He is scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 2, at BK Arena, where he will share the stage with Rwanda’s own The Ben and fellow Nigerian artists Ayra Starr and Kizz Daniel. His return to Rwanda marks a special moment for local fans who last saw him perform during the Kigali Jazz Junction on March 25, 2022, at Canal Olympia.
At 44, Timaya remains one of the most celebrated and enduring figures in African music. Since launching his career in 2005, he has steadily built a legacy through a series of successful releases that have earned him a loyal following across the continent. Known for his distinctive fusion of dancehall, ragga, afrobeats, hip-hop, and soca, Timaya has become a musical force whose sound resonates far beyond Nigeria.
In addition to his work as a performer, he is also the founder of DM Records Limited, the label that helped launch the careers of artists such as Patoranking and Runtown. His leadership in the industry has not only elevated his profile but has also contributed significantly to the growth of African music globally.
Born on August 15, 1980, in Rivers State, Nigeria, Timaya is the youngest of fifteen children. He was raised in a large family where his father worked at a bank and his mother ran a small business. After completing his secondary education in Lagos, he enrolled in university to study accounting but left before completing his degree to pursue music full time.
His musical journey began humbly when he worked as a backup singer for Nigerian artist Eedris Abdulkareem, an experience that gave him valuable exposure to the stage and the music industry. After three years in that role, he embarked on a solo career and eventually met producer Obaksolo in Mafoluku, Lagos. It was there that he recorded “Dem Mama,” a breakthrough track that catapulted him into the spotlight and set the tone for his future success.
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