Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, better known by his stage name Mayorkun, is one of Nigerian music’s most compelling success stories. From uploading a casual Twitter cover video to becoming one of Afrobeats’ most consistent hitmakers, the singer-songwriter has built a career that’s earned him the self-proclaimed title “Mayor of Lagos.” He has three studio albums, numerous chart-topping singles, and an estimated net worth between $3 million and $5 million. Mayorkun went from frustrated bank employee to Sony Music artist.
Biography
Born on 23 March 1994 in Osun State, Nigeria, Mayorkun he hails from Osun State. The artist was predominantly raised in Lagos, which he considers his true home. His stage name cleverly combines “Mayowa” (his middle name) with the Yoruba suffix “kun,” creating an identity that’s stuck throughout his nearly decade-long career.
Entertainment runs in Mayorkun’s blood. His mother, Toyin Adewale, is a veteran Nollywood actress who’s been working in Nigerian cinema since her 1988 debut in the film “Irepodun.” She also runs Tasty Lee Catering Service alongside her acting career. His father, Sunday Adewale, works as a movie producer, artist, and scriptwriter with over 25 years in the entertainment industry. The couple met whilst studying Dramatic Arts at Rimax Institute in Lagos back in 1988 and married in 1993.
As the eldest of three children, Mayorkun has two younger siblings. His brother, Ayobami Samuel Adewale (known professionally as Ayo Freeman), works as an A&R professional in the music industry. His sister, Morenikejimi Adesewa Adewale, is the youngest of the three. Interestingly, Mayorkun deliberately kept his mother’s celebrity status secret throughout his university years, wanting to build his own identity separate from her fame.
His educational journey began at Living-Spring Montessori in Lagos for primary education, followed by Hi-Grade College where he completed his secondary schooling. Despite developing a passion for music from a young age, his parents insisted he pursue higher education. He obliged, enrolling at the University of Lagos where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at age 22. Music took a backseat during these years.
Career
After graduating, Mayorkun took a job at a Nigerian bank, a decision that left him deeply unfulfilled. The low pay and misalignment with his artistic aspirations made the banking job feel like a prison sentence. In February 2016, whilst working this uninspiring bank job, he recorded a keyboard cover of Davido’s hit single “The Money” featuring Olamide. Running low on iPhone storage, he nearly deleted the video but instead uploaded it to Twitter as a backup. That spontaneous decision changed everything.
The video went viral, catching Davido’s attention. The superstar followed Mayorkun on social media, then called to ask if he could “do more than play the keyboard.” Remarkably, this call came on the same day Mayorkun had written his resignation letter from the bank. After hearing Mayorkun’s original compositions, Davido signed him to the newly formed Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), making him one of the label’s first artists alongside Dremo.
His debut single “Eleko” was recorded the very night they met and released in April 2016. The song debuted at number nine on the Nigeria Playdata Charts, eventually peaking at number five whilst also making the BBC 1Xtra Afropop Top 5. The music video achieved one million views within just 10 days, setting a record for a Nigerian debut artist at that time. “Eleko” earned him the Rookie of the Year award at The Headies 2016.
Mayorkun’s debut studio album, “The Mayor of Lagos,” dropped on 16 November 2018. The 14-track project featured collaborations with Davido (“Bobo”), Sarkodie (“Jonze Me”), D’banj (“Oshepete”), and Patoranking (“Mofo”). His mother even appeared on the intro track, a touching family moment. The album peaked at number 15 on the Billboard World Albums chart and won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2019.
In October 2021, Mayorkun made a significant career move, departing DMW for Sony Music West Africa. The split was entirely amicable, with Davido reportedly facilitating the Sony deal himself. His second album, “Back In Office,” arrived on 29 October 2021 under his new label. The 12-track sophomore project featured Gyakie, Joeboy, Victony, Flavour, and South African Amapiano duo DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The lead single “Holy Father” with Victony became a massive hit across Africa.
Between albums, Mayorkun released notable EPs including “Geng EP” in April 2020 and “Love.. For Free EP” in October 2023. His third studio album, “Still The Mayor,” dropped on 13 June 2025, featuring 12 tracks with high-profile collaborations from Davido (“B.O.B”), Fireboy DML (appearing twice on “Innocent” and “Diamonds”), and King Promise (“Hold Body”). Mayorkun described it as his most challenging album to date.
His hit singles across the years include “Yawa,” “Sade,” “Mama,” “Che Che,” “True” with Kizz Daniel, “Geng,” “Betty Butter” featuring Davido, “Certified Loner (No Competition),” and “Innocent” with Fireboy DML. He’s also featured on numerous tracks including Camidoh’s “Sugarcane (Remix),” Joeboy’s “Don’t Call Me Back,” and Iyanya’s “One Side (Remix).”
Mayorkun’s award cabinet includes Rookie of the Year and Most Promising Act in 2016, Artist of the Year in 2017 and 2018, the prestigious Next Rated award at The Headies 2018 (which came with a Hyundai SUV prize), and Best R&B/Pop Album in 2019. He’s performed extensively across Nigeria, the UK, Germany, Canada, and various African countries, building a reputation as an electrifying live performer.
Personal Life
One persistent piece of misinformation requires correction. Despite widespread claims across various Nigerian entertainment websites, Mayorkun is NOT married to someone named Arifath Akifewa. No wedding photos, announcements, or credible documentation support this claim, which appears to be completely fabricated. The claim directly contradicts Mayorkun’s own public statements about his relationship status.
In an October 2023 interview with Cool FM’s Tacha, Mayorkun confirmed he was single after breaking up with his girlfriend Cocainna, a British dancer and influencer he’d dated publicly from 2022 to 2023. However, in an April 2025 Arise TV interview, he indicated he’s now in a relationship, stating he’s “off the market” but choosing to keep his partner’s identity private for now. No confirmed children have been reported.
Mayorkun faced controversy in April 2024 when TikTok influencer Nicki DaBarbie publicly accused him and fellow artist Skiibii of being “ritualists.” Mayorkun responded by filing a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit, demanding removal of offensive posts, public apologies, and compensation for reputational damage. He denied ever meeting the influencer.
Another incident occurred in December 2023 at the Calabar Carnival when crowd members stole his diamond chains worth millions, inscribed with “The Mayor of Lagos” and “Of Lagos.” Mayorkun vowed never to perform in Calabar again, though singer Iyanya offered rewards for their return and one necklace was eventually recovered.
Net Worth
Mayorkun’s estimated net worth currently sits between $3 million and $5 million, a significant increase from earlier estimates of $1.8 million. These figures remain speculative as the artist hasn’t disclosed official financial details, but his income streams paint a picture of substantial wealth.
His earnings come from multiple sources. His Sony Music recording contract and streaming revenue form the foundation, with over 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners generating consistent royalties. Brand endorsements contribute significantly, including deals with Coca-Cola (approximately $100,000), Budweiser (around $80,000), Stanbic IBTC Bank (roughly $50,000), and Close-Up toothpaste (about $50,000). He’s also secured reported deals with Hennessy and MTN. Concert performances across Nigeria, the UK, Europe, and Canada add substantial income, with festival appearances at events like Wireless Festival commanding premium fees.
He purchased a Lagos mansion in 2018 valued at approximately ₦200 million. His impressive car collection includes a Range Rover, Mercedes Benz CLA250 AMG (purchased in March 2019 for ₦35 million), Porsche Panamera Turbo with customized “Mayorkun” licence plates, Mercedes Benz 4matic, two Toyota Prado SUVs, and a Ford Mustang acquired in March 2021.
With three albums under his belt, continued touring, growing streaming numbers, and his Sony Music backing, Mayorkun’s net worth will likely continue its upward trajectory. At just 30 years old, the “Mayor of Lagos” has built an empire that extends far beyond music into brand partnerships, endorsements, and smart investments in property and assets.
