Launching his solo career in 2005 with the impactful single ‘Dem Mama,’ Timaya quickly established himself as a prominent voice in the Nigerian music scene. ‘Dem Mama,’ a track directly addressing the Odi massacre, garnered critical attention and was prominently featured on his debut album, True Story, released in 2006. Prior to his solo breakthrough, Timaya honed his craft for three years as a backup vocalist for Eedris Abdulkareem’s hip-hop group in Lagos. Building on the success of his debut, he released his second album, Gift and Grace, in 2008, followed by De Rebirth in 2009, which produced the hit single ‘Plantain Boy.’ His early work showcased a unique blend of dancehall, ragga, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and soca, establishing his signature sound and ability to address poignant social themes, further exemplified by his feature on Kefee’s ‘Kokoroko’ in 2010.
Timaya continues to lead DM Records, driving innovation and development within the Afrobeats genre. His latest artistic endeavor, the album Gladiator, was released in 2024, showcasing his continued evolution and commitment to delivering fresh, impactful music to his global fanbase. Through his label and his extensive discography, Timaya maintains his position as a highly influential and bookable artist, blending diverse genres and captivating audiences worldwide.