From washing cars to commanding major stages, Ayo Benzi’s journey into Afrobeats is rooted in discipline, faith, and relentless self-belief. The rising star reflects on hardship, mentorship, and why poverty should never define a person’s ambition.

Practically, people know you now as Next Afrobeats Star, but let us put it this way: who is the ‘you’ that people now know? 

Well, the ‘me’ that people know now is the Ayo Benzi that sings. I think most people just know me for the fact that I sing, except those close to me who understand my lifestyle and how seriously I take hard work. I believe many people see my talent first. One thing about me is that I used to believe talent alone is not enough to win in life.

So, how was life growing up in Nigeria? Can you take us through your family background and musical trajectory? 

My early life was difficult. It is something I would never wish on anyone. But my music journey began around 2017 because I never believed I was a good singer or had a special voice. I used to sing for fun. It was while I was working at a car wash around 10-11 years ago that someone heard me sing and said, “Bro, you have a great voice. Why don’t you record?” He even gave me money to go to the studio. That was the first step. If someone who didn’t know me could believe in me enough to invest in me, then I must have something. That was when my confidence began to grow. Ever since then, I started trying to invest in myself too. 

When you were entering the industry, based on the assistance you were given, what fears did you have? 

Honestly, I had no fear in making music when I started. I was just enjoying myself. Seeing people happy listening to me gave me joy. Over time, I realised music could also make money. When I saw how Afrobeats was breaking boundaries globally, it inspired me. If others could do it, I could too. What kept me going was the results. No matter how small, every result strengthened my belief.

What does it mean to be the Next Afrobeats Star? 

I feel everything is aligning with God’s plan for my life. Looking back at how I started and seeing where I am now, I know God is taking me somewhere. My job is to stay authentic and keep improving my craft.

You are quoted as saying poverty is not an excuse. What led to that statement?

I was not born with a silver spoon, but I would not say I was born into poverty either. However, after secondary school, I experienced real hardship — what many would call a slum. I didn’t even see it as an excuse. I could still associate myself with some reasonable people. I had options to follow bad paths and guys who smoke or steal, but I chose hard work. That’s what I tell people. You need to work. 

Poverty is not an excuse as long as you have your hands and your legs. You must earn trust, show humility, and improve yourself. It is not just about working; it is about working with dignity.

What has evolved in you from auditioning to winning as the next Afrobeat star, in terms of your artistry, confidence and ability to command the moment? 

The biggest change is my belief in myself. During the audition, the question in my mind was, “Can you do this?” Now the answer is, “Yes, I can, and I can also do better.” That shift in mindset changed everything.

You won the Goldberg Are Omoluabi show in 2023. What lessons helped you navigate becoming the Next Afrobeats Star?

I entered as a wild card. I wasn’t selected initially; they needed an extra contestant and chose from the top five in the district. I think they picked me because I was the most outstanding of the five. I just focused on enjoying my music, because I believe if people can enjoy themselves listening to me, why am I not enjoying myself? It was a surprise to me when I found out I made it to the final. When I eventually won, it felt like the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. That was my first major win in music. The win came with pressure, but I realised it would mean little if I didn’t keep improving. So I chose to grow.

So, looking at your career now, how has mentorship shaped you, from being coached by Puffy Tee and learning from judges like Sarz, Andre Vibez, and P Prime? How would you fuse them into your understanding of your music now? 

A lot has really changed. It was such a great opportunity for me to be with the legends in the music industry when it comes to Afrobeat. Their guidance showed me I still have room to grow. If they could see lapses in my performance, it means I can become even better. That motivates me.

As a young artist, what does it mean to you to feel that level of belief and investment from the MTN brand that over the years has been associated with talent discovery, talent nurturing, and talent growing? 

It’s a big opportunity for me as a young artist because it’s something everyone out there would really want to die for. And this coming to me with my talent really means a lot to me. To people who know where I am coming from, it is a sign of hope for them. Like if I can do this, they can also. It’s just for them to put in the work. I see myself as a symbol of hope to others also. Afrobeats is one of the biggest sounds of the moment. And it did not come like that. Some people nurtured it, some people dared, and some people gave it their all to make it the brand it is now. Look at yourself. And a big thank you to MTN for the belief and investment.

How do you see your role in making Afrobeat bigger in the years to come?

I grew up listening to King Sunny Ade, Fela, Obesere, Pasuma, and Saheed Osupa. I grew up in Mushin surrounded by the sounds of those Baba and Fuji icons. Afrobeats has evolved through creativity. I believe I can add my own creativity and stand out in my own way.

How did the name Ayo Benzi come about?

My full name is Michael Ayodeji Benson. When I wanted to move into music, I experimented with names like “Miku Benzi,” but it sounded weird. So I returned to my middle name, Ayo, and modified Benson to Benzi. When I said “Ayo Benzi” out loud, it felt right. It started as a nickname in the hood before becoming my professional name.