Timaya Biography

Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Alfred Odon, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and businessman known for his unique music style that blends reggae, hip hop, and Afrobeat.

He began his music career in 2005 and has since released several successful albums, collaborated with many artists, and won numerous awards. Timaya is also a successful entrepreneur with interests in real estate and hospitality.

Timaya Biography

Early Life And Education

Timaya was born Inetimi Alfred Odon on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large family and was the last of fifteen children.

His parents were both civil servants, and they instilled in him a strong work ethic and the value of education from a young age.

As a child, Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School in Port Harcourt, where he excelled academically.

He later went on to attend Nkpolu Oroworukwo Secondary School and completed his secondary education at Lagos State Comprehensive Secondary School in Epe, Lagos State.

After completing his education, Timaya struggled to find work, and for a time, he worked as a plantain seller to make ends meet. However, he never gave up on his dreams of becoming a musician.

In the late 1990s, Timaya began performing at local bars and clubs in Port Harcourt, honing his craft and building a following. He eventually caught the attention of Nigerian music producer K-Solo, who signed him to his record label, K-Solo Music.

Under K-Solo’s guidance, Timaya recorded his first demo, which caught the attention of Nigerian music mogul and CEO of DM Records, Don Jazzy.

Don Jazzy signed Timaya to his label and helped him record his debut album, “True Story,” which was released in 2005.

Despite initial skepticism from critics, “True Story” was a massive success, with hit tracks like “Dem Mama” and “Ogologomma” dominating the airwaves.

The album cemented Timaya’s status as a major force in Nigerian music and helped to launch his career to new heights.

 

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Career

Timaya’s career in the Nigerian music industry began in 2005 with the release of his debut album “True Story” under the label of Don Jazzy’s Mo’ Hits Records.

The album was a major success, with the single “Dem Mama” becoming a nationwide anthem and earning Timaya the nickname “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.”

In 2007, Timaya released his second album “Gift and Grace,” which was also well-received, producing hit tracks like “Plantain Boy” and “Ogologo Ndu.” The success of this album further cemented Timaya’s place in the Nigerian music scene.

Over the years, Timaya has continued to release successful albums and collaborate with other artists, including Patoranking, 2Baba, Olamide, and Wizkid, among others.

Some of his most popular songs include “Bum Bum,” “Ukwu,” and “I Can’t Kill Myself.”

In addition to his music career, Timaya is also a successful businessman with interests in real estate and hospitality.

He launched his first venture in the hospitality industry, “Signature Lounge,” in 2019 and has since expanded to include “Grill and Chill” and “Signature Bakery.”

Timaya’s success has earned him numerous accolades over the years, including the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Best Dancehall/Reggae Artist in 2014 and 2015 and the Headies Award for Best Reggae/Dancehall Single in 2018.

He has also been nominated for several other awards and has performed at major events both in Nigeria and internationally.

Personal Life

Fatherhood

Timaya is a proud father of three children. He had his first daughter, Emma, in 2012 with his long-time girlfriend, Barbara Nwokolo.

In 2018, he welcomed a son, Emmanuel, with his second baby mama, Tama, who is also a popular Ghanaian actress. Timaya and Tama also have another daughter, Maya, who was born in 2019.

Timaya has often spoken about the importance of family and fatherhood in his life. In an interview with Punch Nigeria, he mentioned that becoming a father changed his outlook on life and inspired him to work harder to provide for his family.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

In addition to his music career, Timaya is also involved in several philanthropic and advocacy initiatives.

He is passionate about giving back to his community and supporting causes that promote youth empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability.

Timaya has been involved in several charitable activities over the years, including donating to orphanages and organizing free concerts for fans in his hometown.

In 2018, he launched the “The Vibes Foundation,” a non-profit organization focused on empowering young people through education and skills training.

In addition to his philanthropic work, Timaya has also been vocal about social and political issues affecting Nigeria and Africa.

He has used his platform to advocate for better governance, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

 

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Timaya has also spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and the importance of taking care of oneself.

In a 2019 interview with The Guardian Nigeria, he mentioned that he had experienced depression and anxiety in the past and encouraged others to seek help when needed.

Timaya has also been a strong advocate for the legalization of cannabis in Nigeria, arguing that it can have positive benefits for mental health and overall wellbeing.

He has also mentioned that he uses cannabis to help manage his own mental health.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of music and philanthropy, Timaya has several hobbies and interests. He is an avid football fan and has often shared his love for the sport on social media.

He is also a fan of fashion and has been known to rock bold and colorful outfits both on and off stage.

Timaya is also a lover of luxury cars and has an impressive collection of cars, including a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a Bentley, and a Range Rover, among others.

Business ventures

Timaya, a successful Nigerian musician, has ventured into various business activities throughout his career.

In addition to music, he has built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur, investing in different ventures that have expanded his brand and financial portfolio.

Here is a more detailed look at some of Timaya’s notable business ventures:

1. DM Records: Timaya founded DM Records in 2007, and it has since grown to become one of the most successful record labels in Nigeria. The label has produced hit songs such as “Ukwu” and “Dem Mama,” and it has signed several artists over the years. DM Records has also helped launch the careers of other successful artists, including Patoranking and Runtown.
2. Real Estate: Timaya has invested heavily in real estate, building several properties, including his mansion in Port Harcourt, which is estimated to be worth over ₦500 million. He has also invested in other real estate projects in Nigeria, such as a hotel in Lekki, Lagos. His real estate investments have helped him accumulate a significant amount of wealth over the years.
3. InSkate: In 2018, Timaya launched InSkate, a venture that provides a platform for skateboarding enthusiasts in Nigeria. The initiative aims to promote the sport and provide a recreational outlet for young people. Timaya has been actively involved in promoting InSkate on his social media channels, and it has gained significant traction in the country.
4. Hennessy Ambassador: Timaya was appointed as a brand ambassador for Hennessy in Nigeria in 2019, a deal that has further boosted his brand value. The partnership has also seen Timaya feature in Hennessy’s “The Conversation” series, where he shares insights into his life and music career.
5. Investment: Timaya has also invested in other businesses, including agriculture and fashion. In 2020, he invested in a poultry farm in Rivers State, which is said to be one of the largest in the state. He has also launched a fashion line called “Chulo Vibes,” which features casual wear and accessories.
6. Endorsement Deals: Timaya has signed several endorsement deals with various brands in Nigeria, including telecommunication companies and alcoholic beverage brands. In addition to Hennessy, he has been a brand ambassador for Globacom and Nigerian Breweries.

Awards and Recognition