Timaya Reveals How His Music Career Took Off with ₦24m Album Deal

Veteran Nigerian singer, Timaya, has opened up about the humble beginnings and big breaks that shaped his rise in the music industry, revealing that his debut album was initially sold for just ₦500,000.

In a candid chat with Okay Africa, the “Dem Mama” crooner reflected on how far he’s come, sharing that his first deal with an Alaba marketer, though modest, was the foundation of his success.

“At the time, ₦500,000 felt like everything. It was my entry point,” Timaya said.

But things quickly changed. His debut album caught fire, pushing the marketer to reinvest. By the time he was ready to release his sophomore project, marketers were lining up with serious cash.

“One marketer offered ₦10 million, then Abu Ventures came in and offered ₦24 million. That changed everything,” he recalled.

The deal didn’t stop at the album rights. “He gave me ₦7 million for music videos and even bought me a car,” Timaya added. “He called me a good market.”

Timaya noted that, at the time, only industry heavyweights like 2Baba, P-Square, and D’banj were pulling such figures,  a sign of how valuable his brand had become.

From a ₦500k hustle to a ₦24 million payday, Timaya’s journey is a reminder that consistency, street credibility, and quality content can rewrite a hustler’s story in Nigeria’s tough music terrain.

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