Nigerian-born, UK-based singer Nino Mayanna makes a confident return with her vibrant new single “Aje,” a bold Afrobeat–R&B–pop fusion that captures determination, self-belief, and the relentless hustle behind her artistic journey.
Nino Mayanna’s life story is anything but conventional. Raised in humble circumstances on the streets of Lagos, her early years were marked by uncertainty and struggle. That reality shifted dramatically at the age of 11 when her father was summoned back to Nigeria to ascend his ancestral throne, suddenly placing Nino in the public eye as an African Princess. Yet despite the royal lineage, she quickly understood that her destiny lay not in titles, but in music.
Her journey took another defining turn in 2007 when she survived a life-altering gas explosion that left her physically and emotionally scarred. Rather than breaking her spirit, the near-death experience became a catalyst for deeper self-expression. Music transformed into both refuge and healing, shaping Nino into a fearless, genre-blending artist and a pioneer in integrating the traditional 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 expand her artistry while collaborating with respected creatives across the industry. That commitment to authenticity sits at the heart of “Aje.”
Sung in English and Nigerian Pidgin, the single reflects real-life moments of resilience and self-determination. “‘Aje’ came from a point where people close to me questioned the way I hustle,” Nino explains. “I’m telling them not to be upset—I’m grinding because no one else can provide for me. It’s about choosing my own path, wanting a comfortable life, and asking for support instead of doubt.”
The song was born from raw circumstances. Meeting a producer through a mutual friend, Nino recalls using the very last of her money on fuel and food just to make the studio session happen. “With the money situation in mind, the beat, the lyrics, and the vibe came together naturally,” she shares.
That honesty pulses through “Aje,” blending party-ready Afrobeat rhythms with emotional grit and lived experience. It’s a song for anyone carving their own lane against the odds—a reminder that the hustle, no matter how heavy, is part of the journey.