Nigerian singer Ayo Mafoluku, popularly known as Ayo Maff, has revealed that acting has always been a personal passion, one he finally brought to life with his big-screen debut.
Speaking on the Funding the Creative Enterprise Ecosystem panel at NECLive 2025, moderated by Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Ayo explained how years of shooting music videos gradually sparked his interest in film.
“I wanted to see myself in a movie, and I was happy to take this role and embrace the opportunity,” he said.
The panel also highlighted key strategies for creatives looking to protect and monetise their work, emphasising financial planning, legal safeguards, and risk management.
Ayo’s journey into film echoed the broader conversation, reflecting the rising trend of Nigerian creatives expanding their craft across multiple disciplines.
Ayo Maff made his acting debut in Chronicles of Afrobeats, a documentary-style film produced by music executive Bankulli. The premiere was held at Entertainment Week Africa 2025 at Ebonylife Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE:
Why Nollywood Lacks Sustainable Structure – NFVCB Boss, Husseini Explains
The documentary traces the roots and global evolution of Afrobeats through archival footage, interviews, and insights from more than 200 contributors who have shaped the genre. The first episode, The Sound, explores how traditional genres like Fuji, Juju, and Highlife laid the groundwork for today’s Afrobeats.
At the premiere, Ayo joined Bankulli and other industry figures for the screening, a personal milestone that underscores the growing wave of Nigerian artists embracing multidisciplinary careers.
Ayo Maff is best known for hits like “Dealer” featuring Fireboy DML and his 2024 EP Maffian.
