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| Biography of Timaya, Career & Achievements |
Early Life and Background
Inetimi Alfred Odon, popularly known as Timaya, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family as the youngest of fifteen children. His father worked as a banker, while his mother was a trader.
Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School and later Nkpolu Oroworukwo Secondary School, Port Harcourt. After relocating to Lagos, he studied briefly at the University of Port Harcourt, where he focused on Banking and Finance but dropped out to pursue his passion for music.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Timaya’s music career began when he worked as a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem’s hip-hop group. He later went solo and started recording his own music. His breakthrough came in 2005 with the release of “Dem Mama”, a song that narrated the military invasion of his hometown, Odi, in Bayelsa State. The track resonated deeply with Nigerians and announced him as a socially conscious artist.
Rise to Fame
In 2007, Timaya released his debut album “True Story”, which included Dem Mama and other hits. This was followed by his second album, “Gift and Grace” (2008), which featured popular tracks like Plantain Boy and Ogologomma.
By 2010, Timaya had become one of Nigeria’s most successful dancehall and Afro-dancehall artists. His third album, “De Rebirth”, and its hit single “Plantain Boy”, further cemented his place in the industry.
Discography
Studio Albums
True Story (2007)
Gift and Grace (2008)
De Rebirth (2010)
Upgrade (2012)
Epiphany (2014)
Chulo Vibes (EP, 2019)
Gratitude (2020)
Popular Songs by Timaya
Dem Mama (2005)
Plantain Boy (2010)
Bum Bum ft. Sean Paul (2014)
Sanko (2014)
I Concur ft. Don Jazzy (2015)
Balance (2019)
Cold Outside ft. Buju (BNXN) (2021)
Awards and Achievements
Timaya has won several awards and nominations throughout his career, including:
Nigeria Music Awards – Album of the Year (2008)
Headies Awards – Best Reggae/Dancehall Album (2008, 2010)
AFRIMA Awards nominations for Best Dancehall Act
Multiple international collaborations with artists like Sean Paul and Gyptian
His influence on Nigerian dancehall and Afro-dancehall has earned him the nickname “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa” (The People’s Town Crier).
Personal Life
Timaya is a proud father of four children from different relationships. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life, he remains dedicated to his family and music career. Known for his humility and consistency, Timaya has transitioned from being a street hustler in Lagos to one of Nigeria’s most successful and respected music icons.
Legacy and Impact
Timaya is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Afro-dancehall in Nigeria. His unique fusion of dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeat has paved the way for a new generation of artists. With over a decade of consistency, he remains a household name in African music.
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