Rising Nigerian Afrobeats artist Mavo makes a special appearance on Apple Music’s Africa Now, joining host Nandi Madida via FaceTime to reflect on his rapid rise.
During the conversation, Mavo opens up about navigating early success, building a distinct artistic identity, and his growing presence within Africa’s new wave of Afrobeats talent. The singer also speaks candidly about working with industry heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, and CKay, describing his journey as one rooted in gratitude, faith, and relentless dedication to his craft.
“It’s crazy. I’m overwhelmed, but at the same time I know it’s what I have to do,” Mavo shared with Apple Music. “I like the drive. I like what I get from what I put in, so I just keep putting it in.”
Mavo also breaks down the inspiration behind his project ‘Kilometer,’ explaining that the title reflects the fast-paced nature of his rise and the urgency with which everything began to move. “Everything was moving so fast,” he said. “So we just said, okay, let’s name it ‘Kilometer’. How many meters can you run? How fast can you run?”
One of the standout moments of the interview sees Mavo discussing his self-created slang and personal dictionary — a bold artistic choice that underscores his commitment to originality. At just 22 years old, the artist has developed an extensive collection of original words he refers to as his “busy lingua,” further setting him apart in a crowded musical landscape.
“I always don’t want to do what everybody’s doing,” he explained. “I had to create my own words. I literally have a dictionary of my own words, and I feel like that’s crazy.”
On the topic of collaborating with Afrobeats giants, Mavo expressed humility and appreciation, crediting faith for opening doors he never explicitly asked for. “God just said take all of these features. Bless the song. Do what you can do for it,” he said.
The artist also hinted at the depth of his unreleased catalogue, revealing that many of his strongest songs are still waiting for the right moment. With multiple projects lined up for release in the coming months, Mavo promises consistency and momentum, describing the rollout as “back to back.”
In addition, Mavo shared his deep admiration for South African music and culture, teasing upcoming collaborations with artists from the country. While keeping details under wraps, he confirmed that the records are already completed and “very serious.”
The episode also features This Week’s Hottest New Tracks, curated by Nandi Madida, spotlighting fresh releases from Wizkid & Asake, Seyi Vibez & Omah Lay, LADIPOE & Maglera Doe Boy, Lovn, and Beeztrap Kot featuring O’Kenneth & Reggie.
