In a recent episode of the podcast “Tea With Tay” hosted by Taymesan, Nigerian singer Mayorkun, born Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, shared the reason behind his decision to keep his mother’s identity hidden for an extended period. The revelation provides insight into the challenges the singer faced due to his mother’s fame as Nollywood veteran Toyin Adewale.
During the interview, Mayorkun expressed his discomfort with the fake attention and differential treatment that often accompanied his mother’s fame. He disclosed that, growing up, he and his brother wished for freedom from the spotlight cast by their mother’s celebrity status.
The ‘Mama’ crooner explained, “I hated going somewhere and being treated differently, not because you like me but because I am Toyin Adewale’s son.” To counteract this, Mayorkun intentionally kept his mother’s identity a secret during his university years, going so far as to hide her presence when she visited him.