Timaya Biography, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Cars, Career, Concerts

Happiness HappinessApril 17, 2025

Inetimi Timaya Odon, popularly known by his stage name Timaya, is one of Nigeria’s most influential Afro-dancehall musicians. From his humble beginnings in Port Harcourt to commanding stages across the globe, Timaya has evolved from a local street boy to an international music sensation. With over a decade in the music industry, a slew of hits, and numerous awards, he is not just an artist but a symbol of perseverance and originality.

Table of Contents

Profile

Category	Details
Full Name	Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon
Stage Name	Timaya
Date of Birth	August 15, 1980
Place of Birth	Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Bayelsa State
Nationality	Nigerian
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Performer
Genres	Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, Afro-pop
Years Active	2005 – Present
Record Label	DM Records
Debut Single	“Dem Mama” (2005)
Breakthrough Album	True Story (2007)
Popular Hits	“Plantain Boy,” “Ukwu,” “Bum Bum,” “Sanko,” “I Can’t Kill Myself”
Children	4 (2 daughters, 2 sons)
Marital Status	Not married
Estimated Net Worth	$15 million USD (as of 2025)
Luxury Cars	Bentley GT, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Ferrari 458, G-Wagon, Range Rover
Concerts/Tours	One Africa Music Fest, AfroNation, Chulo Experience, World Tour (2025)
Notable Awards	Headies, Nigeria Music Awards, AFRIMMA
Philanthropy	Youth empowerment, education, flood relief, artist mentorship
Known Aliases	Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa

Early Life and Background

Inetimi Alfred Timaya Odon, popularly known as Timaya, is a celebrated Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his distinctive Afro-dancehall sound. He was born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, but hails from Odi, a town in Bayelsa State. Timaya grew up in a large Christian household as the youngest of fifteen siblings, a fact that shaped his early years and taught him the value of discipline and independence.

His father worked as a banker, and his mother was a trader. The household, though strict and religious, was filled with the vibrant energy of many children. Timaya often cites his mother’s entrepreneurial hustle as an early source of inspiration for his own determination. He attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School and later Nkpolu Oroworukwo Secondary School in Port Harcourt. His love for music began at a young age, often participating in church music groups and school performances.

Timaya later moved to Lagos with aspirations to further his education and pursue music. He briefly enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt to study Banking and Finance but dropped out after a short period. His heart was set on music, and he was willing to go through the struggles of breaking into the industry.

Timaya

Timaya Family and Parents

Timaya keeps much of his family life private, but he has often shared bits about the influence of his parents on his upbringing. His father, though stern, was a man of principle and values, who worked in banking and ensured that his children were exposed to education and spirituality. His mother was a devoted trader, navigating the markets of Port Harcourt to support the large family. Timaya has shared in interviews how his mother’s business sense deeply influenced his own understanding of money, hustle, and independence.

The combination of a spiritual home, a business-minded mother, and the challenges of being raised in a large household gave Timaya a unique blend of resilience, street smarts, and focus qualities that have remained at the core of his personal brand and music career.

Timaya Career Journey and Breakthrough

Timaya’s path to stardom began in Lagos, where he started out as a backup singer for Eedris Abdulkareem, one of the pioneering voices of Nigerian hip-hop. This role gave him firsthand exposure to the music industry. However, his hunger for a solo career soon took over. He left Eedris’ camp and began working on his own sound.

In 2005, he released his debut single, “Dem Mama,” a powerful protest song about the Odi massacre in Bayelsa State. The song addressed the violent military operation that left hundreds dead and brought international attention to the plight of the Niger Delta region. “Dem Mama” immediately struck a chord with the masses, catapulting Timaya into the spotlight. It wasn’t just music, it was a raw narrative from someone who lived it.

Following the success of “Dem Mama,” Timaya released his debut album, “True Story”, in 2007. The album featured hits that blended his reggae and dancehall influences with Afrobeat and socially conscious lyrics. It was followed by “Gift and Grace” in 2008, an album that earned him awards and solidified his place as Nigeria’s dancehall king.

Timaya’s career took an international turn with his third studio album, “De Rebirth” in 2010. Songs like “Plantain Boy” and “Shake Your Bum Bum” were anthems that echoed across clubs and radio stations in Africa and the diaspora. In 2012, he released “Upgrade”, another commercial success featuring collaborations with notable artists like Attitude and Vector. The remix of “Bum Bum” with Sean Paul opened the door to a global audience.

Timaya Concerts and Stage Performances

Timaya is not just a recording artist, he is a phenomenal performer. His live shows are energetic, engaging, and known for keeping fans dancing from start to finish. Over the years, he has headlined numerous concerts and festivals both in Nigeria and abroad.

He has performed at major events such as:

One Africa Music Fest in New York, London, and Dubai
AfroNation in Ghana and Portugal
Timaya Live in Canada Tour (2018)
Chulo Experience Concert (2020) in Lagos
Regular appearances at Calabar Carnival, Felabration, and AY Live

In 2025, he is expected to embark on the Chulo World Tour, with planned stops in the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Timaya Concerts

Timaya Wife, and Children

Timaya has always maintained a balance between fame and privacy when it comes to his personal life. Although he is not married, he is a proud father of four children from different relationships. He has two daughters and two sons, and often shares affectionate moments with them on social media.

In interviews, Timaya has expressed his decision to focus on fatherhood and personal development rather than rushing into marriage. He has stated that he believes in being present for his children and providing them with the love and guidance they need. While rumors have surrounded some of his relationships, Timaya has never confirmed any formal engagement or marriage.

His approach to relationships is reflective of his views on freedom, responsibility, and growth. He believes that every man must find peace within himself before committing to a lifelong partner.

Timaya Net Worth

As of 2025, Timaya’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million USD. His wealth comes from a combination of music sales, endorsements, live shows, real estate investments, and brand collaborations.

Major Sources of Income:

Streaming Royalties (from Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack)
YouTube Revenue
Live Concerts and Appearances
Endorsements with brands such as Glo, Hennessy, and others
DM Records – his own label, which nurtures artists and releases music
Real Estate Holdings in Lagos and Port Harcourt

Timaya has also ventured into fashion, occasionally promoting streetwear and designer collaborations under his brand identity, “Chulo.”

Timaya Cars and Luxury Lifestyle

Timaya is famously passionate about luxury automobiles and frequently flaunts his impressive car collection on social media. His garage boasts an impressive lineup of premium vehicles that mirror his flamboyant lifestyle.

Some Cars in Timaya’s Collection Include:

Bentley Continental GT
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (2 Units)
Range Rover Autobiography
Rolls Royce Cullinan (Purchased in 2023)
Lexus LX 570
Porsche 911 4S
Ferrari 458 Italia

Aside from his cars, Timaya is also known for his taste in fashion. He often wears luxury designer brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Fendi, and Versace. He refers to himself as “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa,” a self-styled title that speaks to his pride in his roots and status in the entertainment world.

Philanthropy and Impact

Despite his flashy lifestyle, Timaya is deeply rooted in philanthropy. He has contributed to various community development projects in Bayelsa and Rivers States. From supporting flood victims to financing education and healthcare for underprivileged families, Timaya remains committed to giving back.

He has also been involved in youth empowerment programs, offering mentorship and funding to aspiring musicians. Through DM Records, he has helped launch the careers of artists like Patoranking and King Perryy.

Controversies and Public Perception

Like many high-profile celebrities, Timaya has faced his share of controversies. Over the years, he has had public spats with fellow artists and has been criticized for some of his brash lyrics and materialistic themes. He was involved in a few publicized altercations and traffic-related issues, though none resulted in serious legal consequences.

Despite these challenges, Timaya has consistently demonstrated personal growth. In recent interviews, he has spoken about spiritual rebirth, wellness, and avoiding toxic habits. His transformation from a street hustler to a global artist is seen as a major source of inspiration for many fans.