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Timaya

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Timaya
Background information
Birth nameInetimi Alfred Odom
Born (1980-08-15) 15 August 1980 (age 44)
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
OriginOdi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active2005–present
LabelsDM Records

Inetimi Alfred Odom (born 15 August 1980), better known by his stage name Timaya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is from Odi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Timaya is known for combining Nigerian pop with elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and soca, as well as Afro-Caribbean/Dancehall music. He is the founder of DM (Dem Mama) Records Limited, where he is also signed.

His solo career began in 2005 with the release of the single "Dem Mama," which spoke about the Odi massacre. His debut album, True Story, was released the following year, followed by his second album, Gift and Grace, in 2008. His third studio album, De Rebirth, was released in collaboration with Black Body Entertainment and featured the lead single "Plantain Boy".[1] 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, two AFRIMMA Awards, one Nigeria Music Award, and one NEA Award.[2]

In August 2023, Timaya released a single titled "Tomato" under Dem Mama Records and Empire. The music video premiered on YouTube the following month, directed by Clarence Peters and featured cameo appearances by D’Banj and the Cubana Chief Priest.

Early life

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Inetimi Alfred Odom was born on 15 August 1980 in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up as the youngest of fifteen children in a large family. His father worked as a banker, while his mother was a trader. For his early education, Timaya attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School.[3] His secondary education began at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt,[1] where he often broke house rules to attend late-night music events. After relocating to Lagos, arranged by his mother, he enrolled at Ikeja Grammar School and eventually obtained his secondary school certificate there.[4]

Timaya later returned to Port Harcourt to study banking and finance; however, he performed poorly in his examinations and dropped out after the first semester.[3] He then moved back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem's hip-hop group as a backup vocalist.[5] After three years with Eedris, Timaya left the group to build a solo career. He began collaborations with fellow up-and-coming artists and made his first cameo appearance in an unreleased music video by UDX, a Lagos-based rap group.[6] Subsequently, he met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who produced his first major hit record, "Dem Mama," after hearing him perform the a cappella version.[7] He also collaborated with Namse Udosen (Menthol X) on the track "Pomporo" on his debut album, True Story.

Career

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2005–2009: True Story, Gift and Grace, and De Rebirth

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His solo career began in 2005 with the release of his debut single, "Dem Mama," which recounted the massacre that occurred in his community of Odi. The song appeared on his debut album, True Story,[8] released the following year to critical acclaim. His second album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008. He gained further visibility and international prominence with his third studio album, De Rebirth, released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment and featuring the lead single "Plantain Boy." Both the album and the single were commercially successful, dominating the airwaves within and outside Nigeria.

2010–2017: Upgrade, Epiphany, Bum Bum Remix, and Grammy nomination

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In 2010, Timaya was featured on the song "Kokoroko" by the female gospel artist Kefee, which won the Best Collaboration category at the 2010 Headies Awards. Later, he collaborated with Kcee on the song "Erima." On June 25, 2012, Timaya released another album titled Upgrade, which spawned hits like "Bum Bum," "Sexy Ladies," and "Malonogede." The album featured collaborations with Attitude, Terry G, and Vector. Duncan Mighty and Timaya dueted on 'I Know I Know Dat', which leaked onto the internet a few hours after Duncan Mighty's album Footprints was released in stores. Both artists were honoured at the fourth annual Odudu Music Awards, alongside M-Trill, Sodi Cookey, Becky Enyioma, and Timi Dakolo.[9]

Timaya on NdaniTV

In 2014, Timaya released his fifth studio album titled Epiphany. The album featured 20 tracks, including global hits such as "Bum Bum Remix" featuring Dancehall A-Lister Sean Paul, "Sanko," and "Ukwu." It also included collaborations with 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, Olamide, Sir Shina Peters, Deethi, Phyno, and Terry G.[10]

In 2017, Timaya performed in Nassau where he headlined the first-ever Afro-Soca Concert. In 2018, he received his first Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. He was featured on Avrakedabra, an album by Morgan Heritage on the track titled "Reggae Night" (global remix). Timaya established his record label, DM Records Limited, which became home to artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he signed the young Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artist King Perryy and producer KillerTunes to the DM Records imprint.

Timaya Performing for fans at a tour in Rwanda, April 2022.

2019–2020: Chulo Vibes and Gratitude

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After five years of releasing singles and touring, Timaya released an EP titled Chulo Vibes. This project featured collaborations with Tanzanian artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca legend Machel Montano, and Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.[11] His sixth solo studio album, Gratitude, a 15-track body of work, was released in 2020. The album included singles such as 'Balance,' 'I Can't Kill Myself,' 'Gra Gra,' 'Don Dada,' and 'Born To Win,' respectively.

2021–2022: Cold Outside

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In 2021, Timaya teamed up with Nigerian wonderchild BNXN and hit record producer Yung Willis for his latest single titled "Cold Outside." After its debut on October 14, 2021, the song became an instant hit, making it quickly to Official Naija Top 10 charts. In just three months, "Cold Outside" amassed over 75 million streams and was played over 500 million times worldwide.

On 16 March 2022, Timaya released his third single "Charger" from his upcoming studio album titled Chuloverse, following "Cold Outside" and "No Pressure." "Charger," Produced by the Nigerian Amapiano powerhouse duo Smeez & D3an, features a modish Amapiano rhythm—a hybrid of deep house, jazz, and lounge music characterised by synths, airy pads, and wide percussive bass lines originated from South Africa. Timaya's unique rhythmic vocals add a distinctive touch to the track, earning it well-deserved acclaim.

2023–present: Gladiator

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In 2023, Timaya's 2022 release Sweet Us became a national hit song and an anthem for the 2023 general elections after reaching an agreement with Nyesom Wike's band leader Bamidele, who was the original creator of the song's chorus. [12]

In 2024, Timaya released his 13-track, eighth-studio album. Discussing the album with African Folder's Ukpeme Udoh, Timaya claimed that his life's challenges inspired the Gladiator album. [13]

Honours

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In 2011, Timaya was appointed as a Peace Ambassador by the Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP). Dr. Hak Ja Haan Moon, co-founder of the IIFWP, described him as "one of those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices which promote the founding ideals of the IIFWP."[14]

Brand ambassadorship

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  • MTN
  • Globacom[15]
  • Hennessy
  • Moniepoint

Discography

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Albums

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  • True Story (2007)
  • Gift And Grace (2008)
  • De Rebirth (2010)
  • LLNP Long Life N Prosperity (2011)
  • Upgrade (2012)
  • Epiphany (2014)
  • Gratitude (2020)
  • Gladiator (2024)

Extended plays

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  • Chulo Vibes (2019)

Selected singles

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Year Title Album Ref
2024 "In My Head" (featuring Tiwa Savage) Non-Album Single [16]
2023 "Tomato" Non-Album Single [17]
2022 "Charger" [18]
2021 "Cold Outside" (featuring Bnxn FKA Buju) [19]
2021 "Eff All Day" (featuring Phyno) [20]
2019 "2 Stoopid" Non-album single [21]
2019 "I Can't Kill Myself" Chulo Vibes [22]
2019 "Balance" [23]
2018 "Kom Kom" (featuring King Perry and Patoranking) Non-album single [24]
2018 "Bam Bam" (featuring Olamide) [25]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" (Electric Bodega Remix) [26]
2018 "To U" [27]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" [28]
2018 "Telli Person" (featuring Olamide and Phyno) [29]
2017 "Dance" (featuring Rudeboy) [30]
2017 "I Like the Way" (Electric Bodega Remix) [31]
2017 "Pity 4 Us" [32]
2017 "Woyo" [33]
2017 "Who Born You" [34]
2016 "Money" (featuring Flavour) [35]
2016 "Bang Bang" [36]
2016 "I Like the Way" [37]
2015 "Some More" [38]
2015 "Amayanabo" [39]
2015 "I Concur" [40]
2014 "Ukwu" [41]
2014 "Sanko" [35]
2014 "Lai Lai" Epiphany [42]
2014 "Gbagam" [43]
2014 "Bow Down" [44]
2014 "Ekoloma Demba" [45]

Videography

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Year Title Director Ref
2012 Malonogede Gini
2012 Bum Bum Clarence Peters
2012 Sexy Ladies Clarence Peters
2014 Ekoloma Demba Matt Max
2014 Watta Bam Bam Godfather Productions
2014 Ukwu Moe Musa
2014 Bum Bum Remix Shuta Films
2014 Bow Down Unlimited L.A
2014 Sanko Unlimited L.A
2014 Gbagam Clarence Peters
2015 Hallelujah Matt Max [46]
2015 Some More Uprooted Media
2015 Hallelujah Matt Max
2015 I Concur Clarence Peters
2015 I Like The Way UpRooted Media
2015 Money Clarence Peters
2016 Bang Bang Patrick Elis
2016 Woyo Unlimited L.A
2016 Dance Clarence Peters
2017 Telli Person Clarence Peters
2018 Ah Blem Blem Clarence Peters
2018 To U Unlimited L.A
2018 Bam Bam Unlimited L.A
2018 Kom Kom Unlimited L.A
2019 Balance Unlimited L.A
2019 I Can't Kill Myself Director K
2019 2 Stoopid TG Omori
2021 Cold Outside TG Omori [47]
2023 Tomato Clarence Peters
2024 Dey Your Dey Masterkraft [48]
2024 In My Head featuring Tiwa Savage Director Pink [49]
2024 Blessings Dey Come way Masterkraft

Awards and nominations

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  • Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards
    • 2011:Best Afro-Dancehall song, " Plantain Boy" (Won)[50]
  • Nigeria Music Awards
    • 2008: Album of the Year, True Story (Won)
  • The Headies
    • 2008: Best Reggae/Dancehall Album, True Story (Won)
    • 2009: Best Reggae/Dancehall Album, Gift and Grace (Won)
    • 2009: Best Collaboration, "Good or Bad" (with J. Martins and P-Square) (Won)
    • 2009: Artiste of the Year (Nominated)
    • 2010: Best Collaboration, "Kokoroko" (with Kefee) (Won)
  • Nigeria Entertainment Awards
    • 2014: Indigenous Artist of the Year (Nominated)
  • AFRIMMA
    • Afrimma 2015 Best Dancehall Artist (Nominated)
    • Afrimma 2016 Best Dancehall Act of the Year (Nominated)
    • Afrimma 2017 Dancehall Act of the Year (Won)
    • Afrimma 2018 Best African Reggae/Dancehall Act (Nominated)
  • Grammy 2018
    • Morgan Heritage's Reggae Night (Global Remix) off the album Avrakedabra

Tours

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  • 2021 – Timaya US Tour
  • 2019 – Timaya Chulo Vibes Europe Tour
  • 2018 – Timaya Live in Canada
  • 2017 – Timaya US Tour

Collaborations

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Timaya's Plantain Boy Rules Music Scene… Picks N9.5m Escalade jeep, new Lover". The Tide News. 5 December 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  2. ^ Chukwu, Reginald (25 November 2013). "Timaya Surpasses Haters Expectations To Remain Relevant in the Industry". Nigeriaflims.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  3. ^ a b Adamu, Naomi (10 July 2012). "Nigeria: The Story Behind Timaya's Rise". AllAfrica.com. AllAfrica Global Media. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Timaya, plantain seller tells his story". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. 14 January 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  5. ^ "'I was a backup singer for Idris Abdulkareem' – Timaya". Nigeria Entertainment Today. Chrysanthus Ikeh. Retrieved 27 September 2015.[permanent dead link‍]
  6. ^ "Timaya". Bukati. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  7. ^ "Timaya Settles 4 Years Beef With Obaksolo [PHOTOS]". Naijaxtra. Chijioke5050. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  8. ^ "Eedris never paid me a dime –Timaya". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Others to Be Honoured at Odudu Music Awards". AllAfrica.com. AllAfrica Global Media. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  10. ^ "New album alert: Timaya – "Epiphany"". EbonylifeTV. Ebonylife Television. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  11. ^ "Timaya's Chulo Vibes is one big open house party". PulseNG. Pulse Nigeria. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  12. ^ Enenaite, Blessing (17 September 2023). "How I met Wike –As E Dey Sweet Us musician, Bamidele". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  13. ^ Udoh, Ukpeme (21 September 2024). "Timaya: The Dancehall General". African Folder. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  14. ^ "Timaya is UN Peace Ambassador". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  15. ^ "Glo signs Timaya as brand ambassador". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  16. ^ "In My Head Lyrics by Timaya Feat. Tiwa Savage". NotjustOk. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  17. ^ "Timaya Unleashes Infectious New Single "Tomato" with Dem Mama Records - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  18. ^ "(Song) Timaya Charger | MP3 « tooXclusive". 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  19. ^ Wonah, Israel. "Buju - Cold Outside ft Timaya Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  20. ^ "[Music + Video] Timaya Ft. Phyno - Eff All Day". Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  21. ^ "Timaya Drops hit track Stoopid". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "I cant't Kill Myself - Timaya". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  23. ^ "Balance - Timaya". 28 June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via YouTube.
  24. ^ "Kom Kom - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  25. ^ "Bam Bam ft Olamide - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  26. ^ "Ah Blem Blem - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  27. ^ "To U - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  28. ^ "Ah Blem- Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  29. ^ "Telli Person- Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  30. ^ "Dance ft. Rudeboy - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  31. ^ "I like the Way - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  32. ^ "Pity 4 Us - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  33. ^ "Woyo - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  34. ^ "Who Born You - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2017 – via Apple Music.
  35. ^ a b OfficialTimaya (14 May 2016). "Money - Timaya feat Flavour - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ OfficialTimaya (26 August 2016). "Bang Bang (Official Music VIdeo) - Timaya - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  37. ^ OfficialTimaya (14 January 2016). "I Like The Way (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ OfficialTimaya (6 July 2015). "Some More - Timaya (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ "Amayanabo" (video). Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  40. ^ OfficialTimaya (15 October 2015). "I Concur (Official Music Video) - Timaya ft. Don Jazzy - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ OfficialTimaya (8 October 2013). "Ukwu (Official Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  42. ^ OfficialTimaya (12 November 2014). "Lai Lai - Timaya ft. Terry G - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ OfficialTimaya (25 April 2015). "Gbagam - Timaya ft. Phyno & Deettii (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  44. ^ OfficialTimaya (5 June 2014). "Bow Down (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  45. ^ OfficialTimaya (19 July 2013). "Ekoloma Demba (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  46. ^ "Timaya Singer shares emotional grass-to-grace story in Hallelujah [Video]". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  47. ^ S9, DJ Valentino (1 November 2021). "Timaya – Cold Outside ft. Buju (Video)". Six9ja. Retrieved 7 June 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  48. ^ BellaNaija.com (28 February 2024). "Timaya Releases Visuals for "Dey Your Dey"". BellaNaija. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  49. ^ BellaNaija.com (15 April 2024). "Timaya Drops Visuals for New Single "In My Head" featuring Tiwa Savage". BellaNaija. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  50. ^ "Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011". 3-mob.com. Three Man on a Boat. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  51. ^ Timaya (Ft. BNXN) – Cold Outside, retrieved 15 April 2024
  52. ^ abiola (20 July 2017). "Remembering late singer Kefee's 'Kokoroko' featuring Timaya". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
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