Nigerian-born, UK-based singer Nino Mayanna returns with a vibrant new release, “Aje”, a bold Afrobeat-R&B-pop fusion that channels determination, self-belief and the hard-earned hustle behind her artistic journey.
Nino Mayanna’s story is anything but ordinary. Raised on the streets of Lagos, she began life in humble circumstances with little sense of where her future might lead. That changed dramatically at age 11 when her father was called back to his homeland to ascend his ancestral throne – suddenly thrusting Nino into the public eye as an African Princess. Despite the shift in status, she quickly realised that royalty was not her destiny; her true calling was rooted in music.
Her journey took another dramatic turn in 2007 when she survived a life-altering gas explosion – an event that left her physically and mentally scarred. Instead of breaking her spirit, the traumatic near-death experience ignited a new chapter of creativity and emotional truth. Writing music became her sanctuary and her source of healing, ultimately shaping her into a genre-blending, boundary-pushing artist and a pioneer in incorporating the talking drum into contemporary R&B.
Now a celebrated multitalented performer and a First Class Master’s degree graduate in Performing Arts Research, Nino continues to grow her artistry, collaborating with respected creatives across the industry. Her commitment to authenticity and originality sits at the heart of her latest single.
Speaking on the inspiration behind “Aje”, which is sung in English and Nigerian Pidgin, Nino explains: “‘Aje’ comes from a real moment in my life where people close to me questioned the way I hustle. I’m telling them not to be upset – I’m grinding because no one else can provide for me. The song reflects wanting a comfortable life, choosing my own path, and asking those close to me to support me instead of doubting my drive.”
Nigerian-born, UK-based singer and songwriter Nino Mayanna makes a bold return with her vibrant new single “Aje,” a dynamic Afrobeat-R&B-pop fusion driven by determination, self-belief, and the relentless hustle behind her artistic journey. Pulsing with dance-ready energy while grounded in lived experience, “Aje” captures the spirit of choosing your own path and pushing forward against the odds.
Nino Mayanna’s story is one of extraordinary contrast and resilience. Raised in humble circumstances on the streets of Lagos, her life took an unexpected turn at the age of 11 when her father was summoned to ascend his ancestral throne, suddenly placing her in the public eye as an African Princess. Despite the dramatic shift in status, Nino quickly realised that royalty was not her calling — music was.
Her journey deepened in 2007 following a life-altering gas explosion that left her both physically and mentally scarred. Rather than breaking her spirit, the near-death experience became a catalyst for artistic rebirth. Music turned into her sanctuary, a tool for healing and emotional release, and ultimately shaped her into a fearless, genre-blending artist. Nino has since become recognised for her originality, including her pioneering use of the talking drum within contemporary R&B.
Now a celebrated multi-talented performer and a First Class Master’s degree graduate in Performing Arts Research, Nino Mayanna continues to evolve, collaborating with respected creatives while staying rooted in authenticity. That commitment shines through on “Aje,” which is sung in both English and Nigerian Pidgin.
Speaking on the song’s inspiration, Nino shares: “‘Aje’ comes from a real moment in my life where people close to me questioned the way I hustle. I’m telling them not to be upset — I’m grinding because no one else can provide for me. The song reflects wanting a comfortable life, choosing my own path, and asking those close to me to support me instead of doubting my drive.”
The single was born from a moment of raw, unfiltered creativity shaped by real-life struggle. Nino recalls meeting a producer through a friend at a time when both were financially stretched. With limited funds, she used her last money for fuel and a small meal before heading to the studio. “He played me the beat, and with our situation in mind, the lyrics and vibe came together instantly,” she explains.
That honesty pulses through “Aje,” blending gritty reality with infectious Afrobeat rhythms and celebratory energy. It’s a song for dreamers, grinders, and anyone carving out their own future — a powerful reminder that the hustle is not just part of the journey, it is the journey.
The single grew out of a moment of unfiltered creativity, shaped by the reality of her circumstances at the time. Nino recalls meeting up with a producer through a friend: “Neither of us had much money to travel to his studio or even buy food. I used the last money I had on me at the time to buy fuel and some small food. He played me the beat at his studio and with the money situation in mind the track lyrics and vibe came together.”
That raw honesty pulses through “Aje”, shaping its party-ready, Afrobeat-infused dance energy while grounding it in real-life grit. It’s a soundtrack for anyone carving their own path – and a reminder that the hustle is part of the journey.
