After a three-year hiatus from full-length projects, Nigerian Afropop sensation Mayorkun has made his highly anticipated return with “Still The Mayor,” his third studio album that dropped Friday morning across all major streaming platforms.
The 12-track project, which features an impressive roster of collaborators including Fireboy DML, Davido, Rotimi, King Promise, Olivetheboy, and Gyakie, arrives after a brief delay from its originally scheduled May 2 release date.
The artist, whose real name is Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, announced the midnight release Thursday evening on his verified X account, expressing gratitude to his collaborators and describing the album as “special for many reasons.”
The album represents a significant milestone in Mayorkun’s artistic journey, coming seven years after his breakthrough debut “The Mayor of Lagos” established him as a force in Nigeria’s music scene, and three years following his sophomore effort “Back In Office.” This extended gap between projects appears to have been intentional, with the artist using the intervening period for touring and refining his craft.
Industry insiders are already taking note of the album’s standout tracks, with “Lose Control” featuring Ghana’s King Promise, “Under The Canopy,” and “Therapist” featuring Fireboy DML generating early buzz among fans and critics. Notably, Fireboy DML appears twice on the project, marking what Mayorkun described as a “standout contribution” from the YBNL artist.
In a recent interview with 3MUSIC TV, Mayorkun positioned the album as a reflection of his personal and artistic evolution. “It’s still me, still the mayor. But this time, I had more to say, more to express. Life’s been happening, and the music reflects that,” he explained, suggesting a more mature and introspective approach to his songwriting.
The timing of the release appears strategic, coinciding with Mayorkun’s return to active promotion after what industry observers describe as a relatively quiet 2024, during which he focused primarily on touring and behind-the-scenes production work.
This measured approach contrasts with the rapid-fire release schedules common in today’s streaming-driven music landscape.
Early social media reactions suggest the album is resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners, with many praising what they describe as its “sonic range” and the artist’s evolved lyrical delivery. The positive reception extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, with industry watchers predicting strong performance on global Afrobeats playlists in the coming days.
Mayorkun’s career trajectory reads like a blueprint for modern Afrobeats success. Rising to prominence in 2016 under Davido’s DMW (Davido Music Worldwide) label, he has consistently delivered hits that blend traditional Nigerian sounds with contemporary pop sensibilities.
His unique fusion of highlife, urban, and pop influences has established him as one of the country’s most reliable hitmakers.
The release of “Still the Mayor” comes at a particularly vibrant time for Nigerian music, with Afrobeats continuing its global ascendancy and artists from the region achieving unprecedented international recognition.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
After a three-year break, Nigerian Afropop star Mayorkun has released his third album, “Still The Mayor,” featuring major collaborations with Fireboy DML, Davido, and King Promise. The 12-track project represents his artistic evolution and maturity, with early reactions suggesting it’s his strongest work yet.
