From Shomolu Streets to Stardom: Ayo Maff Reveals Why He Left Home at 16 – ‘I Had to Make It for My Family’
Ayo Maff’s Sacrifice: Fleeing Poverty at 16 to Rescue His Family Nigerian breakout star Ayo Maff (born Ayodele Mafoluku) has revealed his turbulent journey from Lagos’s gritty Shomolu neighborhood to musical fame, disclosing in a Hip TV interview that he left home at just 16 to chase a better life for his struggling family. The 19-year-old hitmaker credits these harsh early experiences for fueling his raw, authentic sound. Shomolu Survival: “Hard but Fun” Crucible Street Wisdom:"Life in Shomolu is hard, but it’s where I learned reality. Without those streets, I wouldn’t have stories to sing about." Family Pressure: As firstborn, he saw leaving as non-negotiable:"I looked around and knew: I had to make it for these people. It wasn’t easy, so I left." The Bold Escape: 16-Year-Old’s Gambit Mother’s Fear: Initially resisted his departure; he vowed: "I’ll come back stronger." Guilt & Grit: Maintained close contact while grinding in […]