Timaya
Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon (born 15 August 1980), better known by his stage name Timaya, is an award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is from Odi, Bayelsa state, South-South Nigeria. Timaya is known for combining Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and soca, as well as his blend of Afro-Caribbean/Dancehall music. He is the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited, which he is also signed to.
Timaya | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon |
Born | Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria | 15 August 1980
Origin | Odi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria |
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Years active | 2005–present |
Labels | DM Records |
His solo career began in 2005 with the release of the single Dem Mama which highlighted the Odi massacre. His debut album, True Story, released the following year, followed by his second album Gift and Grace, in 2008. His third studio album De Rebirth was released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment and had the lead single "Plantain Boy". He collaborated with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity). In 2012, Timaya released Upgrade. To date, his work has earned him several awards and nominations including four Headies Awards wins, 2 AFRIMMA Awards wins, one Nigeria Music Award and an NEA Award.
In August 2023, Timaya released a new single, “Tomato” under Dem Mama Records and Empire. The music video was released on YouTube the following month. The music video was directed by Clarence Peters, with cameo appearances from D’Banj, the Cubana Chief Priest.