Fast-rising Nigerian street-pop sensation Ayo Maff has credited Afrobeats star Fireboy DML for a defining moment in his career, revealing that their collaboration on the Dealer (Remix) was a turning point that catapulted him to national prominence.
In a recent appearance on the entertainment program Trending, Ayo Maff expressed profound gratitude to Fireboy, whose guest verse on the remix turned the track into a blockbuster hit and, according to him, laid the foundation for his mainstream breakthrough.
“Without Fireboy, there will be no Ayo Maff because he gave me that thing I want. So thank God and thank you to Fireboy,” he said.
Released in 2024, the Dealer (Remix) quickly rose to dominate the charts and was eventually declared the biggest song on Spotify Nigeria for that year. The track gave Ayo Maff mass exposure and earned him a coveted Headies Next Rated nomination, affirming his place among the new generation of street music heavyweights.
Reflecting on how the collaboration came to be, Ayo Maff admitted he was surprised when Fireboy agreed to feature on the track. “I didn’t expect it,” he revealed, highlighting how the collaboration came together organically and changed the course of his journey.
Following the success of Dealer, Ayo Maff has continued to build momentum, with performances across major stages, including an opening set for Grammy-nominated superstar Asake at the O2 Arena—a moment he described as a dream come true. “It was something I imagined even before it happened,” he shared during the interview.
Known for his raw and relatable lyricism, Ayo Maff’s music reflects the gritty reality of street life in Nigeria. His songs touch on pressing themes such as poverty, police brutality, and the hustle in a tough environment, resonating with a wide audience across urban youth communities.
As he rides the wave of success, Ayo Maff is preparing to release his highly anticipated debut LP titled The Prince of The Street. The album is expected to further cement his growing influence in the street-pop subgenre and showcase his artistic depth.
Recently spotlighted by Spotify as one of the artists to watch in 2025, Ayo Maff is poised to leave an even bigger mark on the Nigerian music scene.