Nigerian-born, UK-based singer Nino Mayanna returns with a vibrant new release, “Aje”, a bold Afrobeat-R&B-pop fusion that channels determination, self-belief and the hard-earned hustle behind her artistic journey.
Nino Mayanna’s story is anything but ordinary. Raised on the streets of Lagos, she began life in humble circumstances with little sense of where her future might lead. That changed dramatically at age 11 when her father was called back to his homeland to ascend his ancestral throne – suddenly thrusting Nino into the public eye as an African Princess. Despite the shift in status, she quickly realised that royalty was not her destiny; her true calling was rooted in music.
Her journey took another dramatic turn in 2007 when she survived a life-altering gas explosion – an event that left her physically and mentally scarred. Instead of breaking her spirit, the traumatic near-death experience ignited a new chapter of creativity and emotional truth. Writing music became her sanctuary and her source of healing, ultimately shaping her into a genre-blending, boundary-pushing artist and a pioneer in incorporating the talking drum into contemporary R&B.
Now a celebrated multitalented performer and a First Class Master’s degree graduate in Performing Arts Research, Nino continues to grow her artistry, collaborating with respected creatives across the industry. Her commitment to authenticity and originality sits at the heart of her latest single.
Speaking on the inspiration behind “Aje”, which is sung in English and Nigerian Pidgin, Nino explains: “‘Aje’ comes from a real moment in my life where people close to me questioned the way I hustle. I’m telling them not to be upset – I'm grinding because no one else can provide for me. The song reflects wanting a comfortable life, choosing my own path, and asking those close to me to support me instead of doubting my drive.”
The single grew out of a moment of unfiltered creativity, shaped by the reality of her circumstances at the time. Nino recalls meeting up with a producer through a friend: “Neither of us had much money to travel to his studio or even buy food. I used the last money I had on me at the time to buy fuel and some small food. He played me the beat at his studio and with the money situation in mind the track lyrics and vibe came together.”
That raw honesty pulses through “Aje”, shaping its party-ready, Afrobeat-infused dance energy while grounding it in real-life grit. It’s a soundtrack for anyone carving their own path – and a reminder that the hustle is part of the journey. “Aje” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
