Tag: Ayo Maff

  • Ayo Maff: How Bariga inspired ‘Prince of the Streets’

    Ayo Maff: How Bariga inspired ‘Prince of the Streets’

    Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayorinde Mafoluku aka Ayo Maff, has opened up on his growing up in Bariga area of Lagos state and how events of growing up inspired his recent music project, ‘Prince of the Streets.’

    In a recent chat, Ayo Maff revealed how growing up in Bariga helped and influenced his songs, which translate to his debut album, ‘Prince of the streets.’

    The young singer, who will turn 20 on July 18, recently revealed that growing up and living in Bariga helped him sing about his reality and genuine lifestyle.

    In his words, “Yeah, growing up in Bariga helped me – and I would even say it influenced my music in lots of ways. It allowed me to sing the reality – where I’m from and the genuine lifestyle. I can’t sing like I’m 30 when I’m still in my young age, so I don’t sing about things I don’t know. All the things I do sing about, people are also facing; so it’s all a reality check.”

    Read Also: Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

    On his album, ‘Prince of the Streets,’ he said, “I’m really excited about this project. ‘Prince of the Streets’ is my first studio album – and I used to say this is the album the world is missing – the youth, everyone! It took me more than a year to record; so it’s very personal to me because each song is talking about a different phase of my life from the beginning, all the way to where I am today. There’s growth, there’s more experience and more new things that I got to realise. I would like to say it’s a continuation of my story and the world’s story as well.”

    Ayo Maff is currently signed on Empire Distribution and has two music projects including one EP entitled ‘Maffian,’ and an album entitled ‘Prince of the streets.’

  • Why I will always keep doing music, by Ayo Maff

    Why I will always keep doing music, by Ayo Maff

    Rave Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayorinde Mafoluku aka Ayo Maff, has revealed why he would keep doing music for a long time.

    The young singer, who will turn 20 on July 18, recently revealed that he will keep doing music so as to preach to the audience using his life experiences and that of others around him.

    In his words, “one of the reasons why I will always keep doing music is because I have to preach to the people. I have to let them know this is what we are all going through. It’s not just you. It’s not just me. Everyone is going through one or two things. You have other people who are also in the same space, so you need to know you’re not alone. We are with you – this is a movement.”

    In the same vein, the singer disclosed that he doesn’t sing or write songs about what he doesn’t know about or hasn’t witnessed in life.

    Read Also: Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

    “I can’t be singing like I’m 30 when I’m still in my young age, so I don’t sing about things I don’t know. All the things I do sing about, people are also facing, so it’s all a reality check,” he said.

    The singer further said feedback from fans keeps urging him to do and achieve more.

    “It’s when I meet a fan and he tells me how much my music has helped him go through a phase of his life – when he was depressed and really didn’t know what to do. I’ve met a couple of fans that tell me that and also fans that tell me: Your music made me happy, your music changed my mood, your music is one of the reasons that keeps me going.”

    Ayo Maff is currently signed on Empire distribution and has two music projects including one EP entitled ‘Maffian,’ and an album entitled ‘Prince of the streets.’

  • Chike gave me all royalties for ‘Realness’ song – Ayo Maff

    Chike gave me all royalties for ‘Realness’ song – Ayo Maff

    Singer Ayo Maff has expressed his gratitude to fellow artist Chike for his generous contribution to their collaborative song “Realness” and for giving away all song royalties to him.

    According to Ayo Maff, Chike provided his services pro bono, featuring on the track without charging for his verse or studio time.

    Read Also: Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

    He added that Chike attended the song’s listening party, which demonstrated his support for the project.

    He said, “I didn’t pay him a dime for the verse, I never paid for a session, he showed up to my listening party and showed me Love. As if that’s not enough, he gave me all the Royalties on our song @Officialchike. I know you probably don’t want me to tell anyone, but I’m sorry, big man, the world has to know what you did for me, and you have to know how grateful I am.  I’m so glad the song title is Realness”.

  • Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

    Ayo Maff’s debut album ‘Prince of the Street’ tops Nigerian Apple Music chart

    Afrobeats sensation Ayo Maff has hit a major career milestone as his debut album, Prince of the Street, soared to the number one spot on the Nigerian Apple Album chart.

    The rising star took to social media to celebrate the achievement, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his mother and dedicated fans, known as the “Maffians.”

    “Mummy, I did it again in just one day. Mummy, after everything we went through, look at your boy now. Daddy would have been so proud. Maffians, you guys are not real,” he wrote on X.

    Read Also: Featuring Fireboy DML changed my life – Ayo Maff

    Ayo Maff also revealed that the album was recorded in unconventional spaces—bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms—underscoring the power of resilience and creativity. He used the moment to inspire others, highlighting how passion and determination can overcome limitations.

    “Not one song on this Album was recorded in a proper studio. Everything was either recorded in a bedroom, kitchen, or a living room! I documented everything! Please don’t let anything limit you. You can create greatness anywhere. it’s all in the mind, not the place! PRINCE OF THE STREET out now!!”, he added.

  • I left home at 16 to provide for my family – Ayo Maff

    I left home at 16 to provide for my family – Ayo Maff

    Rising music star Ayo Maff has opened up on his journey from the tough streets of Shomolu, Lagos to the spotlight of the music industry.

    In a recent Hip TV interview, he recounted leaving his family home at 16 to provide a better future for his loved ones.

    As the eldest child, Maff felt a responsibility to improve his family’s circumstances, describing Shomolu as a challenging yet vibrant place that shaped his perspective and fueled his music’s raw authenticity.

    Read Also: Featuring Fireboy DML changed my life – Ayo Maff

    To pursue his ambitions, the 19-year-old singer moved in with friends for over a year, reassuring his concerned mother he would stay connected.

    He said: “As the first child of my family, I left home at 16 because it was not easy there.

    “Life in Shomolu is hard, fun and also exciting. Without living in Shomolu I wouldn’t have the experiences of singing about them. I wouldn’t have truly seen the reality of life that shaped me.

    “I looked around and realised that I had to go out and make it for these people (his family). So, I just leave to stay with my friend for one year and a few months. My mum was concerned when I was leaving, but I assured her that I would be coming to check on them.”

    The hardships and energy of Shomolu inspired his breakout 2024 single Dealer, a collaboration with Fireboy DML that propelled him to stardom.

  • Featuring Fireboy DML changed my life – Ayo Maff

    Featuring Fireboy DML changed my life – Ayo Maff

    Fast-rising street pop sensation Ayo Maff has hailed the collaboration with Afrobeats star Fireboy DML as a pivotal moment in his career.

    In an interview on HipTV Trending, the artist revealed that Fireboy’s verse on the remix of his hit song ‘Dealer’ was instrumental in propelling him to mainstream success.

    “Without Fireboy, there will be no Ayo Maff because he gave me that thing I want. So thank God and thank you to Fireboy,” Ayo Maff said.

    The ‘Dealer’ remix, which enjoyed massive commercial success, was named Spotify Nigeria’s biggest song of 2024.

    Read Also: My ‘street’ roots won’t limit me, Ayo Maff tells concerned fan

    The collaboration came as a surprise to Maff, who admitted he never anticipated Fireboy would feature on the track.

    The remix not only skyrocketed his visibility but also earned him a nomination at the recently concluded Headies Next Rated award.

    Ayo Maff’s music, deeply rooted in the realities of street life, resonates with themes of brutality, poverty, and the relentless hustle in challenging environments. 

  • My ‘street’ roots won’t limit me, Ayo Maff tells concerned fan

    My ‘street’ roots won’t limit me, Ayo Maff tells concerned fan

    Rising singer Ayo Maff has responded to criticism over continued association with his “street” origins.

    A X user had advised Ayo Maff to stop claiming his “street” roots, stating that his mainstream success would be limited by this image.

    X user wrote: “Can someone tell Ayomaff to stop claiming street, he’s mainstream now his songs are chatting u know a lot of street artiste don’t even want people call them street this thing will limit him in the future”.

    However, Ayo Maff pushed back against this notion, stating the humble beginnings are a vital part of his identity and music.

    He emphasised that representing the streets through his music is not a limitation, but rather a source of inspiration and authenticity.

    Ayo Maff cited examples of successful artists like Tupac, Young Thug, and Olamide Baddo, who also rose to fame while staying true to their roots.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Nigeria from collapse – Abbas, Deputy

    He confidently asserted that his “street” origins will not hold him back from achieving superstardom.

    He wrote on X: “But I’m from the street, I believe every man is supposed to represent something, right? I chose to represent my people with my music & the opportunity God has given me. Representing the street can’t limit me from becoming a mega superstar that one na my destiny people like Tupac, young thug, Olamide Baddo and so on did it , i can do it too”.

  • Ayo Maff apologises to online user over recent outburst

    Ayo Maff apologises to online user over recent outburst

    Singer Ayo Maff has publicly apologised to Naijashimadun for his recent harsh response to criticism.

    Ayo Maff had been called out by Naijashimadun for following a template in his music and was advised to change his style.

    In the apology, Ayo Maff explained that his emotions got the better of him due to personal struggles, including the recent loss of a family member.

    He acknowledged that this was no excuse for his behavior and expressed remorse for disrespecting Naijashimadun.

    Read Also: Why men don’t laugh, by Adekunle Gold

    Ayo Maff reaffirmed his respect and appreciation for Naijashimadun’s support and apologised for his uncharacteristic outburst.

    He wrote on X: “”As a Yoruba boy, that is definitely no way to respond to an elderly person I let my emotions get the best of me & I’m sorry about that, see I was doing remembrance for my dads burial & they called me that one of my brothers passed just yesterday I’m still trying to get hold of myself. I’m mad at everything and no that is still not an excuse for my reaction but we artiste are humans and people have no idea what we go through, I’m sorry

    “@naijashimadunnn i have big love and respect for you, you have always supported me Egbon that thing just got to me differently because of my current situation and I’m truly sorry I have never been the type to disrespect, once again I’m sorry for how I responded”.

  • Disrespect me not my music, Ayo Maff lashes critics

    Disrespect me not my music, Ayo Maff lashes critics

    Singer Ayo Maff has responded to criticism from Naijashimadun, defending his art and music.

    Ayo Maff expressed disappointment, stating he once respected Naijashimadun but won’t tolerate disrespect towards his craft.

    He emphasised that his music is personal and resonates with his fans, and that Naijashimadun’s opinions are irrelevant.

    Ayo Maff questioned Naijashimadun’s motives, asking if he’s seeking attention or trying to dictate what he should sing about.

    Read Also: Ayo Maff, Godillac, others to light up 8Balls Fest 

    Ayo Maff confidently asserted that he puts immense effort into his music, and won’t let anyone downplay his art.

    He wrote on X: “I used to love & respect you alot @naijashimadun u can disrespect me I no go talk but do not disrespect my art bros if u don’t like my music it’s ok u can leave me alone! are u ok??

    ” I’m making music for my fans and they love it, it’s a reality you can’t relate to and that’s fine these songs are personal to me & my fans because a it’s a reality we share? 

    “Do u know how much work I put into this stuff? how dare u try to downplay my art and tell me what to sing about?? Bros be like u wan collect?”

  • Lagos PPRO berates Ayo Maff over pro-drug lyrics

    Lagos PPRO berates Ayo Maff over pro-drug lyrics

    The Lagos state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, has raised concerns over the explicit content in rising singer Ayo Maff’s new song, “Last Week.”

    The song’s lyrics glorify drug use, with the artist boasting about using cannabis and running out of it by Saturday.

    On his social media, Hundeyin criticised the song, highlighting that half of the young people in prison are there due to drug abuse.

    Read Also: Turn criticism into beauty, Simeon Hellah advises content creators

    He emphasised that drug use often leads to criminal behaviour and urged artists to consider the impact of their lyrics on their audience.

    The PPRO wrote: “He does what on Mondays and Saturdays? Help me listen.

    “Like Asa said, there is fire on the mountain and nobody seems to be on the run…

    “Fact: Half of the young ones in prison today wouldn’t be there if they didn’t do drugs. Drugs are a precursor to everything bad. Eni a wi fun…”