Ayodele Mafoluku, the fast-rising Nigerian artiste better known as Ayo Maff, has recalled his humble beginnings and the reason he left home at a young age.
In an interview with Hip TV, the ‘Dealer’ hitmaker described his childhood experience in the Shomolu axis of Lagos as hard but fun, stating that it provided him with real-life experiences and inspired his music.
He revealed that he left home at age 16 because, as the first child, he felt responsible for finding a better life for his then financially struggling family.
The 19-year-old said that although his mother was concerned, he assured her he would return better and still checked up on them regularly.
Life in Shomolu is hard, but it’s also fun and exciting because without living there, I wouldn’t have these experiences, sing about them, or truly see the reality of life, he said.
Life in Shomolu shaped my mindset. However, I left home when I was 16. 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.
So, I just had to leave. When I was going, my mum was concerned, but I reassured her that I would get back better.
I also did not leave completely, 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 gained recognition in 2023 following the release of his collaborative single ‘Dealer’ featuring Fireboy DML.
In 2024, he released his debut extended play (EP) titled ‘Maffian’ and has since remained in the spotlight with several collaborations with industry heavyweights.
