BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
No Comments
For Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayo Maff, the journey from the streets of Bariga to national recognition has been nothing short of remarkable. With his debut album Prince of the Street set for release on May 9, 2025, the 19-year-old rising star is ready to cement his place as one of Nigeria’s most promising new artists.
Ayo Maff has rapidly built a reputation as a street-hop sensation, blending Afrobeats with raw, unfiltered storytelling. His music reflects the hustle, dreams, and struggles of everyday Nigerians, a quality that has endeared him to fans across the country.
Ayo Maff first burst onto the scene in 2023 with his debut single Jama Jama, but it was his 2024 hit Dealer featuring Fireboy DML that truly established his name in the industry. The track dominated streaming charts, becoming the most-played song on Spotify Nigeria that year. This success was followed by his critically acclaimed EP Maffian, a seven-track project that further showcased his versatility and ability to create compelling narratives through music.
With songs like A BEAUTIFUL SONG, Are You There? and 8 Days, Maffian solidified Ayo Maff’s status as a formidable force in the Nigerian music space. The EP was praised for its authenticity, with critics applauding his ability to weave personal experiences into engaging melodies.
Not one to slow down, Ayo Maff teamed up with fellow Nigerian artist Zerrydl to release the single “Find Money” on December 2, 2024 and then he kicked off 2025 with the release of Panic on January 29. With Panic, he dove into themes of anxiety, mental struggles, and perseverance–a fresh angle for an artist known for high-energy street anthems. With lyrics like “Say na anxiety, I get anxiety”, the song resonated deeply with fans, proving that Ayo Maff isn’t afraid to explore vulnerable topics in his music.
His ability to balance introspection with infectious rhythms has made him one of the most relatable young artists of his generation. From street-hop anthems to emotional confessions, Ayo Maff continues to evolve, keeping his audience engaged with each release. Now, all eyes are on Prince of the Street, an album that promises to capture the essence of Ayo Maff’s journey from the trenches to the spotlight. Though details on the tracklist and collaborations remain under wraps, anticipation is at an all-time high.
Ayo Maff’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From earning a Headies nomination for Best Street-Hop Artiste to releasing some of the most streamed songs in Nigeria, his trajectory points to a bright future. He has consistently proven that he understands the pulse of the streets, and with his gritty street-hop, catchy hooks, and vivid storytelling, Prince of the Street will certainly be a defining moment in his career.
With Prince of the Street, he is not just dropping an album–he is making a statement. Ayo Maff is here to stay, and he’s ready to claim his crown as the new voice of the streets. As the countdown begins, one thing is clear: Prince of the Street isn’t just an album title, it’s a declaration of confidence in his royalty and prowess. With this, he crowns himself Prince and if we’re being honest, is there anyone better suited for the crown?
