Timaya's Unconventional Rise to Fame: A Blend of Entrepreneurship and Musical Talent

Timaya, whose real name is Inetimi Odom, rose to fame in the Nigerian music industry through a unique and unconventional strategy. He sold an album to two music marketers, which granted him a spotlight in the industry and showcased his entrepreneurial skills and resourcefulness. In an episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, hosted by OkayAfrica, Timaya revealed that his dealings with these two marketers at Alaba market earned him more collaborations and popularity in the early stages of his music career.

Key Takeaways:

• Timaya sold his first album for N500,000 at Alaba market, and then duplicated parts of the album to sell it to another marketer, increasing his popularity in Lagos and other parts of the country.
• He earned N24 million from his second work and realized that having multiple marketers pushed his album, leading to many collaborations.
• Timaya has always believed in himself and his music, stating that he has never had a plan B and has never received a salary from any record label or work.
• He has been open about the soaring costs of music video production and promotion, which now exceed 100 million, and has made "money" a part of his passion for making music.
• Timaya rose to fame in 2005 with his breakout single, "Dem Mama," and has since released multiple successful albums and hit singles, becoming one of Africa's most consistent hit makers.
• He founded his label, DM Records, which has helped launch the careers of artists like Patoranking, and remains a prominent figure in African music, known for his longevity, streetwise lyrics, and infectious rhythms.

Statistics:

• Timaya sold his first album for N500,000.
• He earned N24 million from his second work.
• The soaring costs of music video production and promotion now exceed 100 million for a single song.
• Timaya has released multiple successful albums and hit singles, including "Plantain Boy," "Bum Bum," and "Sanko."

Sources:

• "Talks Record Deals and Music Business" episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, hosted by OkayAfrica
• PREMIUM TIMES article on Timaya's lamentation over the soaring costs of music video production and promotion
• Various interviews and articles featuring Timaya and his music career.