Ayo Maff and Zinoleesky Collaborate on Street-Pop Track ‘Malaria’

Nigerian singer Ayo Maff has teamed up with Zinoleesky for the release of a new street-pop single titled “Malaria.” The collaborative record is distributed internationally through Oceanstreet Creative in partnership with independent music company EMPIRE, marking a key union between two prominent figures in contemporary Nigerian street music.

Built over a midtempo bounce, “Malaria” frames romantic attraction through the metaphor of an inevitable illness, centered on the phrase that compares love to catching an infection. The record leverages the vocal contrast between both performers, with Ayo Maff anchoring the verses in a lower, baritone register while Zinoleesky delivers a lighter, melodic chorus that serves as the centerpiece of the track.

Expanding Footprints in West Africa’s Street-Pop Scene

The single arrives during an active September release schedule for both artists. For Ayo Maff, “Malaria” closely follows his involvement in the collaborative song “All You Need” alongside MURPHY, Muyeez, and Smallgod. Ayo Maff initially rose to wider prominence through his breakout single “Dealer,” featuring Fireboy DML, and later solidified his audience and “Prince of the Street” moniker with the release of his Maffian EP.

Zinoleesky brings his established reputation as a melodic guest to the joint effort, known across the industry for anchoring records with recognizable vocal hooks. The arrangement between the two artists preserves their individual styles, positioning Zinoleesky’s higher register against Ayo Maff’s grounded delivery without overcrowding the production.

For the African music business, tracks like “Malaria” illustrate how independent distribution networks like EMPIRE continue to invest in and amplify street-pop. Collaborations that pair rising street talents with seasoned hitmakers help strengthen domestic catalogues while offering regional genres a formalized avenue for broader digital consumption.

Source: NotJustOk