In a revealing conversation on the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast with Joey Akan, Nigerian Dancehall legend Timaya opened up about the beginnings of his remarkable music career, sharing how he sold his debut album ‘True Story’ for just ₦500,000.
At the time, Timaya was an emerging artist trying to make a name for himself in the highly competitive Lagos music scene.
A marketer at Alaba market, the bustling hub for music distribution in Nigeria, saw potential in his music and offered him half a million naira. For Timaya, this was more than just a financial offer—it was a lifeline.
“Back then, ₦500,000 was a big opportunity for me. I needed a way to break into the Lagos market, and this deal gave me that chance,” Timaya recalled, reflecting on the crucial moment that set his career in motion.
The debut album ‘True Story’ proved to be a phenomenal success, driven by hit singles like ‘Timaya,’ ‘True Story,’ ‘Dem Mama,’ and ‘Ogologoma.’
These tracks resonated widely, establishing Timaya as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
His breakthrough was so profound that the same marketer who initially offered him ₦500,000 saw a greater potential in him and decided to invest more in his rising star.
“He gave me 7 million naira for the music videos, paid for the videos, and even bought me a car…He called me a good market,” Timaya recounted, emphasizing the commercial triumph of his first album.
For a newcomer in the industry, this was a remarkable endorsement of his talent and a sign of even greater things to come.
Riding on the wave of his debut success, Timaya quickly moved on to his sophomore album ‘Gift and Grace,’ and this time, the stakes were even higher.
According to him, the first marketer who approached him for the album offered ₦10 million, which was already a substantial increase from his debut deal.
However, another marketer, Abu Ventures, entered the picture and made an even more impressive offer. “I was being priced at 10 million by the first marketer, then Abu Ventures came and offered to buy the album. He ended up paying 24 million for the album,” Timaya shared, highlighting the intense competition for his music.
This new deal was a massive leap for him, placing him in the same league as industry heavyweights like 2Baba, P-Square, and D’banj, who were the only other Nigerian artists commanding such high fees at the time.
This monumental deal inspired Timaya to record the iconic song ‘I Don Blow,’ a triumphant declaration of his arrival at the pinnacle of the Nigerian music scene.
The journey from being a struggling artist in the streets of Lagos to becoming one of the highest-paid musicians in the country was nothing short of a fairy tale.
“At that point, only 2Baba, P-Square, and D’banj were paid that kind of money,” Timaya reflected, underscoring the magnitude of his success.
He was no longer just a rising star—he had become a household name.
Over the next two decades, Timaya would go on to solidify his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential artists.
His unique blend of Dancehall, Highlife, and Hip Hop produced a string of unforgettable hits that dominated the airwaves and the streets.
From ‘Plantain Boy’ to ‘Sanko,’ his music became the soundtrack for millions of fans, and his energetic performances made him a sought-after entertainer both in Nigeria and beyond.
His journey from selling his first album for ₦500,000 to becoming a multi-millionaire superstar is a story of resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Timaya’s success is a testament to the power of talent, determination, and strategic decisions.
His rise from the humble streets of Bayelsa to the grand stages of Africa’s biggest music festivals has inspired countless aspiring musicians.
Today, he stands not just as a Dancehall king but as a cultural icon who has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music industry.
