Timaya

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. His secondary education began at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt, 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.

Timaya enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt, only to drop out after the first semester due to low grades, eventually moving back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem's hip-hop group as a backup vocalist. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.lyricsjoint.com/tag/timaya/|title=Timaya|work=LyricsJoint |publisher=Bukati |access-date=27 September 2015}} Subsequently, he met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who produced his first major hit record, "Dem Mama", after hearing his a cappella performance. 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, released the following year to critical acclaim. His second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008, and was reportedly recorded in two weeks. 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.

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. The track listing for Epiphany was released on 15 September 2014. 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. 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.

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."

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. 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, after he reached an agreement with Nyesom Wike's band leader, Bamidele, who was the original creator of the song's chorus.

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.

Honours

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

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

Music collaborations

• Cold Outside feat BNXN
• 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
• O Pari – DJ Shawn feat Timaya & Falz
• Alubarika – Patoranking feat Timaya.
• Waje featuring Timaya – kpolongo.

Videography

Awards and nominations

• Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards
  • 2011: Best Afro-Dancehall song, "Plantain Boy" (Won)
• 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

Tours

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

References

References

1. Nation, The. (2022-07-16). "Why I exited Timaya's record label, by King Perry".
2. Chukwu, Reginald. (25 November 2013). "Timaya Surpasses Haters Expectations To Remain Relevant in the Industry". Nigeriaflims.com.
3. Adamu, Naomi. (10 July 2012). "Nigeria: The Story Behind Timaya's Rise". [[AllAfrica Global Media]].
4. (5 December 2009). "Timaya's Plantain Boy Rules Music Scene… Picks N9.5m Escalade jeep, new Lover". [[The Tide (Nigeria).
5. (14 January 2012). "Timaya, plantain seller tells his story". [[Vanguard Media]].
6. (January 2025). "'I was a backup singer for Idris Abdulkareem' – Timaya". Chrysanthus Ikeh.
7. "Timaya Settles 4 Years Beef With Obaksolo [PHOTOS]". Chijioke5050.
8. "Eedris never paid me a dime – Timaya". [[The Daily Independent (Lagos).
9. Jibola L. "New Video: Timaya – Love Over Me".
10. (29 November 2012). "Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Others to Be Honoured at Odudu Music Awards". [[AllAfrica Global Media]].
11. (1 October 2014). "New album alert: Timaya – "Epiphany"". Ebonylife Television.
12. Dayo Showemimo. (15 September 2014). "Timaya releases tracklist for new album, ''Epiphany''". [[Nigerian Entertainment Today]].
13. Joey Akan. (25 September 2014). "Timaya Has An Epiphany! Pop Star Releases 5th Solo Album". Pulse Nigeria.
14. Al Yhusuff. (7 October 2014). "ALBUM REVIEW: Timaya - Epiphany".
15. (21 January 2019). "New Music: Kcee feat. Timaya – Erima".
16. (13 February 2014). "Timaya's ''Chulo Vibes'' is one big open house party". Pulse Nigeria.
17. (17 September 2023). "How I met Wike – As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele". Punch Nigeria.
18. Enenaite, Blessing. (17 September 2023). "How I met Wike – As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele". [[Punch Newspapers]].
19. Udoh, Ukpeme. (21 September 2024). "Timaya: The Dancehall General". African Folder.
20. (28 May 2011). "Timaya is UN Peace Ambassador". [[Vanguard Media]].
21. (2024-04-15). "In My Head Lyrics by Timaya Feat. Tiwa Savage".
22. (30 August 2023). "Timaya Unleashes Infectious New Single "Tomato" with Dem Mama Records – Okayplayer".
23. (2022-06-07). "(Song) Timaya Charger {{!}} MP3 « tooXclusive".
24. Wonah, Israel. "Buju - Cold Outside ft Timaya Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz".
25. (2021-08-16). "[Music + Video] Timaya Ft. Phyno - Eff All Day".
26. (28 June 2019). "Timaya Drops hit track Stoopid".
27. (28 June 2019). "I cant't Kill Myself – Timaya".
28. (28 June 2019). "Balance – Timaya".
29. (18 June 2018). "Kom Kom – Timaya".
30. (18 June 2018). "Bam Bam ft Olamide – Timaya".
31. (18 June 2018). "Ah Blem Blem – Timaya".
32. (18 June 2018). "To U – Timaya".
33. (18 June 2018). "Ah Blem – Timaya".
34. (18 June 2018). "Telli Person – Timaya".
35. (18 June 2018). "Dance ft. Rudeboy - Timaya".
36. (18 June 2018). "I like the Way – Timaya".
37. (18 June 2018). "Pity 4 Us - Timaya".
38. (18 June 2018). "Woyo - Timaya".
39. (18 June 2018). "Who Born You - Timaya".
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41. OfficialTimaya. (26 August 2016). "Bang Bang (Official Music VIdeo) - Timaya - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya".
42. OfficialTimaya. (14 January 2016). "I Like The Way (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Official Timaya".
43. OfficialTimaya. (6 July 2015). "Some More - Timaya (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya".
44. (3 January 2015). "Amayanabo".
45. OfficialTimaya. (15 October 2015). "I Concur (Official Music Video) - Timaya ft. Don Jazzy - Official Timaya".
46. OfficialTimaya. (8 October 2013). "Ukwu (Official Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya".
47. OfficialTimaya. (12 November 2014). "Lai Lai - Timaya ft. Terry G - Epiphany - Official Timaya".
48. OfficialTimaya. (25 April 2015). "Gbagam - Timaya ft. Phyno & Deettii (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya".
49. OfficialTimaya. (5 June 2014). "Bow Down (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya".
50. OfficialTimaya. (19 July 2013). "Ekoloma Demba (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya".
51. "Timaya (Ft. BNXN) – Cold Outside".
52. abiola. (2017-07-20). "Remembering late singer Kefee's 'Kokoroko' featuring Timaya".
53. "Timaya Singer shares emotional grass-to-grace story in Hallelujah [Video]". David Mawuli.
54. S9, DJ Valentino. (2021-11-01). "Timaya – Cold Outside ft. Buju (Video)".
55. BellaNaija.com. (2024-02-28). "Timaya Releases Visuals for "Dey Your Dey"".
56. BellaNaija.com. (2024-04-15). "Timaya Drops Visuals for New Single "In My Head" featuring Tiwa Savage".
57. (28 September 2011). "Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011". Three Man on a Boat.