I left home at 16 to provide for my family - Ayo Maff
Entertainment
Rising music star Ayo Maff has opened up on his journey from the tough streets of Shomolu, Lagos to the spotlight of the music industry.
In a recent Hip TV interview, he recounted leaving his family home at 16 to provide a better future for his loved ones.
As the eldest child, Maff felt a responsibility to improve his family’s circumstances, describing Shomolu as a challenging yet vibrant place that shaped his perspective and fueled his music’s raw authenticity.
To pursue his ambitions, the 19-year-old singer moved in with friends for over a year, reassuring his concerned mother he would stay connected.
He said: “As the first child of my family, I left home at 16 because it was not easy there.
“Life in Shomolu is hard, fun and also exciting. Without living in Shomolu I wouldn’t have the experiences of singing about them. I wouldn’t have truly seen the reality of life that shaped me.
“I looked around and realised that I had to go out and make it for these people (his family). So, I just leave to stay with my friend for one year and a few months. My mum was concerned when I was leaving, but I assured her that I would be coming to check on them.”
The hardships and energy of Shomolu inspired his breakout 2024 single Dealer, a collaboration with Fireboy DML that propelled him to stardom.
