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Timaya
Background information
Birth nameInetimi Alfred Timaya Odon
Born (1980-08-15) 15 August 1980 (age 43)
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
OriginOdi, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2005–present
LabelsDM Records

Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon (born 15 August 1980), better known by his stage name Timaya, is a 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.

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 occupies 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 wins, 2 AFRIMMA Awards wins, one Nigeria Music Award and an NEA Award.[2]

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.

Early life

Inetimi Timaya Odon was born on 15 August 1980 in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria. He grew up as part of a large family, the youngest of fifteen children. His father was a banker, and his mother was a trader. For his early education, Odon attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School.[3] His secondary school education began at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt.[1] He would often break house rules to attend late-night music events. After his mother arranged for him to move to Lagos, he gained admission into Lagos' Ikeja Grammar School, where he eventually obtained a secondary school certificate.[4]

Timaya later returned to Port Harcourt to study Banking and Finance, however, he performed poorly in examinations and dropped out after first semester.[3] He then moved back to Lagos to join Eedris Abdulkareem's hiphop group as a backup vocalist.[5] After three years working for Eedris, Timaya departed from the group to focus on his solo career. He began to record 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] He subsequently 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 worked with Namse Udosen (Menthol X) on the track Pomporo on his first album, True Story.

Describing the song in an interview posted in August 2013, Timaya said: "'Dem Mama' was an account of the 1999 destruction of Odi, a river side community in Niger Delta. Soldiers were hunting down militants they alleged killed eight policemen. The village was burnt down and numerous people killed. I bravely tackled the issue years later and won instant street credibility for my boldness."[8]

Career

2005-2009 (True Story, Gift & Grace, De Rebirth)

His solo career began in 2005 with the release of his debut single, Dem Mama, which was an account of the massacre that happened in his community, Odi. The song appeared on his debut album, True Story,[9] released the following year to great critical acclaim. His sophomore album, Gift and Grace, was released in 2008. He gained further visibility and international prominence through his third studio album, De Rebirth released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment—with its lead single, Plantain Boy. Both were commercially successful as they took over airwaves within and outside Nigeria.

2010-2017 (Upgrade, Epiphany, Bum Bum remix and Grammy nomination)

In 2010, he featured on the song Kokoroko by female gospel artist Kefee, which went on to win in the Best Collaboration category at the 2010 Headies Awards. He went on to be featured by Kcee in a song titled Erima. On 25 June 2012, Timaya released another album, 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 was leaked onto the internet a few hours after the former's album footprints was released into stores. Both artists were among the honorees at the fourth annual Odudu Music Awards alongside M-Trill, Sodi Cookey, Becky Enyioma and Timi Dakolo.[10]

Timaya on NdaniTV

In 2014, he released his fifth studio album, titled Epiphany. The album was a 20-tracker, with global hits, such as Bum Bum Remix featuring Dancehall A-Lister, Sean Paul, Sanko, and Ukwu. It also featured 2Baba Idibia, Patoranking, Olamide, Sir Shina Peters, Deethi, Phyno and Terry G.[11] 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. The Afro-Soca star featured on Avrakedabra, an album by Morgan Heritage on a track titled Reggae Night (global remix). Timaya set up his record label, DM Records Limited, which became home to artists like Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he signed young Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artiste, King Perryy, KillerTunes to the DM Records imprint.

Timaya Performing to Fans at a tour in Rwanda, April 2022.

2019-2020 (CHULO VIBES & GRATITUDE)

After 5 years of releasing singles and touring, Timaya released an EP titled Chulo Vibes. This project featured collaborations from East African artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca legend, Machel Montano, and Nigeria's Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.[12] His sixth solo studio album, Gratitude, a 15-track body of work, was released in 2020. The projects had hit singles like Balance, I Can't Kill Myself & Gra Gra, Don Dada, and Born To Win, respectively.

2021/2022 (Cold Outside)

In 2021, Timaya teamed up with Nigerian wonderkid, BNXN and hit record producer, Yung Willis for his latest single titled Cold Outside. After its release, the song became an instant hit and has stayed on the Official Naija Top 10 charts since it was released on October 14. Cold Outside raced to over 75 million streams in barely three months of release and has been played over 500 million times around the world. On March 16, 2022, Timaya released the third single Charger off his next studio album titled Chuloverse, following Cold Outside and No Pressure. Charger Produced by Nigerian Amapiano powerhouse duo, Smeez & D3an, is a modish Amapiano rhythm (a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterized by synths, airy pads and wide percussive bass lines which originated from South Africa) caressed by his unique, rhythmic vocals to score deserved points.

Honours

In 2011, Timaya was appointed a Peace Ambassador by the Inter religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP). Dr. Hak Ja Haan Moon, co-founder of the IIFWP, stated that he is "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."[13]

Fashion

In 2020, he launched the Chulo Brand which was inspired by his popular nickname Papi Chulo [14] or Chulo for short. His fanbase (which is divided into two groups) also calls themselves Chulo Gang or Team Higher. With the Chulo Brand, Timaya says we should expect a fashion line and a cool merchandise rollout as he wants to channel his fashion essence through the brand.

Brand Ambassadorship

Discography

Albums

Selected singles

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (February 2016)
Year Title Album Ref
2023 “Tomato” Non-Album Single
2022 "Charger" [16]
2021 "Cold Outside" (featuring Buju) [17]
2021 "Eff All Day" (featuring Phyno) [18]
2019 "2 Stoopid" Non-album single [19]
2019 "I Can't Kill Myself" Chulo Vibes [20]
2019 "Balance" [21]
2018 "Kom Kom" (featuring King Perry and Patoranking) Non-album single [22]
2018 "Bam Bam" (featuring Olamide) [23]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" (Electric Bodega Remix) [24]
2018 "To U" [25]
2018 "Ah Blem Blem" [26]
2018 "Telli Person" (featuring Olamide and Phyno) [27]
2017 "Dance" (featuring Rudeboy) [28]
2017 "I Like the Way" (Electric Bodega Remix) [29]
2017 "Pity 4 Us" [30]
2017 "Woyo" [31]
2016 "Money" (featuring Flavour) [32]
2016 "Bang Bang" [33]
2016 "I Like the Way" [34]
2015 "Some More" [35]
2015 "Amayanabo" [36]
2015 "I Concur" [37]
2014 "Ukwu" [38]
2014 "Sanko" [32]
2014 "Lai Lai" Epiphany [39]
2014 "Gbagam" [40]
2014 "Bow Down" [41]
2014 "Ekoloma Demba" [42]

Videography

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (February 2016)
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 [43]
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 [44]
2023 Tomato Clarence Peters

Awards and nominations

Tours

Outstanding Collaboration

See also

References

  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". NotJustOk. NotJustOk Staff. Retrieved 27 September 2015.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "Timaya Settles 4 Years Beef With Obaksolo [PHOTOS]". Naijaxtra. Chijioke5050. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  8. ^ "Sixteen years after massacre, Odi residents want Obasanjo's apologues". The Punch. JESUSEGUN ALAGBE. Retrieved 27 September 2015.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "Eedris never paid me a dime –Timaya". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  10. ^ "Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Others to Be Honoured at Odudu Music Awards". AllAfrica.com. AllAfrica Global Media. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  11. ^ "New album alert: Timaya – "Epiphany"". EbonylifeTV. Ebonylife Television. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  12. ^ "Timaya's Chulo Vibes is one big open house party". PulseNG. Pulse Nigeria. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  13. ^ "Timaya is UN Peace Ambassador". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  14. ^ "How Timaya Went From Dem Mama Soldier to Papi Chulo". 1 April 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  15. ^ "Glo signs Timaya as brand ambassador". Vanguardngr.com. Vanguard Media. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  16. ^ "(Song) Timaya Charger | MP3 « tooXclusive". 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  17. ^ Wonah, Israel. "Buju - Cold Outside ft Timaya Mp3 Download » TrendyBeatz". trendybeatz.com. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  18. ^ "[Music + Video] Timaya Ft. Phyno - Eff All Day". Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Timaya Drops hit track Stoopid". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ "I cant't Kill Myself - Timaya". 28 June 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  21. ^ "Balance - Timaya". 28 June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Kom Kom - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  23. ^ "Bam Bam ft Olamide - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  24. ^ "Ah Blem Blem - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  25. ^ "To U - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  26. ^ "Ah Blem- Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  27. ^ "Telli Person- Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  28. ^ "Dance ft. Rudeboy - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  29. ^ "I like the Way - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  30. ^ "Pity 4 Us - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  31. ^ "Woyo - Timaya". 18 June 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2019 – via Apple Music.
  32. ^ a b OfficialTimaya (14 May 2016). "Money - Timaya feat Flavour - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  33. ^ OfficialTimaya (26 August 2016). "Bang Bang (Official Music VIdeo) - Timaya - Afrobeats 2016 - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ OfficialTimaya (14 January 2016). "I Like The Way (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ OfficialTimaya (6 July 2015). "Some More - Timaya (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ "Amayanabo" (video). Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  37. ^ 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.
  38. ^ OfficialTimaya (8 October 2013). "Ukwu (Official Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ OfficialTimaya (12 November 2014). "Lai Lai - Timaya ft. Terry G - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  40. ^ OfficialTimaya (25 April 2015). "Gbagam - Timaya ft. Phyno & Deettii (Official Music Video) - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  41. ^ OfficialTimaya (5 June 2014). "Bow Down (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  42. ^ OfficialTimaya (19 July 2013). "Ekoloma Demba (Official Music Video) - Timaya - Epiphany - Official Timaya". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ "Timaya Singer shares emotional grass-to-grace story in Hallelujah [Video]". Pulse.com.gh. David Mawuli. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  44. ^ 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)
  45. ^ "Afrotainment-Museke Online African Music Awards 2011". 3-mob.com. Three Man on a Boat. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2014.

External links

Authority control databases: Artists
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