Quick Facts
Real Name: Enetemi Alfred Odom
Stage Name: Timaya
Date of Birth: 29 November 1977
Place of Birth: Port Harcourt, Rivers State
State of Origin: Bayelsa State
Marital Status: Single
Children: 2
Net Worth: N1.1 billion (estimated)
Biography
The birth or official name of Timaya is Enetemi Alfred Odom. He was born in Port Harcourt, River State in Nigeria on the 29th of November 1977. He is the ‘last-born’ of a large family that comprises fifteen children.
He attended Assemblies of God Nursery and Primary School and then Nkpolu Oroworukwo for his secondary school, both schools are located in Port Harcourt but he eventually finished his secondary education at Ikeja Grammar School, Lagos.
Besides using his stage name Timaya, he is also referred to as Egberipapa 1 or Dem Mama soldier.
His journey to stardom has not been easy at all. First, his performance in college was not the best. Secondly, at some point in life, he was forced to sell plantains in the streets of Mgbuosimini to make ends meet. Fortunately, he was quite talented in music. During his high school days, he won quite a number of accolades during competitions held amongst schools.
Career
The early days of his musical journey saw him perform with underground or upcoming musicians. Most of the time, he was a backup singer and at one time he was providing backup vocals to a renowned musician, Eedris Abdulkareem. Later on, he featured in videos of a rap group called UDX, which is based in Lagos. He also collaborated with other musicians such as Biodin, Kunle, Raphael, Temi (Divino), among others.
His first major breakthrough came after releasing his hit song “Dem Mama”. This conscious song was about the destruction that was taking place in the oil-rich Delta region. The track brought to light the brutality emanating from the soldiers and directed towards innocent civilians in a bid to hunt down militants. This track led to him being nicknamed Egberi Papa 1 (the town crier of the people) of Bayelsa.
One reason that has made Timaya weather the stiff competition in the music industry in Nigeria is his ability to perform in different genres. He is quite adept in Raga, Hip-hop, dancehall, afrobeat, as well as afro hip-hop. This has seen him produce quite a number of albums and singles since 2007.
Besides being a creative music artist, he is also an award-winning songwriter and music producer. He has been writing his own songs as well as for other artists. Timaya also does music productions. Some of the popular artists that have gained from his writing and production skills include Eulonzo Jordan as well as YouTube star, Jarrett Holt.
The budding Nigerian singer has also worked with several artists including industry heavyweights such as J Martins in the award-winning “Owey” from the album “Which Kind of Life”, Keffee’s track Kokoroko, P Square, Spyder Man, among other musicians. His simple personality makes him easy to work with. This has also led to his skills being highly sought after.
In the course of his musical journey, Timaya has achieved quite a lot. Besides being a wealthy musician, he has also won numerous awards. Some of the awards include Album of the year in 2008, Best dancehall/Reggae album in 2009, best Collabo in 2009, and also best collaboration in as well as in 2010. These came from Nigeria Music Awards, Hip Hop World Awards, among others
House, Cars
Timaya owns a multi-million naira mansion located in the Lekki area of Lagos and choice cars in his collection. His cars include 2 powerful Range Rovers, Mercedez Benz G55 AMG, a silver coloured Bentley, Mercedez Benz Glen and a Lexus.
Family, Kids, Girlfriend
The Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa had a love story turned sour with Nollywood actress, Empress Njamah. Though their separation made headlines at the time following several accusations that trailed their break-up, the two are said to still be friends.
Timaya is currently in a relationship with Barbara with whom he has two daughters – Emmanuela and Grace.
In a recent interview with a popular newspaper, Timaya is claimed to have hinted on becoming a man of the cloth or pastor. To him, this was the best way to reach out to the people. This coming shortly after going through a break-up with a controversial actress whom he had dated for years.
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