From the streets of Lagos to international stages, Nino Mayanna’s journey is one defined by resilience, reinvention and fearless self-belief. Nigerian-born and UK-based, the genre-blending artist returns with her powerful new single, “Aje”, an Afrobeat-R&B-pop fusion that captures the grind behind the glow and the determination it takes to choose your own path.
In this interview, Nino opens up about the extraordinary twists of her life story, from being thrust into the spotlight as an African Princess to surviving a life-altering gas explosion that reshaped her confidence, creativity and purpose. She reflects on the meaning behind “Aje”, the realities of hustling as a female artist, and how authenticity, survival and cultural pride continue to fuel her music as she steps into an exciting new chapter of her career.
LOCK: Tell us a little about your story and background
Nino Mayanna: Nino Mayanna is a Nigerian-born singer with an unusual background. She grew up on the streets of Lagos with a humble life struggling to see any meaningful future for herself. However, her great grandfather was a King and Pan-African war hero and at the tender age of 11, Nino’s father was called back home to ascend his ancestral thrown as King suddenly throwing her into the spotlight as an African Princess. In time, Nino realised that this was not the life for her, she wanted her own achievements to stand out and decided to go her own way.
Growing up with inspiration from great artists who touched the world such as Sunny Okosu, Sunny Ade, and Tina Turner, Nino was driven by her musical passion and longed to inspire hearts and touch lives. Embarking on a very different and unconventional path that her family struggled to understand, as it defiled the traditional expectations.
In 2007 Nino’s life took a dramatic turn when she became a victim of a gas explosion leaving her both physically and mentally scarred. The traumatic near-death experience left her struggling to find confidence and direction. Despite this, Nino never gave up. This challenging period sparked the emergence of her musical expression, creativity and devotion to her lifelong dream. She found solace in writing music as a source of healing and has become a pioneer incorporating the Talking Drum into the RnB genre.
Nino has evolved into a multi-talented versatile Artiste, blending genres and styles and creating unique sounds. Today, she is celebrated for her talent. The singer recently graduated with a First Class Master’s degree for Research in Performing Arts. She continues to grow and broaden her horizons, working with many strong industry leaders as well as collaborating with successful and respected artists.
LOCK: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Nino Mayanna: I’m in love with Aretha Franklin’s personality and work, Sade Adu is another queen I love so much, her unique voice and personality speak so much volume for me. When I was a child I listened to Michael Jackson constantly so I have to say that his music and his unique style have had an influence on me throughout my life.
LOCK: Congratulations on the release of your new single, “Aje”. Can you elaborate on the meaning and message behind the song?
Nino Mayanna: Thank you. It’s been amazing to see the organic love shown towards the record and the feeling I can make people feel when listening to my record. It’s amazing. Well, “AJE” comes from a real moment in my life where people close to me questioned the way I hustle. In the song, I’m telling them not to be upset. I’m grinding because no one else can provide for me. The song reflects wanting a comfortable life, choosing my own path, and asking those close to me to support me instead of doubting my drive.
It’s not a thought people get mad when they see you going hard for what you love and see you doing great at it isn’t it!
LOCK: How do you balance your music career with your personal life?
Nino Mayanna: Music is a part of me, so I don’t see anything to balance I have made it a part of myself so what you see is what you get. I don’t have a double life. Regardless of what I am doing, music is always involved somehow. My husband encourages and supports me massively we bounce ideas off each other and have fun together creating music and concepts for my art so I am very lucky in that aspect.
LOCK: As a survivor of a life-altering gas explosion, how has that shaped the artist and person you are today?
Nino Mayanna: Surviving a life-altering gas explosion reshaped not only how I see myself, but how I show up as an artist and a woman. In the beginning, I struggled deeply with shame. My appearance had changed, my mind had changed, and I became painfully aware of how people might now look at me. At one point, someone even body-shamed me for my scars. I remember crying the whole day and not being able to sleep that night. But eventually I recognised what was really behind those words is jealousy and discomfort with the fact that I was still rising despite everything I’d been through. I had a moment with myself. I looked in the mirror, beyond the hurt and I saw the same person I’ve always been. My scars became something else, a map, a reminder of survival, a mark of God’s grace over my life. From that point, my confidence became untouchable. Today, when I walk into a room, I don’t shrink, I exude confidence, and I see how it inspires others.
In an industry where appearance often comes before talent, my scars have become part of my identity. Not everyone has a story like mine. A story of pain, struggle, resilience, and rebirth. My journey has shaped me into the woman and the artist I am today. It gave me depth, purpose, and a voice that comes from a very real place
LOCK: Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
Nino Mayanna: Being in a male dominated industry it’s sometimes harder to gain respect for your talent and loving what you do. There have been occasions, more so when I was starting out, when I wouldn’t be taken seriously as an artist. I work twice as hard to earn respect and acknowledgment and to be the best version of myself perfecting my sound and staying true to my values. Some years ago it was satisfying to realise my peers were beginning to see this girl here isn’t a joke she a beast at what she does. She is passionate, talented and determined to succeed. My work ethics, professionalism and focused drive earned me the respect and broke the ice for me.
LOCK: What advice would you give to women starting out in the music industry?
Nino Mayanna: The best advice I can give is to trust in your talent, hold on to your principles and know your value. As a female you should recognise your power and use it to your advantage. Assess every situation well as they arise and make decisions based on your gut feeling.
LOCK: Who are some women who inspire you outside of music?
Nino Mayanna: I know this sounds a bit cliché, but my mother inspires me. She made sure she gave me the vital things I need in life. Regardless of the difficult situation she grew up in, she worked hard to make a good life for herself and her children so that we wouldn’t go through the same struggles she had to. That is a woman that inspires me still every day.
LOCK: Now that “Aje” is out – what else can fans of yours look forward to? What’s next in 2026?
Nino Mayanna: Right now, I am in the studio working on my debut album. I have my next two single releases lined up already and I have many live performances booked in for 2026. There is also a very special project that my management is working on but I cannot say too much about that at the moment. I guess you’ll have to keep up 24/7 for real.
To keep up with all the latest from Nino Mayanna, follow her on Instagram: @ninomayanna