Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about his plans and legacy

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayo Maff joins Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest single, the Chike collab, “Realness.” He also discusses why his debut album, ‘Prince of the Street’ is so important to him, recognising the OG’s, and appreciating feedback from his fans.

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Ayo Maff tells Apple Music why the ‘Prince of the Streets’ is so important to him.

I’m really excited about this project. ‘Prince of the Streets’ is my first studio album – and I used to say this is the album the world is missing – the youth, everyone! It took me more than a year to record, so it’s very personal to me because each song is talking about a different phase of my life from the beginning, all the way to where I am today. There’s growth, there’s more experience and more new things that I got to realise. I would like to say it’s a continuation of my story and the world’s story as well.

Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about appreciating feedback from his fans.

Its when I meet a fan and he tells me how much my music has helped him go through a phase of his life – when he was depressed and really didn’t know what to do. I’ve met a couple of fans that tell me that and also fans that tell me: “Your music made me happy, your music changed my mood, your music is one of the reasons that keeps me going”. This is one of the reasons why I will always keep doing music, because I have to preach to the people. I have to let them know this is what we are all going through. It’s not just you. It’s not just me. Everyone is going through one or two things. You have other people who are also in the same space, so you need to know you’re not alone. We are with you – this is a movement.

Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about being a young artist from Somolu, Bariga, Lagos State.

Yeah, growing up in Bariga helped me – and I would even say it’s influenced my music in lots of ways. It allowed me to sing the reality – where I’m from and the genuine lifestyle. I can’t be singing like I’m 30 when I’m still in my young age, so I don’t sing about things I don’t know. All the things I do sing about, people are also facing, so its all a reality check.

Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about the song ‘Panic’.

I actually recorded ‘Panic’ after I performed at the 02 Arena in London, opening for Asake. After I opened the show, I immediately got off the stage and went to my hotel room and my producer was there. That’s how we made that magic. When I can take advantage of the moment I sing about it!

Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about recognising artists like Wizkid and Olamide.

Big up to the ‘Big OG’s!’ – because they opened the way for us. Without them, I don’t think there’s anyway we could be in this space and be who we are with what we have today. They opened the way for us so big ups to them!

Ayo Maff tells Apple Music about his plans and legacy.

The importance of one’s legacy is being you! The legacy of never forgetting your roots. I also have the dream of having my own show at the O2 arena. There’s Wembley arena, there’s so many arenas – and when the time comes, Ayo Maff will be there. As an artist I want the world to witness the whole dream that is in my head.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Friday, June 27th at 9a Lagos/London / 10a Johannesburg/Paris / 1a LA / 4a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow and broadcast on YFM Accra every Sunday at 2pm, YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3pm and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6pm.