Mayorkun

Artist Birtday :	23/03/1994(Age 31)
Born In :	Osun State
Occupation(s) :	Musician
Genres :	Afro beats, Amapiano
Web Site :	www.mayorkun.com

Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, professionally known as Mayorkun, was born on March 23, 1994, in Osun State, Nigeria. He is the eldest of three children in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His mother, Toyin Adewale, is a renowned Nollywood actress, while his father, Sunday Adewale, is a movie producer and artist. Growing up in Lagos, Mayorkun was exposed to the arts from an early age. He joined the church choir during his formative years, where he learned the fundamentals of music and honed his skills in playing the piano. He attended Living Spring Montessori for his primary education and Hi-Grade College for his secondary education. Mayorkun later pursued a degree in Accounting at the University of Lagos, balancing his academic responsibilities with his passion for music.

Career Beginnings

After graduating, Mayorkun secured a job in the banking sector. However, he found the job unfulfilling and continued to nurture his musical aspirations. In 2016, he recorded a cover of Davido’s song “The Money” and shared it on Twitter. The cover caught Davido’s attention, leading to a pivotal moment in Mayorkun’s career. On the same day Mayorkun submitted his resignation letter at the bank, Davido reached out to him, inquiring about his musical abilities beyond playing the keyboard. Impressed by Mayorkun’s talent, Davido signed him to his record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).

Breakthrough and Musical Success

Mayorkun’s debut single under DMW, “Eleko,” was released in 2016 and quickly gained popularity, peaking at number 5 on the Nigeria Playdata charts. He followed up with a series of successful singles, including “Yawa,” “Sade,” “Che Che,” and “Mama,” solidifying his presence in the Nigerian music scene.

In November 2018, Mayorkun released his debut studio album, “The Mayor of Lagos,” under DMW. The album featured collaborations with artists like Davido, Sarkodie, D’banj, and Patoranking. It was well-received and won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2019.

Transition and Continued Growth

After five successful years with DMW, Mayorkun parted ways with the label in 2021. He signed with Sony Music West Africa and released the single “Let Me Know,” followed by his second studio album, “Back in Office,” in October 2021. The album showcased his versatility and featured collaborations with artists like Gyakie, Victony, and Joeboy.

Mayorkun’s talent has been recognized with several awards, including:

• The Headies Award for Next Rated (2018)

• City People Music Award for Best Collabo of the Year (2019)

• City People Awards for Most Promising Act of the Year (2016)

Since his debut in 2016, Mayorkun has earned numerous accolades that underline his contribution to the Nigerian and African music scene. He won the Headies Award for Next Rated in 2018, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious recognitions for emerging artists. His debut album The Mayor of Lagos received widespread acclaim and positioned him as a leading voice among the new wave of Afrobeats artists.

Other awards to his name include Best Music Cover (Male) at the City People Music Awards, Best R&B/Pop Album, and several nominations in categories such as Best Collaboration, Viewer’s Choice, and Best Pop Single. These recognitions are not only a testament to his vocal ability but also to his consistency, creative direction, and ability to evolve with musical trends.

His collaboration with Davido, his former label boss, remains one of the most streamed songs of his career, and his later hit singles like Certified Loner (No Competition) and Back in Office have added further to his laurels. His streaming numbers continue to rise both on domestic and international platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and YouTube.

Personal Life of Mayorkun

Despite his status as a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s music industry, Mayorkun has always taken deliberate steps to keep his personal life out of the public spotlight. While many celebrities often find their lives on display, Mayorkun has mastered the art of balancing fame with privacy. He seldom shares much about his family or relationships on social media, choosing instead to allow his music and public appearances to speak for him.

However, what is known is that Mayorkun is married to Arifath Akifewa, a woman who is said to have stood by him before his full emergence into stardom. Their relationship has been largely kept from media intrusion, a choice that reflects Mayorkun’s overall approach to fame. It is widely believed among fans that this discretion helps him maintain a stable and focused lifestyle amid the often chaotic nature of the music industry.

Mayorkun’s reserved nature extends beyond his relationship. In interviews and public interactions, he often comes across as humble and thoughtful, showing none of the flamboyance that typically characterises some of his peers. Those who have worked with him describe him as dedicated, focused, and remarkably grounded. He spends much of his time either in the studio or travelling for performances but remains closely connected to his immediate family and a tight-knit circle of trusted friends and collaborators.

He also holds strong familial values, which is not surprising considering his upbringing in a household already steeped in Nigerian arts and entertainment. His relationship with his mother, Toyin Adewale, has been well-documented as warm and supportive. She has often spoken about how proud she is of his achievements, and Mayorkun himself regularly expresses gratitude for the role his family played in his musical journey.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2025, Mayorkun’s net worth is estimated at $3.2 million. His income streams include music sales, endorsements, and performances. His successful albums and hit singles have contributed significantly to his wealth.

Public Image and Influence

Mayorkun’s public image reflects a blend of modern-day humility and cultural pride. He is seen as a role model for young Nigerians who aspire to turn their passion into profitable ventures. Known for his soft-spoken nature, friendly demeanour, and polished dress sense, Mayorkun often represents the voice of youth navigating the challenges of modern society while maintaining traditional values.

His influence transcends music. Over the years, Mayorkun has subtly become a cultural influencer, setting trends not only in music but also in fashion, digital engagement, and lifestyle. On social media, he commands a large following where he shares snippets of his life, upcoming music, and behind-the-scenes activities that captivate his fans. He has successfully managed to create a brand that is both accessible and aspirational.

Mayorkun also participates in corporate endorsements and partnerships, reflecting his marketability beyond music. He has served as an ambassador for multiple brands, including telecommunication companies and fashion lines, and these collaborations often mirror his clean, sophisticated, and trendy image. In a media space where authenticity often sells, Mayorkun’s sincerity and lack of scandal make him particularly appealing to both fans and brands.

Impact and Philanthropy

Beyond the music and the accolades, Mayorkun’s impact is felt in his efforts to support young talent and give back to his community. He has, on multiple occasions, hinted at starting initiatives aimed at empowering up-and-coming artists. While he has not launched a full-scale philanthropic foundation, Mayorkun often supports fans through giveaways, mentorship, and surprise appearances at local shows or talent hunts.

He also uses his platform to speak subtly about mental health, personal growth, and handling fame. In various interviews, Mayorkun has been candid about the pressure of staying relevant and the challenges that come with being in the public eye. These honest expressions resonate with many young people and fans who see him as not just an artist but a person navigating life just like them.

In 2022, he took a short break from releasing new music, prompting fans to speculate about his well-being. Upon return, he reassured his audience that he needed time for himself—a decision many praised as brave and necessary in a fast-paced industry that often overlooks the emotional and mental needs of artists.

Looking Ahead

As of 2025, Mayorkun continues to evolve musically and professionally. His second studio album Back in Office and a series of follow-up singles have confirmed that he is not a one-hit-wonder but an artist with staying power. Fans are eagerly awaiting his next major project, which promises to fuse deeper lyrical themes with the catchy melodies that define his sound.

Mayorkun is also exploring other areas of the entertainment industry. There have been talks of him dabbling in film, talent scouting, and production. Given his background in banking and his understanding of music as both an art and a business, many believe Mayorkun is poised for longevity—not just as a performer but also as a mogul in the creative industry.

In a Nigerian music scene that is constantly expanding globally, Mayorkun remains one of the acts that continues to push boundaries while staying grounded in his roots. His story—from a banker with dreams to a household name—is one of resilience, talent, and strategic growth.