Timaya – Dem Mama
| Stage Name | Timaya |
| Real Name | Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age | 15th August, 1980 (43 years old) |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 75kg |
| Place of Birth | Port Harcourt |
| State of Origin | Port Harcourt |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Marital Status | Not Married |
| Education | Ikeja Grammar School |
| Known for | Dem Mama |
Early Life
Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon was born on 15 August 1980 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to a large family. As the youngest of fifteen children, he spent his early years navigating the balance between his passion for music and his educational pursuits. Despite breaking house rules to attend late-night music events during his early education at Assemblies of God Nursery And Primary School, Timaya’s love for music remained undeterred.
Education
Timaya’s secondary school education commenced at Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt. His mother’s intervention led him to Lagos’ Ikeja Grammar School, where he obtained a secondary school certificate. However, academic pursuits took a backseat as Timaya ventured into the music scene. His initial foray involved joining Eedris Abdulkareem’s hip-hop group as a backup vocalist in Lagos.
The Dem Mama Anthem
After three years with Eedris Abdulkareem’s group, Timaya decided to focus on his solo career. His path to success took a significant turn when he met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Oshodi, who played a pivotal role in producing his first major hit, “Dem Mama.” This track, inspired by the 1999 destruction of Odi, a riverside community in Niger Delta, marked Timaya’s bold stance on social issues and earned him instant street credibility.
Career Milestones
Timaya’s solo career officially began in 2005 with the release of “Dem Mama.” The subsequent years saw the release of his debut album, “True Story,” in 2007, followed by “Gift and Grace” in 2008. In 2010, he collaborated with Kefee on the award-winning song “Kokoroko” and released his third studio album, “De Rebirth,” featuring the lead single “Plantain Boy.” Both albums contributed to Timaya’s rising prominence within and outside Nigeria.
Timaya’s musical evolution continued with the 2012 release of his album “Upgrade,” featuring hits like “Bum Bum,” “Sexy Ladies,” and “Malonogede.” He ended up collaborating with fellow musicians and earning accolades at the Odudu Music Awards.
Global Recognition
In 2014, Timaya released his fifth studio album, “Epiphany,” showcasing global hits such as “Bum Bum Remix” featuring Sean Paul. His performance at the Afro-Soca Concert in 2017 and a Grammy nomination in 2018 underscored his international reach. He also ventured into record label ownership, establishing DM Records Limited, home to artists like Patoranking and Runtown.
Chulo Vibes to Gratitude
After five years of singles and tours, he released the EP “Chulo Vibes” in 2019, featuring collaborations with artists like Alikiba, Machel Montano, and Burna Boy. This creative period continued with the release of his sixth solo studio album, “Gratitude,” in 2020, featuring hit singles like “Balance,” “I Can’t Kill Myself,” and “Gra Gra.”
Releases
In 2021, Timaya collaborated with Nigerian wonderkid BNXN and hit record producer Yung Willis on the single “Cold Outside,” followed by “Charger” in 2022. These releases are a precursor to his upcoming studio album, “Chuloverse.” Timaya’s ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music industry is evident, with “Cold Outside” becoming an instant hit.
Fashion, Ambassadorships, and Honors
Timaya’s influence extends beyond music, as seen in his venture into the fashion industry with the launch of the Chulo Brand in 2020. He has also been honored as a Peace Ambassador by the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) in 2011. His brand ambassadorships include associations with MTN, Globacom, Hennessy, and Moniepoint.
Discography
His discography showcases a diverse musical journey, including albums like “True Story,” “Gift And Grace,” “De Rebirth,” “Upgrade,” “Epiphany,” “Chulo Vibes EP,” and “Gratitude.” His extensive list of singles, including recent releases like “Tomato,” “Charger,” and “Cold Outside,” reflects a commitment to musical excellence.
Videography Through the Years
Timaya’s visual storytelling is evident in his videography, featuring collaborations with renowned directors such as Clarence Peters, Matt Max, Shuta Films, and Unlimited L.A. Notable music videos include “Bum Bum,” “Sanko,” and “Telli Person.”
Controversy
On the 3rd of March 2022, he found himself in legal trouble after a lady named Omawumi accused him on Instagram of hitting her sister with his vehicle, resulting in severe injuries. Hours after the accusation, armed police officers stormed Timaya’s residence and took him into custody. The arrest followed a detailed account from Omawumi, alleging intentional harm after a confrontation regarding vehicle damage.
Rape Scandal and Family Resilience: In January 2021, Timaya faced a serious accusation of rape from an Atlanta-based woman named Shella B. The controversial incident led to public scrutiny and a denial from him. Amidst the scandal, his baby mama, Barbara, shared a positive message on Instagram, showcasing resilience and focusing on the happiness of their family, despite the challenging circumstances.
Ubi Franklin Feud and Physical Altercation: On March 30, 2022, Timaya engaged in a public feud with music artist manager Ubi Franklin. The dispute centered around Franklin’s recent job as a nanny and allegations of him physically assaulting Franklin in January 2021. He also threatened Franklin and reminded him of the past altercation, sparking a heated exchange on social media.
Wife and Kids
He is currently unmarried but has children with Barbara Fumnanya Nwaokolo.
Net Worth
Timaya’s net worth is estimated at $35 million. You can connect with him on Instagram.