Nigerian singer Ayo Maff has revealed that he moved out of his parents’ home in the Shomolu area of Lagos when he was just 16 years old.
In a recent interview with Hip TV, the 19-year-old rising star spoke about his humble beginnings and the bold decision that changed his life.
According to him, the choice to leave home wasn’t out of rebellion but out of a deep sense of responsibility. As the firstborn in his family, Ayo Maff said he felt the need to step up and find a way to help his loved ones.
“I wanted more for my family”
In the interview, Ayo Maff shared that life in Shomolu was tough but also full of valuable lessons. He said he reached a point where he knew he had to make a move, not just for himself, but for those closest to him.
“I left home because I wanted more for my family,” he said. “As the first child, I felt a duty to go out and find something better. It wasn’t easy at home. Life in Shomolu is hard, fun, and exciting at the same time. But it taught me a lot.”
The singer explained that growing up in Shomolu helped him understand the struggles people face every day. That real-life experience later found its way into his music. “Without living there, I wouldn’t have had the stories to sing about. I wouldn’t have seen life the way I do now.”
Leaving was not easy
Moving out at 16 came with its challenges. Ayo Maff didn’t have a detailed plan. He simply knew he had to act. He packed his things and moved in with a friend. For over a year, that friend’s home became his new shelter.
“My mum was worried when I said I was leaving,” he recalled. “But I told her I’d always check on them. I wasn’t running away. I just had to take a step. I needed to find a way to help us all.”
His decision might have seemed risky, but in his eyes, it was necessary. He wanted to escape the cycle of struggle and open a new door for his family.
The music journey begins
Ayo Maff’s gamble started to pay off in 2023. That year, he released the hit single Dealer featuring Fireboy DML. The track quickly gained attention and introduced him to a wider audience. Many were drawn to his voice, style, and honesty.
Since then, the young artist has continued to build on that early success. Fans now look to him as one of the fast-rising stars in Nigeria’s music scene. His story of leaving home young, chasing a dream, and putting family first has inspired many.
Shomolu still shapes his music
Even as he moves forward in the industry, Ayo Maff hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He often speaks of how life in Shomolu shaped his view of the world. The challenges he faced growing up have helped him stay grounded, even as fame begins to grow.
“Shomolu made me who I am,” he said. “It taught me to hustle. It taught me to see beauty in the struggle. I still carry those lessons with me.”
A story of courage and hope
Ayo Maff’s journey is far from over, but his early steps show the power of courage, belief, and family. Leaving home at 16 was a bold move. But it was driven by love and a desire to build something better, not just for himself, but for the people he holds dear.
As his music continues to reach new ears, Ayo Maff stands as a reminder that even the toughest beginnings can lead to bright futures.
Nigerian singer Ayo Maff has revealed that he moved out of his parents’ home in the Shomolu area of Lagos when he was just 16 years old. In a recent interview with Hip TV, the 19-year-old rising star spoke about his humble beginnings and the bold decision that changed his life.
According to him, the choice to leave home wasn’t out of rebellion but out of a deep sense of responsibility. As the firstborn in his family, Ayo Maff said he felt the need to step up and find a way to help his loved ones.
“I wanted more for my family”
In the interview, Ayo Maff shared that life in Shomolu was tough but also full of valuable lessons. He said he reached a point where he knew he had to make a move, not just for himself, but for those closest to him.
“I left home because I wanted more for my family,” he said. “As the first child, I felt a duty to go out and find something better. It wasn’t easy at home. Life in Shomolu is hard, fun, and exciting at the same time. But it taught me a lot.”
The singer explained that growing up in Shomolu helped him understand the struggles people face every day. That real-life experience later found its way into his music. “Without living there, I wouldn’t have had the stories to sing about. I wouldn’t have seen life the way I do now.”
Leaving was not easy
Moving out at 16 came with its challenges. Ayo Maff didn’t have a detailed plan. He simply knew he had to act. He packed his things and moved in with a friend. For over a year, that friend’s home became his new shelter.
“My mum was worried when I said I was leaving,” he recalled. “But I told her I’d always check on them. I wasn’t running away. I just had to take a step. I needed to find a way to help us all.”
His decision might have seemed risky, but in his eyes, it was necessary. He wanted to escape the cycle of struggle and open a new door for his family.
The music journey begins
Ayo Maff’s gamble started to pay off in 2023. That year, he released the hit single Dealer featuring Fireboy DML. The track quickly gained attention and introduced him to a wider audience. Many were drawn to his voice, style, and honesty.
Since then, the young artist has continued to build on that early success. Fans now look to him as one of the fast-rising stars in Nigeria’s music scene. His story of leaving home young, chasing a dream, and putting family first has inspired many.
Shomolu still shapes his music
Even as he moves forward in the industry, Ayo Maff hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He often speaks of how life in Shomolu shaped his view of the world. The challenges he faced growing up have helped him stay grounded, even as fame begins to grow.
“Shomolu made me who I am,” he said. “It taught me to hustle. It taught me to see beauty in the struggle. I still carry those lessons with me.”
A story of courage and hope
Ayo Maff’s journey is far from over, but his early steps show the power of courage, belief, and family. Leaving home at 16 was a bold move. But it was driven by love and a desire to build something better, not just for himself, but for the people he holds dear.
As his music continues to reach new ears, Ayo Maff stands as a reminder that even the toughest beginnings can lead to bright futures.
