Timaya’s career has been anything but predictable. From his days as a fiery activist to his reign as Nigeria’s dancehall king and, now, his self-assured phase—he’s done it all
Timaya has built one of the most distinctive careers in Nigerian music, evolving from a voice for the marginalized to a certified hitmaker and global star. A dominant force on the airwaves in his prime, he was also a proud ambassador of his home city and was among the early artists who helped put Port Harcourt on the map long before the rise of Burna Boy and Omah Lay.
Across two decades, Timaya has crafted a rich discography that blends activism, self-reflection, and infectious anthems. His impact is undeniable, and any list of Afrobeats hits from the 2000s would be incomplete without him.
Here are 20 essential songs that capture his early struggles, his rise to fame, and his later years as an artist who no longer needs to prove himself.
1. Dem Mama
Timaya’s breakout song wasn’t just music—it was activism at its finest, earning a spot on our Top African Songs About War & Anti-War and arguably the only anti-war track to launch an artist’s career in Nigerian music history. Dem Mama is a raw and emotional retelling of the 1999 Odi Massacre, where the Nigerian military wiped out a community in Bayelsa. At a time when most artists stayed away from politics, Timaya used his debut album True Story to speak for his people. His urgent delivery and the song’s haunting chorus—“I say dem don don kill dem mama eh/ dem don kill our papa eh”—made it unforgettable.
2. Ogologomma
Another standout from True Story, this song showed Timaya’s softer side. While Dem Mama was fiery, Ogologomma was hopeful, blending mid-tempo rhythms with lyrics about faith and perseverance. It was a sign that he wasn’t just here to protest—he was here to tell stories.
3. Watta Bambam
By the time De Rebirth dropped, Timaya had evolved. He had made his name, and now he was making music for the clubs. Watta Bambam was the beginning of his deep dive into dancehall, bringing Afro-Caribbean elements into his sound. This was Timaya shifting gears, more as an entertainer.
4. Plantain Boy
Few songs define the artist’s personal story like Plantain Boy. This was him reflecting on his early struggles, selling plantains to survive. With lines like “I no come Lagos to count bridge”, he made it clear—he wasn’t here to play. This track was a turning point, marking his transition from storytelling to self-celebration.
5. Sexy Ladies
By Upgraded, Timaya was fully in his superstar era. Sexy Ladies was his swagger-filled introduction to a new phase—grittier, flashier, and unapologetic. His vocal delivery, layered over a rugged instrumental, made it one of his standout tracks of the time.
6. Malonogede (ft. Terry G)
Featuring the ever-chaotic Terry G, Malonogede was a wild, energetic track that leaned into Timaya’s growing confidence. It was a pure flex song, but buried in the lyrics was his defiance—“they wan bring me down”. He knew his critics, and this was his way of brushing them off.
7. Bow Down
From the Epiphany album, Bow Down was Timaya in a spiritual mood. This wasn’t his usual braggadocious energy—this was about faith, humility, and standing firm. The music video only reinforced its depth, making it one of his most visually striking works.
8. Sanko
With Bow Down as introspective, Sanko was a total opposite. A high-energy club banger, Sanko took Timaya’s dancehall influences to the next level.
9. Ukwu
Heavy on the bass, Ukwu (which means “waist” in Igbo) was all about movement—both musically and physically. It was Timaya at his most playful, combining sensuality with his signature gritty delivery.
10. Ekoloma Demba
At this stage, Timaya had fully transitioned from his early activist days into a full-fledged party-starter. Ekoloma Demba was a defining track, built on his signature thumping beats and infectious hooks.
11. Bum Bum (ft. Sean Paul)
This song was a game-changer. Featuring dancehall legend Sean Paul, Bum Bum was a true fusion of Nigerian Afrobeats and Jamaican dancehall. It cemented Timaya’s place on the global stage.
12. Telli Person (ft. Phyno & Olamide)
A mid-career banger, Telli Person saw Timaya in full-on braggart mode, alongside rap heavyweights Phyno and Olamide. It was another reminder of his staying power in the industry.
13. Ah Blem Blem
Timaya had always been a master of street anthems, and Ah Blem Blem was no exception. Gritty and aggressive, it was another dancefloor favorite.
14. Balance
By 2019, Timaya had nothing left to prove. Balance saw him take a step back, reflecting on how far he’d come. The laid-back vibe felt like a nod to his Dem Mama days; proof that he hadn’t forgotten his roots.
15. Don Dada
From Gratitude, Don Dada showcased a calmer Timaya. The aggressive hunger was gone; instead, this was an artist fully in control, making music while sipping mimosas.
16. I Can’t Kill Myself
One of his most relatable songs, I Can’t Kill Myself was about taking life easy. This track told one story: Timaya had worked hard, and now, he was choosing peace over pressure.
17. Gra Gra
Continuing the theme of relaxation, Gra Gra reinforced Timaya’s new mindset—no unnecessary stress, no forced energy. He had evolved beyond chasing hits.
18. Cold Outside ft. BNXN
One of his biggest late-career collaborations, Cold Outside with BNXN was a contemporary Afrobeats smash. The melancholic yet groovy vibe made it an instant classic.
19. Sweet Us
Even in his calmer phase, Timaya still had moments of pure dancehall dominance. Sweet Us was a reminder—he still had that fire, and he wasn’t afraid to let it show.
20. Dey Your Dey
Timaya’s latest release, Dey Your Dey, sums up his current mindset. Produced by Masterkraft, it’s a message of independence—living life on his own terms, owing no one an apology. It’s the perfect closer for a two-decade journey, from Bayelsa’s voice to a global icon.
