The founder of the popular Nigerian hip-hop group Dem Mama Soldiers, Timaya is also notable for his solo albums True Story (2007), Gift and Grace (2008), De Rebirth (2010), and Upgrade (2012). His numerous honors include a Nigeria Music Award, a Nigeria Entertainment Award nomination, and several Headies. Before beginning his music career, he briefly studied finance. He subsequently became a backup singer for an Eedris Abdulkareem-fronted rap group.