Nigerian pop singer Timaya was born Inetimi Alfred Odon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 1980. He was one of many children in a large family, and quickly developed a passion for music, preferring to participate in various hip-hop projects rather than studying. After several years of collaborative work, he released his first solo single, "Dem Mama," in 2005. The song was a hit, gaining regional attention and helping create demand for more original solo music from Timaya. He released his first solo album, True Story, in 2007 and followed up the next year with Gift and Grace. His success continued to grow and, along with a string of guest appearances and collaborations, he released new music of his own at a nearly annual rate, offering up De Rebirth in 2010, LLNP Long Life N Prosperity in 2011, Upgrade in 2012, and Ephipany in 2014. ~ Fred Thomas, Rovi