Timaya is one of Nigeria’s most recognisable dancehall and Afropop artists. Known for songs such as “Dem Mama,” “Plantain Boy,” “Bum Bum,” “Sanko,” “Ukwu,” “I Concur” and “Cold Outside,” the Bayelsa-born singer has remained active in the Nigerian music industry for more than two decades.

His music blends Afropop with dancehall, reggae, ragga, hip-hop and other Caribbean influences, a style that helped him build a distinctive identity at a time when Nigerian popular music was undergoing major changes.

Timaya Biography

Timaya’s real name is Inetimi Alfred Odon. He was born on August 15, 1980, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and is originally from Bayelsa State. As of 2026, Timaya is 46 years old. 

He grew up in a large family and developed an interest in music while he was still young. Before becoming a successful solo artist, Timaya spent time working as a backup vocalist and building experience within Nigeria’s music scene.

His journey was not an immediate success story. Timaya has spoken publicly about experiencing financial difficulties when he was younger and even selling plantain before becoming famous.

Those early experiences later became part of the story behind his rise in Nigerian music.

Timaya’s Music Career

Timaya began attracting national attention after releasing “Dem Mama” in 2005.

The song addressed the events surrounding the 1999 military attack on Odi, Bayelsa State, and became one of the records that established Timaya as a new voice from the Niger Delta.

“Dem Mama” eventually appeared on his debut album, True Story.

His career expanded rapidly afterwards.

Timaya followed his debut with albums including:

• True Story
• Gift and Grace
• De Rebirth
• LLNP (Long Life N Prosperity)
• Upgrade
• Epiphany
• Chulo Vibes
• Gratitude
• Gladiator

His 2024 album Gladiator continued a recording career that stretches from the mid-2000s into the current generation of Afrobeats. 

Timaya’s Rise to Fame

Although “Dem Mama” introduced Timaya to a wider audience, several later records transformed him into one of Nigeria’s biggest dancehall-influenced stars.

Songs such as “Plantain Boy,” “Bum Bum,” “Ukwu,” “Sanko,” “I Concur,” “Balance” and “Cold Outside” helped him reach audiences beyond his original fan base.

One of the notable aspects of Timaya’s career has been his ability to remain relevant while Nigerian music moved through several eras—from the early 2000s Nigerian pop scene to the modern global Afrobeats era.

The Guardian described him in 2026 as one of the artists who had remained long enough in the industry to become a reference point, particularly because of the identity and Niger Delta influence associated with his music. 

Timaya and Dem Mama Records

Timaya is also the founder of DM Records, also known as Dem Mama Records.

Beyond recording his own music, the label became another part of his contribution to Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Timaya has also worked with numerous Nigerian and international artists during his career and has helped bring greater attention to Nigeria’s dancehall and Afro-Caribbean sound.

Timaya Awards

Timaya has received several awards and nominations during his career.

His recorded achievements include multiple The Headies awards as well as recognition from AFRIMMA, the Nigeria Music Awards and the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.

These awards reflect both his commercial success and his longevity within Nigerian music.

Timaya’s Popular Songs

Some of Timaya’s best-known songs include:

• Dem Mama
• Plantain Boy
• Bum Bum
• Ukwu
• Sanko
• I Concur featuring Don Jazzy
• Balance
• Cold Outside featuring BNXN
• My Moto
• Tomato
• Can’t Kill Myself
• Malonogede

His catalogue covers everything from socially conscious records to dancehall tracks and club-oriented Afropop songs.

Timaya Net Worth in 2026

Timaya’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed or independently audited, so figures published online should be treated as estimates.

Several Nigerian entertainment and celebrity-finance publications currently place Timaya’s estimated wealth around $10 million to $20 million, while Legit.ng lists an estimate of approximately $14 million in 2026.

A reasonable way to present the figure is therefore:

Estimated Timaya net worth in 2026: approximately $10 million–$20 million.

This figure should not be interpreted as an official financial disclosure.

How Does Timaya Make His Money?

Timaya has several potential income streams associated with his long music career.

A significant portion comes from his music catalogue. An artist with songs stretching back more than two decades can continue earning through streaming, publishing, licensing and royalties.

He also earns from live performances and appearances. Timaya has performed at concerts and events in Nigeria and internationally throughout his career.

Other commonly reported sources of income include brand endorsements and investments. Published profiles have also associated him with property and real-estate investments, although the precise value of those holdings is not publicly verified.

Timaya Cars and Lifestyle

Timaya is known publicly for a luxurious lifestyle and has frequently been associated with expensive vehicles and premium properties.

Media reports have linked him with vehicles including Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche models. However, values attached to celebrity cars and houses can vary substantially between publications, so claims about specific prices should be treated cautiously unless directly confirmed by Timaya or documented records.

Timaya’s Age

Timaya was born on August 15, 1980.

That means he turned 46 years old on August 15, 2026. WITHIN NIGERIA

Timaya Quick Facts

Is Timaya Still Making Music?

Yes. Timaya has continued releasing music well into the 2020s.

His Gladiator album was released in 2024, and his continued presence in Nigerian entertainment shows how unusual his longevity has been in an industry where musical trends frequently change. WITHIN NIGERIA

Conclusion

Timaya’s story remains one of the notable long-running careers in Nigerian music.

From the release of “Dem Mama” in the mid-2000s to a catalogue spanning dancehall, Afropop, reggae and modern Afrobeats, Timaya has successfully maintained a recognisable musical identity across multiple generations.

As of 2026, he is 46 years old and continues to be active in music. His precise wealth remains private, but publicly available estimates generally place Timaya’s net worth between $10 million and $20 million, with music royalties, performances, endorsements and investments commonly cited among the sources of his wealth.