Nigerian music sensation Mayorkun has revealed the transformative encounter that launched his career, crediting Afrobeats superstar Davido for discovering his talent through a social media cover song in 2016. Speaking at the recent TraceLive x Tiger Beer concert in Lagos, the artist formerly known as Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel shared the emotional story of his rise to stardom.
Behind the glittering success of ‘The Mayor of Lagos’ lies a tale of serendipity and social media magic. The pivotal moment occurred when Davido stumbled upon Mayorkun’s cover of “The Money” on Twitter, leading to a record deal with DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) that would forever change the trajectory of the young artist’s career.
During his heartfelt address to the concert audience, Mayorkun reflected on the divine timing of his encounter with Davido. I came into this world just like every other person,” he shared, his voice softening with emotion, “but God gave me a gift on my way here. On my way to fulfill my destiny, I met a man called Davido and everything changed.
The success that followed this fateful meeting was swift and substantial. Mayorkun’s debut single “Eleko” became an instant hit, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry. His talent and rapid rise were formally recognized when he clinched the prestigious Next Rated award at The Headies in 2018, cementing his position among Nigeria’s most promising musical talents.
At the TraceLive x Tiger Beer concert, Mayorkun demonstrated why he’s earned his place in the industry with a spectacular performance that paid homage to both his journey and his cultural roots. The show featured a powerful lineup of his hits, including the career-launching “Eleko” and the aptly titled “Of Lagos,” with the addition of traditional Eyo dancers bringing a rich cultural dimension to the performance.
The concert took an energetic turn with the surprise appearance of dance sensation Poco Lee, whose presence amplified the already electric atmosphere. This fusion of contemporary performance with traditional elements perfectly encapsulated Mayorkun’s artistic evolution since his discovery.
The artist’s testimony speaks to the transformative power of social media in modern music discovery and the role of established artists in nurturing new talent. Mayorkun’s gratitude toward Davido extends beyond mere professional courtesy, reflecting a deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with audiences on a massive scale.
Now, I have the opportunity to meet far more people than I can ever imagine,” Mayorkun told the crowd, before taking them on a musical journey through his career. His words resonated with aspiring artists in the audience, serving as a reminder of how quickly life can change with the right opportunity and platform.
The success story of Mayorkun represents a new paradigm in talent discovery, where social media platforms serve as democratic spaces for artists to showcase their abilities and catch the attention of industry heavyweights. His journey from creating cover songs on social media to becoming ‘The Mayor of Lagos’ demonstrates the evolving nature of music industry success stories in the digital age.
As Mayorkun continues to build on his success, his story serves as an inspiration to countless young artists hoping to follow in his footsteps. His experience highlights not only the importance of talent and hard work but also the role of visibility and mentorship in achieving success in the music industry.
The artist’s candid sharing of his origin story at the TraceLive x Tiger Beer concert not only celebrated his personal journey but also acknowledged the collaborative nature of success in the music industry, where established artists lifting up emerging talents can create lasting impacts on the cultural landscape.
