When Tolu told me to listen to Mavo, I thought it was just another one of her many upcoming artistes recommendations. She has a thing for picking them out, she's like Thanos and they are her infinity stones. Mavo, this particular stone wasn't carved for destruction, instead, its strength caused an eruption and that same “Escaladizzy” eruption that started three months ago is still fast bubbling across the Nigerian music space. 

Mavo’s professional move into music started in 2023 when he released the self-titled ‘Ukanigbe’ in November. That same month, Mavo didn't stop at one song, he singlehandedly released “Talk” and “Asphalt 8” too, beginning what would later become his voice flooding the scene. From day one, he has long been ready for it all and two years on, his consistency tells the story. His catalogue is weighty, which is definitely a lot of work for a very fresh act. 

Mavo’s commitment to building a sound and style that is non-conforming to the usual expected moulds has made him stand out. This is to the point of creating a growing vocabulary of his own, one that bounces through speakers, slangs, and social timelines. The evidence is everywhere and each move is part of a calculated pasted like a marker on a journey that is anything but accidental. 

When you finally decide to listen, better be prepared for Mavo to blow your mind in a million ways, only millions.

TTC: You dropped your first official single in 2023. When did music first become the thing for you, and what’s creating music like as an experience?

Mavo: Music became the thing back in secondary school. I joined a music club in SS1 and it honestly started as a pastime, just something I did for fun. But the more I got into it, the more it became the only thing that made full sense to me. Creating music is like documenting how I feel in real time. It doesn’t feel like a job but an expression. I catch a vibe, put it down, build around it, and suddenly I’ve created something that reflects exactly where my head is at.

TTC: “Escaladizzy” was your first feature with WAVE$TAR. How did you know his sauce was exactly what the stew needed?

Mavo: Wave$tar has that raw, witty energy that complements the way I deliver my lines. Even before we made “Escaladizzy”, I knew his style cuts through differently. So when I played him the idea and he immediately caught the vibe, I knew it was the right pairing. Nothing about it felt forced. It sounded like the beat was waiting for both of us.

TTC: Just three months ago, you were “the Escaladizzy guy” and last week, you featured three major artistes on your track. How did the collaboration come together?

Mavo: Everything happened naturally, honestly. I’ve always been intentional about my sound and the people I work with, so as the record started gaining momentum, conversations started happening behind the scenes. A few co-signs led to real connections and the right energy aligned. When I sent out the ideas, everybody connected with it immediately. No long talk. The verses came back and the record built itself.

TTC: As a medical student, how did you manage two demanding worlds—music and academics—especially in ABUAD, which is known to be quite restrictive?

Mavo: It definitely wasn’t easy, but I make sure I use my time properly. I plan out my days and try to make room for both. If I’m in school, I give that full focus. When I’m in the studio, I move the same way. It’s really just about discipline and rest and I’ve learned to respect both.

TTC: Let’s talk inspiration. Walk us through a typical songwriting or studio day. How does it usually happen for you?

Mavo: Most times it starts with a feeling — a melody, a word, even a slang I’ve been saying a lot. I lock in, play beats and let my instinct guide me. Once the energy shows up, I follow it. No rituals or extra pressure. I don’t try to overthink it, instead, I just let it flow.

TTC: There’s “Ifatizzy,” “Burti,” “Kilogbede” to name a few. What do these slangs mean? Are they just fun phrases, or do they have deeper meaning?

Mavo: Most of the Bizzylingua slangs are not just fun, they carry very specific meanings and exist inside a whole cultural/lifestyle framework. Everyone's going to get it in a bit, Bizzypedia coming soon.

TTC: When you made ‘Ukanigbe’, ‘SANKO’, and “Sleep in Balenci”, what was your creative process then, and is it still the same now?

Mavo: The process was the same. All pure vibe. I usually go off a beat, a phrase, or a mood, and build around it. The only difference now is that I’m more intentional about structure because I’ve grown, but the foundation is still the same. Energy first, then everything else follows.

TTC: ABUAD is a pretty supportive community. How would you describe the love and encouragement you got from other students?

Mavo: The love in ABUAD from my people was real. People were actually listening and supporting. I’d drop something and the students would repost, pull up, scream the lyrics back at me. That kind of support definitely gave me the confidence to keep going.

TTC: If you were introducing your music to someone for the first time, which songs would you recommend they start with?

Mavo: “Tumo Weto”, “Kilobizzy”, “Prada Yourself”, “Want Me Dead”, “Asphalt 8”, “CONFE$$”. I think that gives you a decent idea of my range. 

TTC: Your rise has been fast. Does it feel overwhelming, or are you taking it all in stride like you’ve been ready for this your whole life?

Mavo: It doesn’t feel overwhelming because I’ve been ready for it. I’ve always known I was built for this. I’m grateful, but I’m not shocked. This is exactly how I planned it. I take it day-by-day and try to appreciate the little things.

TTC: Lastly, you are shining, what's more to expect with this? 

Mavo: The burti no dey stop!