Timaya
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. 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". 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.
Timaya | |
|---|---|
| Born | Inetimi Alfred Odon 15 August 1980 |
| Origin | Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Label | 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
[edit]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
[edit]2005–2009: True Story, Gift and Grace, and De Rebirth
[edit]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
[edit]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]
2019–2020: Chulo Vibes and Gratitude
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]The Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) appointed Timaya as a peace ambassador in 2011.[21]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- 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
[edit]- Chulo Vibes (2019)
Selected singles
[edit]| 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" | Non-album single | [27] |
| 2019 | "I Can't Kill Myself" | Chulo Vibes | [28] |
| 2019 | "Balance" | [29] | |
| 2018 | "Kom Kom" (featuring King Perry and Patoranking) | Non-album single | [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
[edit]- Cold Outside feat BNXN[52]
- Bum Bum remix feat Sean Paul
- Pull Up feat Burna Boy
- Malonogede feat Terry G
- Life Anagaga – MI feat Timaya.
- Reggae Night – Morgan Heritage feat Timaya & others.
- Kokoroko – Kefee feat Timaya[53]
- O Pari – DJ Shawn feat Timaya & Falz
- Alubarika – Patoranking feat Timaya.
- Waje featuring Timaya – kpolongo.
Videography
[edit] |
| 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
[edit]- 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
- 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
[edit]- 2021 – Timaya US Tour.
- 2019 – Timaya Chulo Vibes Europe Tour.
- 2018 – Timaya Live in Canada.
- 2017 – Timaya US Tour.
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ Nation, The (16 July 2022). "Why I exited Timaya's record label, by King Perry". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Timaya's Plantain Boy Rules Music Scene… Picks N9.5m Escalade jeep, new Lover". The Tide. Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 5 December 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
- ^ Chukwu, Reginald (25 November 2013). "Timaya Surpasses Haters Expectations To Remain Relevant in the Industry". Nigeriaflims.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ a b Adamu, Naomi (10 July 2012). "Nigeria: The Story Behind Timaya's Rise". AllAfrica.com. AllAfrica Global Media. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ "Timaya, plantain seller tells his story". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ "'I was a backup singer for Idris Abdulkareem' – Timaya". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 September 2015.[dead link]
- ^ "Timaya". LyricsJoint. Bukati. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- ^ "Timaya Settles 4 Years Beef With Obaksolo [PHOTOS]". Naijaxtra. Chijioke5050. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
- ^ "Eedris never paid me a dime – Timaya". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Jibola L. "New Video: Timaya – Love Over Me". BellaNaija. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ "Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Others to Be Honoured at Odudu Music Awards". AllAfrica.com. AllAfrica Global Media. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
- ^ "New album alert: Timaya – "Epiphany"". EbonylifeTV. Ebonylife Television. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- ^ Dayo Showemimo (15 September 2014). "Timaya releases tracklist for new album, Epiphany". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ Joey Akan (25 September 2014). "Timaya Has An Epiphany! Pop Star Releases 5th Solo Album". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 29 September 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2025.
- ^ Al Yhusuff (7 October 2014). "ALBUM REVIEW: Timaya - Epiphany". tooXclusive. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ "New Music: Kcee feat. Timaya – Erima". BellaNaija. 21 January 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2025.
- ^ "Timaya's Chulo Vibes is one big open house party". Pulse Nigeria. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- ^ Enenaite, Blessing (17 September 2023). "How I met Wike – As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele". The Punch. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
- ^ Udoh, Ukpeme (21 September 2024). "Timaya: The Dancehall General". African Folder. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ "Timaya is UN Peace Ambassador". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ "In My Head Lyrics by Timaya Feat. Tiwa Savage". NotjustOk. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Timaya Unleashes Infectious New Single "Tomato" with Dem Mama Records – Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. 30 August 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
- ^ "(Song) Timaya Charger | MP3 « tooXclusive". 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ Wonah, Israel. "Buju - Cold Outside ft Timaya Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "[Music + Video] Timaya Ft. Phyno - Eff All Day". Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
- ^ "Timaya Drops hit track Stoopid". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019 – via YouTube.
- ^ "I cant't Kill Myself – Timaya". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Balance – Timaya". 28 June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Kom Kom – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Bam Bam ft Olamide – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Ah Blem Blem – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "To U – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Ah Blem – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Telli Person – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Dance ft. Rudeboy - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "I like the Way – Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Pity 4 Us - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Woyo - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
- ^ "Who Born You - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2017 – via Apple Music.
- ^ a b OfficialTimaya (14 May 2016). "Money - Timaya feat Flavour - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (26 August 2016). "Bang Bang (Official Music VIdeo) - Timaya - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (14 January 2016). "I Like The Way (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (6 July 2015). "Some More - Timaya (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Amayanabo" (video). YouTube. 3 January 2015. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (15 October 2015). "I Concur (Official Music Video) - Timaya ft. Don Jazzy - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (8 October 2013). "Ukwu (Official Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (12 November 2014). "Lai Lai - Timaya ft. Terry G - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (25 April 2015). "Gbagam - Timaya ft. Phyno & Deettii (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (5 June 2014). "Bow Down (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ OfficialTimaya (19 July 2013). "Ekoloma Demba (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ Timaya (Ft. BNXN) – Cold Outside, retrieved 15 April 2024
- ^ abiola (20 July 2017). "Remembering late singer Kefee's 'Kokoroko' featuring Timaya". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Timaya Singer shares emotional grass-to-grace story in Hallelujah [Video]". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
- ^ S9, DJ Valentino (1 November 2021). "Timaya – Cold Outside ft. Buju (Video)". Six9ja. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ BellaNaija.com (28 February 2024). "Timaya Releases Visuals for "Dey Your Dey"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (15 April 2024). "Timaya Drops Visuals for New Single "In My Head" featuring Tiwa Savage". BellaNaija. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ "Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011". 3-mob.com. Three Man on a Boat. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
External links
[edit]| Authority control databases: Artists |
|---|
