Inetimi Alfred Odon, popularly known as Timaya, is one artiste who has made a mark in the country’s music scene. From the creeks of oil rich Niger Delta, the self-proclaimed ‘Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa’ has successfully pushed to be heard on his own terms with originality. His star has shone brightly through his teenage years, when he would often break house rules to attend late-night music events.
His catalog of hits reads like a history of Nigerian pop culture. From Dem Mama, Plantain Boy, Bum Bum, Sanko Ekoloma Demba, Bow Down, Ukwu, I Concur, I Can’t Kill Myself, you’ll find an artiste who doesn’t just ride the waves of trends but creates surge of his own.
According to him, as a child, he always wanted to have his own space to dominate, adding that growing up he would hold a makeshift microphone in front of the mirror, sing and dance. “Sometimes, I’d wear my father’s suit, hold a microphone and dey do like pastor, dey pray,” he recalls.
With his latest album, Gladiator, a 13-track project, he has once again cemented his legacy as a music superstar. The album as a long playlist (LP) is his ninth studio project; it showcases his evolution from street-savvy dancehall artiste to enduring Afro-Soca megastar, and chronicles his life’s battles and victories.
Featuring fellow Nigerian music acts like Phyno, Olamide and Tiwa Savage, as well as Jamaican dancehall star Konshens with production spearheaded by frequent collaborator Young D (producer to Gyptian, Davido), Jonny Blaze (Shenseea, Mavado, Sean Paul) and Masterkraft (Wizkid, Flavour), the album is a fusion of dancehall, soca, Afrobeats and hip hop.
With infectious beats and lyrics sharp enough to cut through the noise of an oversaturated industry, Timaya lets listeners into soul as an artiste who has seen it all and still has more to say. The album kicks off with Payback, where Timaya transforms his past struggles into a triumphant anthem.
This is followed by Sweet Us, which reconnects with his Afro-dancehall roots. The song/track became a national hit and an anthem during the 2023 general elections after reaching an agreement with Nyesom Wike’s band leader Bamidele, who happened to be the original creator of the song’s chorus.
Next is Compozure, which adds a romantic touch, while Free offers introspection on Timaya’s journey of self-discovery. Tracks like Whinin Criminal bring his signature high-energy dancehall vibe, just as In My Head weaves in Spanish romance and Dey Your Dey is a self-empowerment anthem. The album wraps up with Na Money, exploring wealth’s influence, and Get Your Money Right, an anthem of hustle.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the album and how the record came together, Timaya said, “The project is more than just an album to me – it’s a movement, a testimony to self-belief, and the courage to rise above no matter the challenges. This project reflects my journey, from where I started to where I am today, and where I’m headed.
“Music has given me everything, and this album is my way of giving back, because I will keep giving it all I have. I want to ignite a fire within my listeners, to remind them of the power they hold within themselves, and to encourage them to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. Life comes in phases, but you can’t lose yourself – you just have to keep going,” he added.
