Timaya Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Wiki, Cars, Children And Career
Timaya Biography: Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, born on August 15, 1980, known professionally as Timaya, stands as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music landscape as a dancehall/Reggae singer and songwriter. Renowned for his distinctive fusion of Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and soca, Timaya’s music embodies a captivating blend of Afro-Caribbean and Dancehall influences. Beyond his artistry, he holds the mantle of founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited, a platform that not only nurtures emerging talents but also serves as his own musical home base.
Wiki
Full Name: Inetimi Timaya Odon
Date of Birth: August 15, 1980
Place of Birth: Port Harcourt City, Rivers State
Origin: Bayesla
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur
Notable Songs: Cold Outside, Erima
Record Label: DM Records
Net Worth: $6 Million
Early Life and Career
Inetimi Timaya Odon, born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria, emerged as the youngest member of a sprawling family comprising fifteen siblings. Raised in the vibrant cultural milieu of Port Harcourt, his father’s profession as a banker and his mother’s involvement in trade shaped his early years. His educational journey commenced at the Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School, laying the foundation for his intellectual growth.
Transitioning to secondary education at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt, Timaya’s burgeoning passion for music often led him to defy household norms, drawn to the allure of late-night musical events. The pursuit of academic excellence then led him to Lagos, where he secured admission to Ikeja Grammar School, culminating in the attainment of his secondary school certificate.
Seeking to expand his horizons, Timaya returned to his roots in Port Harcourt to pursue studies in Banking and Finance, though his academic trajectory was marked by challenges, prompting his departure after the first semester. Returning to Lagos, he found his niche in the burgeoning hip-hop scene, joining Eedris Abdulkareem’s group as a backup vocalist. Three years of apprenticeship under Eedris honed his skills, but the allure of solo endeavors beckoned, leading him to carve his path in the music industry.
Collaborative ventures with emerging artists and a fortuitous encounter with producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, catalyzed Timaya’s solo career. His breakout moment came with the release of “Dem Mama,” a poignant reflection on the 1999 tragedy in Odi, a riverside community in the Niger Delta. This track, featured on his debut album “True Story,” resonated deeply, earning him widespread acclaim and street cred for his unflinching portrayal of societal issues.
The year 2005 marked the dawn of Timaya’s solo odyssey, punctuated by the release of his debut single “Dem Mama,” setting the stage for a prolific musical journey. “True Story,” released the subsequent year, cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. Building on this momentum, his sophomore album “Gift and Grace” (2008) further solidified his position, paving the way for international recognition with his third studio album “De Rebirth.”
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The collaborative efforts with Black Body Entertainment yielded commercial success, with hits like “Plantain Boy” permeating airwaves both within and beyond Nigeria. Timaya’s ascent as a musical luminary underscores not only his artistic prowess but also his commitment to confronting social realities through his music, a testament to his enduring impact on the global stage.
In 2010, Timaya’s collaborative prowess reached new heights when he featured on the track “Kokoroko” by female gospel artist Kefee. This dynamic collaboration soared to victory, clinching the prestigious *Best Collaboration* award at the esteemed 2010 Headies Awards, further solidifying Timaya’s reputation as a sought-after collaborator within the music industry.
Continuing his streak of successful collaborations, Timaya lent his signature style to “Erima,” a vibrant track by Kcee, showcasing his versatility and ability to seamlessly blend genres.
On June 25, 2012, Timaya unveiled his highly anticipated album “Upgrade,” a musical masterpiece that birthed chart-topping hits such as “Bum Bum,” “Sexy Ladies,” and “Malonogede.” The album’s rich tapestry of sounds was further enhanced by collaborations with notable artists including Attitude, Terry G, Vector, and a memorable duet with Duncan Mighty on “I Know I Know Dat.” Their synergy captivated audiences, earning them well-deserved recognition at the fourth annual Odudu Music Awards, alongside esteemed peers in the music industry.
In 2014, Timaya unveiled his fifth studio album, “Epiphany,” a sprawling 20-track opus that showcased his global appeal and musical dexterity. The album featured an array of acclaimed tracks such as the remix of “Bum Bum” with Dancehall luminary Sean Paul, as well as hits like “Sanko” and “Ukwu.” Collaborations with esteemed artists including 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, Olamide, and Phyno further elevated the album’s status, cementing Timaya’s position as a musical force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
The year 2017 marked a significant milestone in Timaya’s career as he headlined the groundbreaking Afro-Soca Concert in Nassau, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and infectious energy. His global impact was further underscored in 2018 when he received his first Grammy nomination in the esteemed *Best Reggae Album* category for his collaboration with Morgan Heritage on the track “Reggae Night (global remix)” from the album “Avrakedabra.”
In April 2024, Timaya joined forces with Tiwa Savage on the scintillating track “In My Hand.” The accompanying music video, directed by Director Pink, showcased their dynamic chemistry and musical prowess, further solidifying Timaya’s status as a visionary artist and cultural icon.
Timaya’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he established his record label, DM Records Limited, nurturing emerging talents such as Patoranking, Runtown, King Perryy, and KillerTunes. In 2020, he unveiled the Chulo Brand, a fashion and lifestyle venture inspired by his popular nickname “Papi Chulo,” signaling his foray into the world of fashion and merchandise.
Awards
Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards
Timaya clinched the prestigious title of *Best Afro-Dancehall Song* for his electrifying track “Plantain Boy,” in 2009, marking a resounding victory in the realm of Afro-Dancehall rhythms
Nigeria Music Awards
The crowning jewel in Timaya’s accolades, the *Album of the Year* honor for “True Story” at the Nigeria Music Awards in 2008, underscored his mastery in crafting musical narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
The Headies
Timaya’s seminal album “True Story” garnered further acclaim with the accolade for *Best Reggae/Dancehall Album*, solidifying his standing as a trailblazer in the Nigerian music landscape in 2008
Continuing his winning streak, Timaya seized the titles for *Best Reggae/Dancehall Album* with “Gift and Grace” and *Best Collaboration* for the infectious hit “Good or Bad,” featuring collaborations with J. Martins and P-Square in 2009
Timaya’s collaborative prowess shone once again as he triumphed in the category of *Best Collaboration* for the captivating track “Kokoroko,” a vibrant musical fusion alongside Kefee in 2010.
Afrimma
The accolade for *Dancehall Act of the Year* at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards Afrimma 2017 further underscored Timaya’s enduring influence and resonance within the dancehall genre.
Grammy Awards
Timaya’s global impact reverberated as his collaboration with Morgan Heritage on the track “Reggae Night (Global Remix)” off the album “Avrakedabra” earned recognition at the esteemed Grammy Awards in 2018.
Social Media
Timaya’s social media footprint extends far and wide, boasting an impressive following of over 2 million devoted fans on Instagram, where he engages and entertains with his vibrant persona and musical updates.
Personal Life
Timaya’s personal journey is marked by the joys of fatherhood, with four children from three different women. Despite this, he has candidly expressed his stance on marriage, revealing no inclination towards formalizing his romantic relationships.
Net Worth
With a flourishing career and diverse ventures, Timaya’s financial stature stands at an impressive $6 million, a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen and enduring success in the entertainment industry.