Street Pop sensation Ayo Maff has made a powerful entrance with his debut album, Prince of the Street. The 13-track LP, in a very raw sense, attests to his roots in the streets of Somolu and Bariga, Lagos, where he honed his craft. Born Ayorinde Mafoluku Ayodele, Ayo Maff describes the album as a deeply personal reflection of his upbringing, taking over a year to record as he captured different phases of his life. “I grew up in the street of Somolu, Bariga,” he shares. “It’s just more to let the people know I am from them… all the things I do sing about, people are also facing, so it’s all a reality check.”
Prince of the Street blends street-hop, Afropop, and Amapiano influences, paying homage to Ayo Maff’s inspirations with tracks like Baddo’s Song, which samples Olamide’s classic, Yemi My Lover, acknowledging the YBNL kingpin’s influence. The album features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Chike on the introspective Realness, BNXN on the smooth Oshimiri, and Seyi Vibez on the gritty Gang, alongside South African talents Jazzworx and Thukuthela. Standout moments include Beginning, a bold opener declaring his ambitions, and Felony, a hard-hitting track exploring heartbreak and street survival. The production, handled by a team including Magicsticks and Larrylanes, balances gritty beats with melodic flair, grounding the album in authenticity while showcasing Ayo Maff’s versatility.
The album’s release follows a strategic rollout with singles like Lazy Baby and Panic, building anticipation that has paid off with a No. 2 debut on the Apple Music Nigeria chart, trailing only Olamide at the moment. Its reach extends across West Africa, hitting No. 5 in Gambia and No. 8 in Benin, and even charts in the UK and US, signalling Ayo Maff’s crossover potential. Recorded in unconventional spaces like bedrooms and kitchens, as he revealed, the project underscores his resourcefulness and determination. Prince of the Street is a declaration of a young artist claiming his throne, resonating with fans who see their own struggles and triumphs mirrored in its beats and bars.
Listen to Prince of The Street here.
