From Lagos streets to UK stages, Nino Mayanna is a force of nature, and a rising voice in the Afrobeat-R&B landscape. With her latest single 'Aje', the Nigerian-born, UK-based artist turns the volume up on determination, resilience, and self-made ambition. Blending vibrant Afrobeat rhythms with smooth R&B hooks and deeply personal lyrics, the track pulses with the energy of someone who’s lived through the fire and come out stronger.
Nino’s journey reads like a modern epic. Born into modest beginnings, catapulted into royal life at age 11, and later surviving a devastating gas explosion that changed everything. Instead of dimming her light, that moment sparked a musical awakening. Now, as a genre-bending performer, academic achiever, and fierce advocate for authenticity, she’s crafting a sound that’s as rich in emotion as it is rooted in rhythm.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The very first instrument I fell in love with was piano. I know it’s unbelievable, but I used to get emotional when I heard the piano playing while I was in Uni in music school. Everyone knew me as that girl that had tears rolling when my friend played the piano when we all gathered to perform a piece every Thursday. Maybe because I had a lot going on at that time and I was so happy to be in a music school I never thought I would ever get into. A more special feeling is that it’s a dream to be here.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up I loved listening to a variety of music including Soul music, RnB music, Pop music, Afrobeat, Dancehall, Highlife. Because of the hardship growing in a repressed area of Nigeria, I always looked for music that uplifted my spirit and encouraged me to work towards a better life. So anything inspirational and uplifting was always something I am attracted to.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I ever owned was Westlife’s first album ‘Westlife’ in 1999. That was my favourite band as a teenager. I listened to that album till it cracked. Their album still rings word for word. Not many international boy bands reached the Nigerian stage. but for some reason they did.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I never be-rate anyone’s artistry but I’ve heard a lot of songs, and I would be like Dahm if it was arranged this way it would have been a classic instead of a hit. Or if this word had been there would have been super genius. Then I start to wish I was right there to give those ideas you know. I feel very fortunate to write my own music myself because I don’t add sentiments when I’m done writing, I listen to myself as an audience as well. And I don’t hesitate to replace a word or a line if it doesn’t flow or fit.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I wish I did. Thank God for mobile phones because I don’t know what I could have done without them. I’ve written hundreds of songs, some of them I don’t bother going back to because, as much as I love it while the inspiration comes, I love fresh ideas. But there are some of these inspirations I had to come back to cause I couldn’t let them just be. I know they can become classics. I let music flow, I don’t force it. It comes to me whenever it wants me to speak, could be in the middle of the night while sleeping. No matter how dead quiet it is, I must wake up to record it or else it skips me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
The thing about me which might seem odd is I feel more ‘lift off‘ when I listen to songs from the 1960s to 2000s especially the ‘80s’. I love listening to, Aretha franklin, Akon, Young thug, Burna Boy, Madonna, Sade, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open a show for someone who seems to appreciate (and be trying to work with) Afrobeat Artists like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. I also would love to open for Burna boy again (I opened for him in 2019) this time outside Nigeria. I also think Tailor Swift is achieving amazing things and touching a lot of souls so I would love to work with her.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
What I love most about being a creative is the fact that I learn every day, evolve and share my thoughts to the world through music. When I listen to my record and I deliver the feeling the way I felt when I got the inspiration. I feel like I brought an energy to life. Feedback I’ve had and interaction from my fans has shown me that I am connecting with people and inspiring them in their lives. Years ago, I incorporated the Talking Drum into my music. At that time that was very revolutionary. Now I see another Major Artiste (Burna boy, Kiss Daniel, Adekunle Gold) doing the same and following suit. That feels rewarding to me and makes me feel I’m really doing something right.
And what is the most frustrating part?
All I can remember as a child is my mum playing Arita franklin around the house pretty much 24/7 so obviously she is a huge inspiration to me both as the Queen of soul and as a Black female artiste. As I have grown up and even more so now in my career, she’s the one person I will love to share a stage with. So, my biggest frustration is that she is no longer with us so I wouldn’t be able to do that.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
When I had just finished the performance for my thesis during my master degree program at the University, the Professor congratulated me and when we spoke, she told me to keep projecting my energy and originality, be consistent and most of all keep being me. So I always think of that wise word in any moments of doubt.
Nino Mayanna's new single 'are' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.