“I Didn’t Retire, I Took a Break” — Timaya Speaks on His Career Pause

Nigerian music star Inetimi Alfred Odon, who is more widely recognized by his stage name Timaya, has addressed speculations suggesting that he may have quit music. According to Timaya, he has not retired from the music industry but is simply taking a brief pause.

The award-winning artist, known for hit tracks like Dem Mama, shared this update with fans on his official X account. In a candid message, Timaya clarified that his temporary absence from the music scene is not a retirement, describing it instead as a period of rest.

In his words, he posted:

“No be say the boy retire, the boy just been dey sleep….”

Timaya’s musical journey began as a solo artist back in 2005, marked by the release of his debut track, Dem Mama. That song was inspired by the Odi massacre in Bayelsa State, where he hails from, and quickly earned him recognition.

The following year, he built on that momentum with his debut album titled True Story, which cemented his place among Nigeria’s music heavyweights.

Over the past two decades, Timaya has gone on to record a total of eight albums, in addition to one EP and numerous singles that have contributed to his legacy in the Afrobeat and dancehall music scene.

Beyond his own projects, Timaya has worked with internationally acclaimed musicians, including the likes of Sean Paul and Morgan Heritage, a testament to the global reach of his sound and influence.