Timaya has once again stirred conversation online after sharing his views on marriage, advising men to focus on having children rather than getting married because he believes the institution no longer works in today’s society.
The Nigerian singer, whose real name is Inetimi Timaya Odon, made the remark in a video currently circulating on social media. In the clip, he was spending time with fellow musicians Peter Okoye (Mr P) and Phyno when he offered his candid advice to young men.
According to Timaya, men should simply have children and raise them rather than feel pressured to marry. In his words, “Just born pikin. Pikin go grow. This marriage thing no dey work.”
Timaya’s Long-Standing Views on Marriage
This is not the first time the Port Harcourt-born artist has spoken openly about his stance on marriage. Born on August 15, 1980, Timaya has repeatedly suggested that marriage may never be part of his life plan.
Back in June 2022, he hinted on his X account that he might never get married. In that post, he pointed out that Jesus never married and jokingly suggested he shares a similar quality, implying that marriage might not be for him.
Despite his position on marriage, Timaya is a father of four children with three different women.
During a 2024 interview on Naija FM, the singer explained that he has never really felt pressured to settle down. He admitted that marriage simply has not appealed to him personally, although he did not completely rule out the possibility in the future.
“I’m not married because I’ve never been a fan of marriage,” he said at the time.
A Proud Father of Four
Although he remains skeptical about marriage, Timaya has often spoken proudly about fatherhood.
His first two daughters, Emmanuella Odon, born in May 2012, and Gracey Odon, born in September 2015, are from his relationship with Barbara Fumnaya Nwaokolo, an interior designer and entrepreneur.
In July 2018, the singer welcomed his first son, Emmanuel Odon, with his then-partner Tamar. Two years later, in 2020, he had his fourth child, Maya Odon, with Nigerian businesswoman Dunnie Onasanya.
Over the years, Timaya has frequently shared photos and videos of his children on social media, celebrating their birthdays and milestones. In several interviews, the singer has also described fatherhood as one of the most rewarding experiences in his life.
Timaya first rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his hit song Dem Mama and has since built a reputation not only for his music but also for being outspoken about his personal beliefs and lifestyle choices.
