Nigerian-born, UK-based singer Nino Mayanna returns to the spotlight with her vibrant new single, “Aje.” A bold fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and Pop, the track serves as a sonic manifesto of determination and self-belief, channelling the hard-earned hustle that has defined her remarkable life journey.

Nino Mayanna’s background reads like a cinematic script: raised in the humble streets of Lagos, she was suddenly thrust into the public eye at age 11 as an African Princess when her father ascended his ancestral throne. Yet, her most defining moment came in 2007, when she survived a life-altering gas explosion. This traumatic near-death experience became the catalyst for her creativity; writing music became her sanctuary, transforming her into a boundary-pushing artist and a pioneer in incorporating the traditional talking drum into contemporary R&B.

Her latest offering, “Aje,” is sung in a mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin, capturing a moment of unfiltered emotional truth. The song addresses those who questioned her drive, with Nino explaining: “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.”

The track’s origins are as gritty as its message. Born from a studio session where both Nino and her producer were down to their last bit of money for fuel and food, the urgency of their circumstances bled directly into the music. That raw honesty pulses through the single, grounding its party-ready, Afrobeat-infused energy in a relatable, real-life struggle.

Now a First Class Master’s graduate in Performing Arts Research, Nino Mayanna continues to blend academic depth with infectious rhythm. “Aje”  is a soundtrack for anyone carving their own path against the odds. It is a powerful reminder that while royalty may be in her blood, the hustle is what truly defines her spirit.