Inetimi Timaya Odon (born 15 August 1980), better known by his stage name Timaya, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He hails from Odi, Bayelsa state. He is the founder of DM Records Limited. His solo career began in 2005 with the release of "Dem Mama", which also appeared on his debut album, True Story released the following year. His second album Gift and Grace was released in 2008. Meanwhile, he gained further visibility and international prominence through his third studio album De Rebirth—released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment—and its lead single "Plantain Boy". Both were commercially successful. And made him some money of which he collaborated with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity). In 2012, Timaya released Upgrade, which spawned hits "Bum Bum", "Sexy Ladies", and "Malonogede". To date, his work has earned him several notable awards and nominations including four Headies Awards wins, 2 AFRIMMA Awards wins, one Nigeria Music Award and an NEA Award. After the success of "Dem Mama", Timaya decided to continue with producer K-Solo. He recorded seven more songs for his first album True Story, which was eventually released in 2007. Later that year, Timaya began work on his second album with producers Phyno, Jeggs, Spankie, Akeem D Beat, Obaksolo and Terry G. In 2008, the album titled Gift and Grace was released into stores nationwide. Timaya won two awards in 2008: "Album of the Year" at Nigeria Music Awards and "Best Reggae/Dancehall album" at the Headies Awards. He also received two awards "Best Reggae/Dancehall album" for Gift and Grace and "Best Collaboration" for his feature on J Martins' "Good or Bad (O Wey)" at the 2009 edition of The Headies. Two years later, Timaya released his third album, De Rebirth and its success-themed lead single "Plantain Boy". The album's production was handled by Akeem D Beat, Phyno, Flux, M-Yire, Jay Sleek, N.D, Jesse Jagz, and Obaksolo. Timaya collaborated with guest artists, including 2face Idibia, TJ 2Solo, Allenian, Konga, Lanre, M.I, TJ, and Wrecoba. In 2010, he appeared 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 recently featured by Kcee in a song titled ''Erima. In November 2011, Timaya released LLNP (Long Life And Prosperity), a collaborative album with his crew, Dem Mama Soldiers. The album's second track "Dem No Like Me" featured a guest appearance by legendary reggae singer, Ras Kimono. On 25 June 2012, Timaya released a 14-track album titled Upgrade, which produced notable hits "Bum-Bum", "Sexy Ladies", "Bum Bum" and "Malonogede". The album features 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 4th annual Odudu Music Awards alongside M-Trill, Sodi Cookey, Becky Enyioma and Timi Dakolo. 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, Patoranking, Olamide, Sir Shina Peters, Deethi, Phyno and Terry G. In 2017, Timaya performed in Nassau, Bahamas, where he headlined the first ever Afro-Soca Concert. After 5 years of releasing singles, and touring, Timaya released an EP titled Chulo Vibes (2019). This project featured collaborations from East African artist Alikiba, Trinidadian Soca Legend Machel Montano and Nigeria's Burna Boy. DM Records Timaya set up his record label, DM Records Limited. Under which he groomed artistes such as Patoranking and Runtown. In 2017, he signed young Dancehall/Afro-Fusion artiste, King Perryy to the DM Records imprint.
