Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, widely known by his stage name Timaya (Chulo), is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter, born on 15 August 1980. He originates from Odi, Bayelsa state, South-South Nigeria. Timaya's music, characterized by a blend of Nigerian pop, dancehall, hip-hop, and soca, has propelled him to be among Nigeria's most esteemed performers. He has even earned the title as the king of the Afro-Soca music genre due to his fusion of Afro-Caribbean/Dancehall music with other genres. 

Timaya

Where It All Started From

Timaya began his solo career in 2005 with the release of his single "Dem Mama". This song also featured in his debut album, True Story, which came out in 2006. His subsequent album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008, followed by his third studio album, De Rebirth, in collaboration with Black Body Entertainment. The latter had the hit single "Plantain Boy" and, like its predecessors, enjoyed commercial success. Timaya also worked with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity).

In 2012, Timaya released the album "Upgrade," featuring hits like "Bum Bum," "Sexy Ladies," and "Malonogede."Over the years, Timaya's groundbreaking work in the music industry has earned him several awards and He received numerous nominations. His accolades include four Headies Awards, two AFRIMMA Awards, one Nigeria Music Award, and an NEA Award.

On 30th August 2023, Timaya launched a new single titled “Tomato”, under his record label, DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited, and Empire. The music video, directed by Clarence Peters, was released on YouTube on the 6th of September and featured guest appearances from well-known figures such as D’Banj and Cubana Chief Priest.

Early Life And Education 

Inetimi Timaya Odon, known as Timaya, was born on 15th August, 1980 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was the youngest of fifteen siblings. His dad was a banker, and his mom was in the trading business. He initially went to Assemblies of God Nursery And Primary School and then to Nkpolu Oroworukwo for secondary school in Port Harcourt. He was a bit rebellious as he would often sneak out to go to late-night music events. 

Before finishing secondary school, his mother sent him to Lagos with his elder brother and sister. There, he went to Ikeja Grammar School and obtained a secondary school certificate.

Timaya then went back to Port Harcourt to study Banking and Finance in college. However, he didn't do well in his exams and dropped out after the first semester. He then returned to Lagos and became a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem's hip-hop group. After three years, he left the group to focus on his solo music career. 

He began to collaborate with other rising stars and appeared in a music video by UDX, a Lagos-based rap group, although the video was never released. He then met a producer named Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who produced his first big hit, "Dem Mama", after hearing him sing it without any instrumental accompaniment. He also collaborated with Namse Udosen (Menthol X) on the track "Pomporo" on his first album, True Story.

In an interview in August 2013, Timaya explained that his song "Dem Mama" was about the 1999 attack on Odi, a riverside community in Niger Delta. The military had been looking for militants who they claimed had killed eight police officers. They ended up burning the village and killing many people. Timaya's song bravely addressed this issue, earning him respect and credibility.

Career 

Timaya has had a successful career with several albums, collaborations, and awards to his name. In 2007, he released his first album, True Story, which was well-received. He continued this momentum with his second album, Gift and Grace, in 2008, working with a variety of producers. This album won him two prestigious awards in Nigeria: "Album of the Year" at the Nigeria Music Awards and "Best Reggae/Dancehall album" at The Headies Awards.

2008 was also the year he was recognized for his collaboration on J Martins' "Good or Bad (O Wey)". In 2010, his third album, De Rebirth was released, featuring the hit single “Plantain Boy“. This album included collaborations with several artists including 2Baba, MI Abaga, and Wrecoba. That same year, his contribution to gospel artist Kefee's "Kokoroko" won "Best Collaboration" at the Headies Awards. 

In 2011, Timaya released a group album with his crew, Dem Mama Soldiers, titled LLNP (Long Life And Prosperity). The following year, he dropped a solo album, Upgrade, with the popular tracks “Bum-Bum“, “Sexy Ladies“, and “Malonogede“. This album saw him collaborating with artists like Attitude, Terry G, and Vector. 

In 2014, his fifth studio album, Epiphany, was released and featured global hits like “Bum Bum Remix”, “Sanko“, and “Ukwu“. This album had guest appearances from artists like 2Baba, Patoranking, Olamide, and Sir Shina Peters. After three years, in 2017, Timaya performed in Nassau, Bahamas, headlining the first-ever Afro-Soca Concert.

In 2019, after five years of releasing singles and touring, Timaya released an EP, Chulo Vibes, which included collaborations with East African artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca Legend Machel Montano, and Nigeria’s Burna Boy.

Aside from his personal music career, Timaya also established his record label, DM Records Limited, where he has nurtured talents like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artiste King Perryy was signed to the DM Records imprint.

Brand Ambassadorship

MTN

Globacom 

Hennessy

Moniepoint. 

Discography 

True Story (2007)

Gift And Grace (2008)

De Rebirth (2010)

LLNP Long Life N Prosperity (2011)

Upgrade (2012)

Epiphany (2014)

Chulo Vibes EP (2019)

Gratitude 2020

Singles 

- "Tomato" (Non-Album Single, 2023)

- "Charger" (2022)

- "Cold Outside" (featuring Buju, 2021)

- "Eff All Day" (featuring Phyno, 2021)

- "2 Stoopid" (Non-album single, 2019)

- "I Can't Kill Myself" (Chulo Vibes, 2019)

- "Balance" (2019)

- "Kom Kom" (featuring King Perry and Patoranking, Non-album single, 2018)

- "Bam Bam" (featuring Olamide, 2018)

- "Ah Blem Blem" (Electric Bodega Remix, 2018)

- "To U" (2018)

- "Ah Blem Blem" (2018)

- "Telli Person" (featuring Olamide and Phyno, 2018)

- "Dance" (featuring Rudeboy, 2017)

- "Pity 4 Us" (2017)

- "Woyo" (2017)

- "Money" (featuring Flavour, 2016)

- "Bang Bang" (2016)

- "I Like the Way" (2016)

- "Some More" (2015)

- "Amayanabo" (2015)

- "I Concur" (2015)

- "Ukwu" (2014)

- "Sanko" (2014)

- "Lai Lai" (Epiphany, 2014)

- "Gbagam" (2014)

- "Bow Down" (2014)

- "Ekoloma Demba" (2014)

Awards And Nominations 

1. Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards (2011):

Won: Best Afro-Dancehall song for "Plantain Boy"

2. Nigeria Music Awards (2008):

Won the award for "Album of the Year" titled "True Story."

3. The Headies

2008: Won Best Reggae/Dancehall Album for "True Story"

2009: Won Best Reggae/Dancehall Album for "Gift and Grace"

2009: Won Best Collaboration for "Good or Bad" (with J. Martins and P-Square)

2009: Nominated for Artiste of the Year

2010: Won Best Collaboration for "Kokoroko" (with Kefee)

4. Nigeria Entertainment Awards (2014):

Nominated for the title of "Indigenous Artist of the Year."

5. AFRIMMA:

2015: Nominated for Best Dancehall Artist

2016: Nominated for Best Dancehall Act of the Year

2017: Won Dancehall Act of the Year

2018: Nominated for Best African Reggae/Dancehall Act

6. Grammy 2018:

Nominated for Morgan Heritage's Reggae Night (Global Remix) from the album "Avrakedabra"

Wife And Children 

Is Timaya married?

Timaya is a father of four children from three different relationships, even though he isn't married. 

His first relationship was with Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo, who is a real estate entrepreneur and the founder of Superblachomes. They have two daughters, born in May 2012 and July 2015. Barbara, who currently resides in the US, ended the relationship due to suspicions of infidelity on Timaya's part.

Timaya's second relationship was with Tamar, a professional in sophisticated decorations. Together, they have a son, Emmanuel Odon, also known as Mani, who was born in July 2018.

Timaya's most recent relationship was with Dunnie Onasanya, a US-based visual artist and divorcee. They have a daughter, Maya, who was born in May 2020. Timaya announced Maya's birth with an Instagram post, which he has since deleted. It's unclear whether Timaya and Dunnie are still together or have separated.

Parents 

Timaya's father worked as a banker, but not much else is known about him. He didn't support his son's music career and wanted him to pursue a banking job like himself. However, Timaya enrolled in university to study banking and finance but didn't do well on his first exam. He ended up leaving during the first semester of his first year.

On the other hand, Timaya's mother was a trader who mainly dealt with selling plantains. Even before Timaya finished high school, his mother arranged for him to visit Lagos along with his older brother and sister. 

Siblings 

Timaya has publicly stated that he is one of fifteen children born to his father. While there is limited information available about his siblings, one sister named Emomoemi Odon, also known as "Momo Floxy," is known to the public. Momo Floxy successfully graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, with Timaya's support. He has provided her with significant financial assistance as well.

Houses And Cars 

Timaya's Lekki home is worth an impressive 500 million naira, showcasing his success as a music businessman. The house features a private studio, a pool, stylish furniture, and a stunning interior. It is incredibly spacious, offering ample living space.

In terms of cars, Timaya owns a luxurious white Bentley, valued at around 72 million naira. He also possesses a Mercedes Benz G55 AMG, estimated to cost approximately 55 million naira. Additionally, he owns two Range Rovers, with one valued at 17 million naira and the other at 19 million naira. Timaya's collection further includes a Lexus worth around 13 million naira and a MAYBACH 57, which is valued at an impressive 131 million naira.

Record Label 

Timaya created his own record label called DM Records Limited. Through this label, he nurtured and promoted talented artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he discovered a talented Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artist named King Perryy and signed him to his DM Records label.

Controversy 

Nigerian singer Timaya was arrested after a woman named Omawumi accused him on Instagram of hitting her sister with his vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. On Thursday morning, armed police officers went to Timaya's home and took him into custody. Prior to his arrest, Timaya was seen explaining to the officers what happened during the alleged hit-and-run incident. He was then taken away a few minutes later.

Net worth 

Timaya's wealth is estimated to be around $14.5 million. This impressive amount places him among the ten wealthiest musicians in Nigeria.

Social Media Handles 

Twitter: @timayatimaya

Instagram: @timayatimaya