By Elizabeth Ogunleye
In the ever-evolving scene of Nigerian music, where countless talents vie for recognition, Ayorinde Mafoluku, popularly known as Ayo Maff, has emerged as one of the standout voices of his generation. But behind the hit songs and growing fanbase lies the story of a young man who turned his passion into purpose, one verse at a time. His journey from a young boy with a passion for music to a rising star in the Nigerian music industry is one of resilience, raw talent, and a strong connection to his roots.
The name "Ayo Maff" is more than just a stage moniker; it holds personal and familial significance. “My name is Ayorinde Mafoluku. So Ayo is from Ayorinde, and the short form of my surname is Maff,” he explains. Ayo Maff describes himself simply as “a small boy from the hood.” His entry into the music world wasn’t one of privilege or overnight success, it was forged through relentless dedication, influenced by the streets that raised him and the people who stood by him. His music, much like his name, carries deep personal significance, weaving real-life stories into melodies that resonate with a wide audience.
For Ayo Maff, music is more than just an art form, it’s an extension of his identity. “Music is Ayo Maff, Ayo Maff is music,” he says with passion. Long before fame, music had always been his calling. From childhood, he found himself drawn to melodies, competing in school competitions, “music has been my priority since I was small,” he said.
He began with freestyles on Instagram before he took the leap into recording and releasing music. His official entry into the professional music scene was marked by the release of his debut single, "Jama Jama," in 2023. The track garnered attention and set the stage for subsequent releases. It was not until he dropped Jama Jama that he realized how much people connected with his sound.
His breakout moment came with his single Dealer, a collaboration with renowned artist Fireboy DML. The song topped streaming charts, its music video garnering over 6.6 million views on YouTube as of March 2025, proving that his unique sound had a place in Afrobeats.
Even with his growing popularity, Ayo Maff remains deeply connected to his roots. His environment, his relationships, and his hood continue to shape his sound. “That’s my reality, that’s what influences my sound,” he says. His lyrical narratives set him apart, giving each song a personal touch. His debut EP, 'Maffian,' released on August 15, 2024, offers listeners a deep dive into his life experiences. Each track narrates a unique story. "Are You There? " is like the music part of my story, from day one until now. If you attach each word to my journey, you’ll understand the meaning behind the lyrics,” he explains.
But his storytelling isn’t limited to personal experiences. “I also sing from other people’s perspectives, that’s why people call me Preacher.” The song Go Back, for example, was inspired by his mother, a woman he holds in the highest regard. “I owe her everything. If I don’t talk to my mum in a day, my body will feel somehow,” he shares. Losing his father at a young age made their bond even stronger, and he credits her unwavering support for much of her success. Another song, A Beautiful Song, is dedicated to her, a testament to the love and sacrifices that have marked his path.
Ayo Maff’s cousin, Mafoluku Oluwasemilore, has watched his journey unfold and speaks of him as someone who has remained humble despite his success. “Ayomaff is a truly exceptional individual, kind, generous, and deeply respectful. His rise to fame hasn’t changed him,” he says. He recalls how, even before the fame, Ayo Maff’s dedication to his craft was evident. “From the very beginning, I did not doubt that he was destined for greatness. He has always demonstrated a tireless work ethic, and it was clear that he was committed to achieving his goals.”
His family didn't always entirely support his music. Like many African homes, education was a priority. “At first, his family wasn’t entirely on board, but as they recognized his talent, they saw music was his true calling. His mum, in particular, was his earliest and most devoted fan,” his cousin reveals.
But success wasn’t immediate. Balancing music with academics was a challenge, as Ayo Maff pursues a degree in Philosophy while chasing his dream. “Mixing school with music has been amazing but also a bit stressful,” he admits. Despite the pressure, he never lost sight of his goal. “People around me always make sure I don’t get distracted, and I also always caution myself.” Despite his success, Ayo Maff stays grounded. His cousin reveals, “He never entertained the thought of giving up. Even during setbacks, he remained positive and determined.”
His journey hasn’t been without struggles. His single Panic was born from a deeply emotional place. A tweet expressing his anxiety and depression led fans to believe he was joking, but the emotions were real. “I had recorded the song already, but I felt that something was missing. So I called my producer and added ‘If I no see you, I go dey panic,’ and that’s how it came together.”
Ayo Maff has worked with several notable artists, showcasing his versatility in the Afrobeats scene. Apart from his breakout collaboration with Fireboy DML on Dealer, he teamed up with Blaqbonez and Bella Shmurda on Louder, a high-energy track that resonated with fans. He also collaborated with Balloranking and TML Vibes on They Dunno Part 1. His versatility shines through in Casablanca, where he worked with Shoday, and in Fountain, a joint effort with Larry Gaaga and Wizard Chan. Additionally, he featured on Lil Kesh's Vex For U alongside Fireboy DML and linked up with Zerrydl on Find Money, a song that reflects his signature storytelling style. These collaborations have further solidified his presence in the industry, proving his ability to adapt to different styles while maintaining his unique sound.
Looking ahead, Ayo Maff envisions himself on global stages, sharing his unique sound with diverse audiences, and collaborating with international artists like Kendrick Lamar. And if his journey so far is anything to go by, then that dream might not be so far off. His cousin shares the same optimism, predicting, “I see Ayomaff joining the ranks of the top three pioneers of Afrobeats. His unique sound and dedication to his craft will undoubtedly propel him to even greater heights, cementing his status as one of the most influential and respected artists in Afrobeat.”
If his cousin had to describe his journey in one phrase, he chose: God’s grace. Ayo Maff himself acknowledges that his success is a product of relentless hard work and divine grace. And perhaps that’s what truly defines Ayo Maff: not just talent but grace and determination.
To aspiring artists hoping to break into the industry, Ayo Maff offers simple but wise words of advice: “There’s no particular way to this music success. You just have to calm down and observe a lot of things. That’s how you’ll grow.”
From the streets of Bariga to national recognition, Ayo Maff’s story is a testament to his unwavering passion, resilience, and authenticity. His music is not just a career, it’s his truth, his escape, and his story. And as his journey unfolds, one thing remains certain: the world has not heard the last of him yet.
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