Timaya

Inetimi Alfred Odon, professionally known as Timaya, was born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. Growing up as the youngest of 15 children, Timaya’s early life was marked by a passion for music, often attending late-night events against family rules. He began his secondary education at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt before relocating to Lagos, where he completed his secondary school certificate at Ikeja Grammar School. His academic pursuits briefly led him to the University of Port Harcourt, but he dropped out after his first semester due to low grades, choosing instead to pursue his musical ambitions.

Timaya’s career in music began as a backup vocalist for Eedris Abdulkareem’s hip-hop group in Lagos, a role he held for three years. In 2005, he launched his solo career with the single “Dem Mama,” a song addressing the Odi massacre. This track gained critical attention and was included in his debut album, “True Story,” released the following year. Building on this success, his second album, “Gift and Grace,” was released in 2008, followed by “De Rebirth” in 2009, which featured the hit single “Plantain Boy.” This early period established Timaya as a significant voice in the Nigerian music scene, blending diverse genres and addressing poignant social themes.

Over the years, Timaya continued to evolve his sound and expand his influence. His 2012 album, “Upgrade,” featured hits like “Bum Bum” and “Sexy Ladies,” showcasing collaborations with artists such as Attitude, Terry G, and Vector. In 2014, he released his fifth studio album, “Epiphany,” which included the global hit “Bum Bum Remix” featuring Sean Paul, along with collaborations with 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, and Olamide. A key turning point came in 2017 when he established DM Records Limited, his own record label, which has since signed notable artists like King Perryy and Killertunes. His dedication to his craft was recognized with a Grammy nomination in 2018 for his work on Morgan Heritage’s album “Avrakedabra,” solidifying his international standing. His recent works include the EP “Chulo Vibes” (2019) and albums “Gratitude” (2020) and “Gladiator” (2024), demonstrating continued artistic output and relevance.