day" (featuring Phyno) [26]
2019 "2 Stoopid" Template:N/A [27]
2019 "I Can't Kill Myself" Chulo Vibes [28]
2019 "Balance" [29]
2018 "Kom Kom" (featuring King Perry and Patoranking) rowspan="18" Template:N/A [30]
2018 "Bam Bam" (featuring Olamide) [31]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" (Electric Bodega Remix) [32]
2018 "To U" [33]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" [34]
2018 "Telli Person" (featuring Olamide and Phyno) [35]
2017 "Dance" (featuring Rudeboy) [36]
2017 "I Like the Way" (Electric Bodega Remix) [37]
2017 "Pity 4 Us" [38]
2017 "Woyo" [39]
2017 "Who Born You" [40]
2016 "Money" (featuring Flavour) [41]
2016 "Bang Bang" [42]
2016 "I Like the Way" [43]
2015 "Some More" [44]
2015 "Amayanabo" [45]
2015 "I Concur" [46]
2014 "Ukwu" [47]
2014 "Sanko" [41]
2014 "Lai Lai" Epiphany [48]
2014 "Gbagam" [49]
2014 "Bow Down" [50]
2014 "Ekoloma Demba" [51]

Music collaborations

Videography

Template:Incomplete list

Year Title Director Ref
2012 Malonogede Gini
2012 Bum Bum Clarence Peters
2012 Sexy Ladies Clarence Peters
2014 Ekoloma Demba Matt Max
2014 Watta Bam Bam Godfather Productions
2014 Ukwu Moe Musa
2014 Bum Bum Remix Shuta Films
2014 Bow Down Unlimited L.A
2014 Sanko Unlimited L.A
2014 Gbagam Clarence Peters
2015 Hallelujah Matt Max [54]
2015 Some More Uprooted Media
2015 Hallelujah Matt Max
2015 I Concur Clarence Peters
2015 I Like The Way UpRooted Media
2015 Money Clarence Peters
2016 Bang Bang Patrick Elis
2016 Woyo Unlimited L.A
2016 Dance Clarence Peters
2017 Telli Person Clarence Peters
2018 Ah Blem Blem Clarence Peters
2018 To U Unlimited L.A
2018 Bam Bam Unlimited L.A
2018 Kom Kom Unlimited L.A
2019 Balance Unlimited L.A
2019 I Can't Kill Myself Director K
2019 2 Stoopid TG Omori
2021 Cold Outside TG Omori [55]
2023 Tomato Clarence Peters
2024 Dey Your Dey Masterkraft [56]
2024 In My Head featuring Tiwa Savage Director Pink [57]
2024 Blessings Dey Come way Masterkraft

Awards and nominations

  • Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards
    • 2011: Best Afro-Dancehall song, "Plantain Boy" (Won)[58]
  • Nigeria Music Awards
    • 2008: Album of the Year, True Story (Won)
  • The Headies
    • 2008: Best Reggae/Dancehall Album, True Story (Won)
    • 2009: Best Reggae/Dancehall Album, Gift and Grace (Won)
    • 2009: Best Collaboration, "Good or Bad" (with J. Martins and P-Square) (Won)
    • 2009: Artiste of the Year (Nominated)
    • 2010: Best Collaboration, "Kokoroko" (with Kefee) (Won)
  • Nigeria Entertainment Awards
    • 2014: Indigenous Artist of the Year (Nominated)
  • AFRIMMA
    • Afrimma 2015 Best Dancehall Artist (Nominated)
    • Afrimma 2016 Best Dancehall Act of the Year (Nominated)
    • Afrimma 2017 Dancehall Act of the Year (Won)
    • Afrimma 2018 Best African Reggae/Dancehall Act (Nominated)
  • Grammy 2018
    • Morgan Heritage's Reggae Night (Global Remix) off the album Avrakedabra[citation needed]

Tours

  • 2021 – Timaya US Tour.
  • 2019 – Timaya Chulo Vibes Europe Tour.
  • 2018 – Timaya Live in Canada.
  • 2017 – Timaya US Tour.

See also

Portal icon Biography

References

  1. ↑ Nation, TheWhy I exited Timaya's record label, by King Perry. The Nation. 2022-07-16. Retrieved 2025-01-10
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Timaya's Plantain Boy Rules Music Scene… Picks N9.5m Escalade jeep, new Lover. The Tide. 5 December 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2014
  3. ↑ Chukwu, ReginaldTimaya Surpasses Haters Expectations To Remain Relevant in the Industry. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2014
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Adamu, NaomiNigeria: The Story Behind Timaya's Rise. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2014
  5. ↑ Timaya, plantain seller tells his story. Vanguard. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2014
  6. ↑ 'I was a backup singer for Idris Abdulkareem' – Timaya. The NET. Retrieved 27 September 2015[dead link]
  7. ↑ Timaya. Bukati. Retrieved 27 September 2015
  8. ↑ Timaya Settles 4 Years Beef With Obaksolo [PHOTOS]. Naijaxtra. Chijioke5050. Retrieved 27 September 2015
  9. ↑ Eedris never paid me a dime – Timaya. Daily Independent. Retrieved 7 March 2014
  10. ↑ Jibola LNew Video: Timaya – Love Over Me. BellaNaija. Retrieved 7 March 2014
  11. ↑ Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Others to Be Honoured at Odudu Music Awards. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2014
  12. ↑ New album alert: Timaya – "Epiphany". 1 October 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019
  13. ↑ Dayo ShowemimoTimaya releases tracklist for new album, Epiphany. The NET. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2025
  14. ↑ Joey AkanTimaya Has An Epiphany! Pop Star Releases 5th Solo Album. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2025
  15. ↑ Al YhusuffALBUM REVIEW: Timaya - Epiphany. tooXclusive. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2025
  16. ↑ New Music: Kcee feat. Timaya – Erima. BellaNaija. 21 January 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2025
  17. ↑ Timaya's Chulo Vibes is one big open house party. Pulse Nigeria. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019
  18. ↑ How I met Wike – As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele. The Punch. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025
  19. ↑ Enenaite, BlessingHow I met Wike – As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele. The Punch. 17 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2014
  20. ↑ Udoh, UkpemeTimaya: The Dancehall General. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024
  21. ↑ Timaya is UN Peace Ambassador. Vanguard. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2014
  22. ↑ In My Head Lyrics by Timaya Feat. Tiwa Savage. NotjustOk. 2024-04-15. Retrieved 2024-06-14
  23. ↑ Timaya Unleashes Infectious New Single "Tomato" with Dem Mama Records – Okayplayer. www.okayafrica.com. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-14
  24. ↑ (Song) Timaya Charger | MP3 « tooXclusive. 2022-06-07. Retrieved 2022-06-07
  25. ↑ Wonah, IsraelBuju - Cold Outside ft Timaya Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz. trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07
  26. ↑ [Music + Video Timaya Ft. Phyno - Eff All Day]. Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website. 2021-08-16. Retrieved 2021-08-18
  27. ↑ Timaya Drops hit track Stoopid. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019
  28. ↑ I cant't Kill Myself – Timaya. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  29. ↑ Balance – Timaya. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  30. ↑ Kom Kom – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  31. ↑ Bam Bam ft Olamide – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  32. ↑ Ah Blem Blem – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  33. ↑ To U – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  34. ↑ Ah Blem – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  35. ↑ Telli Person – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  36. ↑ Dance ft. Rudeboy - Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  37. ↑ I like the Way – Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  38. ↑ Pity 4 Us - Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  39. ↑ Woyo - Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019
  40. ↑ Who Born You - Timaya. 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2017
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 OfficialTimayaMoney - Timaya feat Flavour - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya. 14 May 2016
  42. ↑ OfficialTimayaBang Bang (Official Music VIdeo) - Timaya - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya. 26 August 2016
  43. ↑ OfficialTimayaI Like The Way (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Official Timaya. 14 January 2016
  44. ↑ OfficialTimayaSome More - Timaya (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya. 6 July 2015
  45. ↑ Amayanabo. YouTube. 3 January 2015
  46. ↑ OfficialTimayaI Concur (Official Music Video) - Timaya ft. Don Jazzy - Official Timaya. 15 October 2015
  47. ↑ OfficialTimayaUkwu (Official Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya. 8 October 2013
  48. ↑ OfficialTimayaLai Lai - Timaya ft. Terry G - Epiphany - Official Timaya. 12 November 2014
  49. ↑ OfficialTimayaGbagam - Timaya ft. Phyno & Deettii (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya. 25 April 2015
  50. ↑ OfficialTimayaBow Down (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya. 5 June 2014
  51. ↑ OfficialTimayaEkoloma Demba (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya. 19 July 2013
  52. ↑ "Timaya (Ft. BNXN) – Cold Outside". Retrieved from https://genius.com/Timaya-cold-outside-lyrics
  53. ↑ abiolaRemembering late singer Kefee's 'Kokoroko' featuring Timaya. Pulse Nigeria. 2017-07-20. Retrieved 2024-04-15
  54. ↑ Timaya Singer shares emotional grass-to-grace story in Hallelujah [Video]. Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 5 February 2016
  55. ↑ S9, DJ ValentinoTimaya – Cold Outside ft. Buju (Video). Six9ja. 2021-11-01. Retrieved 2022-06-07
  56. ↑ BellaNaija.comTimaya Releases Visuals for "Dey Your Dey". BellaNaija. 2024-02-28. Retrieved 2024-04-15
  57. ↑ BellaNaija.comTimaya Drops Visuals for New Single "In My Head" featuring Tiwa Savage. BellaNaija. 2024-04-15. Retrieved 2024-04-15
  58. ↑ Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011. 3-mob.com. Three Man on a Boat. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014
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