Nigerian music sensation Ayo Maff, born Ayodele Mafoluku, is quickly becoming a household name, but his journey to stardom wasn’t an easy one.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the 19-year-old ‘Dealer’ hitmaker opened up about his humble beginnings in Shomolu, a densely populated neighborhood in Lagos known for its tough environment. Ayo described his childhood there as “hard but fun,” saying the experiences he had on those streets continue to fuel the passion behind his music.
“Life in Shomolu is hard, but it’s also fun and exciting,” he shared. “Without living there, I wouldn’t have these experiences, sing about them, or truly see the reality of life.”
But Ayo’s story took a bold turn at just 16 years old, when he made the difficult decision to leave home in search of a better future for his family.
“I am the first child of my family, and when I looked around, I realised I had to go out and make it for these people because it wasn’t easy in there,” he said. “So, I just had to leave.”
Though his mother was understandably worried, Ayo reassured her that he’d come back stronger—and he kept his word. He remained in regular contact with his family and stayed grounded despite the distance.
“I also did not leave completely,” he added. “I still check up on my family regularly. I basically decided on my own to move out because I wanted more for my family.”
Ayo Maff rose to fame in 2023 with the breakout hit ‘Dealer’, a collaborative single with Fireboy DML, which put him firmly on the radar of Nigeria’s vibrant music scene. In 2024, he dropped his debut EP, ‘Maffian’, which further cemented his status as one of the country’s most promising young talents. Since then, he’s been collaborating with some of the industry’s biggest names.
