Still In Love With The Music — Mfon Lawrence | Proof Of Life, Episode 21.
Mfon Lawrence on music, growth, faith, and finding peace in the chaos of purpose.
There are people whose passion and consistency make you pause and remind yourself what it means to truly love what you do – Mfon Lawrence is one of those people. I’ve watched her grow from those Uniuyo nights filled with raw, unfiltered talent to becoming one of the forces shaping live music and artist development at Mavin.
Her story is a reminder that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line; sometimes, it flows through detours, late-night gigs, and moments that test how badly you really want it.
What I admire most about Mfon is her honesty; she doesn’t glamorise the journey. She tells it as it is: the hustle, the growth, the faith, and the self-awareness it takes to balance both Lagos and global dreams. She’s proof that excellence is not just a standard but a lifestyle.
And yes, before I forget, we still need to start our feet business. Don’t think I’ve let that one slide.
This is Mfon’s Proof Of Life.
What does “Proof of Life” mean to you right now, at this phase of your life and career?
From singing at Uniuyo to working with global artists like Rema and Ayra Starr at Mavin, when you look back, what does that journey feel like?
Where do I even start, mehn!
What a beautiful, beautiful journey.
Everyone who knew me as a child, through my teenage years, university days, and now, knows how much I genuinely love music. I don’t think there’s ever been a time in my life when someone met me and didn’t think of me as that “music girlie” or “that girl who’s so obsessed with music.”
It all started with genuine love. I didn’t have the freedom to do much music outside of church before university. So when I got admission, I was really excited. I knew I wanted to explore and meet people who shared my craze for music.
In my first year, I joined a small gospel band, Standard Band, with my very good friend Emeka Oji. We composed songs and performed them. I even tried to learn the bass at some point because I really love the instrument. I performed in fellowships and at Victory Chapel, went to church auditions just to show off, even when I knew I had no interest in joining the choir. It was one choir or gospel stage after another—I didn’t stay in one place.
Then I backslid a little and went into more secular music. As much as I grew up on gospel and Christian songs, my actual foundation was R&B, Pop, Soul, and Reggae.
I joined another band called The Harmoniques (Folarin and Sampson had heard of me—they probably saw me at one of those Uniuyo gardens terrorizing the school with my voice). I auditioned and joined the band.
That experience hooked me completely. I began to see a real career as a live performer. I’d go for sessions at Nectar; one student producer would hear about me and hit me up to record a cover or original. It felt really good. I even started my career as a professional background vocalist (BGV) for both live events and studio recordings in my second year.
The Harmoniques headlined two major events called Fusion, and as one of the lead performers, I truly believed this was my thing.
Fast-forward to post-university. If there was anything I was determined to do, it was to make money. All my adult life, I’ve had to work for everything I own. My parents did an amazing job getting me through school, but I was determined never to bother them afterward (them too try).
I knew about the live band culture in Lagos and had friends doing it. I also knew I was a better performing act than a recording artist. I preferred to push my friends and help with their music rather than focus on mine. I also wasn’t cut out for the mental gymnastics that come with being an artist.
After leaving Ilorin in 2020, post-NYSC, I made the conscious decision to research the Nigerian music scene and figure out where I fit.
I got on LinkedIn and messaged every live music artist I knew—Bez, Ben Ogbeiwi, Dare Art Alade, Baba Des of Veentage Band, and Ruby Gyang (who I eventually worked with).
I interned, worked as an EA, and performed at nightclubs and bars on weekends—from the mainland to the island. It was fun and full of learning, but I knew there was more. I eventually cleaned up my CV, applied for an A&R role at Mavin when I saw an opening, and got the job.
It’s been a beautiful journey. I’ve learned life-changing lessons from every talent and executive I’ve worked with here.
I currently scout, develop, and train talents until they’re ready to be launched. I also handle live music for Mavin artists.
I’ve produced and worked on some of your favorite live shows and music content—JRL 4–6, Mavin All-Star Concert, Rema’s Homecoming Tour, Calm Down Glitch Performance, Ayra Starr’s Global Citizen Paris 2023, 21 Tour, YouTube Show, Flytime Concert, and Magixx’s A Taste of Magixx.
I’ve lost count, mehn. It’s been a lot of work.
Training and development are also among my biggest strengths. I’ve managed training for BoySpyce, Bayanni, and Elestee from the academy to the roster. I’ve also worked A&R support for some of your favorite albums—like Heis and The Year I Turned 21.
What’s been the most fulfilling part of your role as an A&R—and the toughest moment that almost made you doubt the path?
I develop artists from scratch to the products y’all see on your screens and global stages today. The most fulfilling part is actually watching these guys metamorphose — from, e.g., Daniel from Akure to “Big Name of Africa.” Or interacting with John Ighodaro backstage, and when he steps on that stage, fans go wild, and Johnny Drille the performer appears. It’s mind-blowing. They obviously are not the same people. They are mini gods when they step on that stage. The feeling is beyond what any English word can describe.
One of the toughest moments was back in 2022 (my first year at Mavin, still learning on the job, FYI).
After coordinating a successful JRL tour, I had one more show to do — “The Mavin at 10 Concert.”
All Mavin acts, from Bayanni to Rema, and even former Mavin acts like Tiwa and Reekado, were going to be on that stage. It was my responsibility to make sure things went smoothly and on time, and to ensure every artist’s set was curated and executed properly. I worked with my superiors, colleagues, show promoters, musicians, and artisans, making sure every contact person did their job.
I second-guessed myself. It was a successful show, but imposter syndrome crept in. I knew I did that, but there was so much underground chaos that happened. When the show was done, although I had achieved something great, I was more relieved than I was excited. I just had to learn to give myself flowers and pat myself on the back because I’ve produced really good shows.
No matter how hard I can be on myself and how much I beat myself up on one tiny thing that didn’t go as planned, I always succeed with these things. Unlike a lot of people in the industry, I do not do this for clout. That’s the more reason I should talk about it and document more.
You mentioned finding happiness in the littlest things. What’s one small thing that recently gave you joy?
My friend attended the Manchester Night 1 Breezy Bowl XX, and I was on a video call with him from start to finish (through his Meta glasses). It felt like I was there live.
The entire week, I would tell everyone who cared to listen about the experience. It made me truly happy witnessing that.
Special shoutout to Ayo, I will never forget you!!!
How do you navigate working in Nigeria while dreaming and executing globally? What keeps you grounded?
It’s crazy!!
One minute you’re on a Zoom call with a Parisian planning Global Citizen, next minute you’re fighting the suya man for your 200 naira change.
I have always had big dreams and I keep dreaming even bigger. Working at Mavin has opened my eyes to excellence. I have always been a follower of pop culture, and I am very aware of my environment and the issues within. I still keep a global mindset — from fashion, to people relations, to the music I curate with my artists.
I am very much aware of the issues in Nigeria. Although I work with global talents and executives, I still go home and face the Nigerian struggles. I am a very normal Nigerian living in Nigeria.
How I balance working on a global level while in Nigeria is by keeping myself abreast of the things happening in the world. Sometimes work takes me outside of the country, and it really is an amazing experience to get out of the bubble and see how things are done in other parts of the world — interacting with people in other music climes as well: Latinos, Americans, Kenyans, Parisians. Understanding touring in Europe, America, and other parts of Africa. Damn, it’s constant education about people, systems, and cultures outside of our little bubble.
I am humble enough to understand that I am not a celebrity (thanks to God). What is theirs isn’t mine. I have my own life, and I have to separate being a Mavin A&R from being Mfonobong. My family also keeps me grounded. I love them so much, and they are always top of mind for me. I go home to my parents from time to time. I talk to my mum every day. My siblings and I always talk, banter, and just goof around. I’m so glad to have a family like mine. I don’t think I could survive doing all of this without them.
Like I said earlier, I am a very people-oriented person. However, I do not have a lot of friends. I have acquaintances, colleagues turned jiggaz. So my family sort of fills my day-to-day interactions.
I hope I actually answered your question. I lose my train of thought a lot, especially when I’m too hyped!!!
Let’s talk about your love for Chris Brown—what about him inspires you as a creative and music lover?
Damn!!! Been a fan since I was a kid. I didn’t even know the lyrics to Run It, but I remember mumbling the words in primary school.
That man is the epitome of what a complete artist is and should be. He’s been consistent and intentional about his music for 20 years, regardless of being blackballed and coming back from a situation that left a huge dent in his career and rep for life. How do you get back from being the poster boy for DV in America?
He conquered all of that. He reinvented himself. He’s an OG in the RnB and global pop scene and he’s still topping charts and selling out multiple stadiums.
I learned a lot of ad-libbing, vocalization, and riffs from Chris Brown. He has never given me a bad song. I love his resilience. I love that he’s a jack of all trades and a master of everything he’s into. He’s also very business-minded. I’ve learned a couple of things about getting back masters as an artist, career diversification, and excellence on stage from him.
Most importantly, he made a huge mistake with his violent outburst in the past and took accountability for it immediately. That one incident alone could have ended his career for good. But that man is too talented to be let down!!!
He is the GOAT and no one can tell me any different. Call me an extremist if you must. None of your faves are touching my idolo!!!
You’re very intentional about self-improvement — from fitness to faith. What does self-care look like for you these days?
My gee! How I go do naw!!
I know for a fact that I have flaws, things I need to improve on. There’s still a lot of work to be done and it never stops. I said earlier that my dreams scare me — they are too big.
If I must succeed and take over the world, I must learn and train myself to be disciplined and never lose focus on the things and people that matter. I can’t afford to lose sight of what’s in front of me.
No be beans ohh, I fit talk from now till tomorrow. If I don’t act on it, then what’s the point of dreaming?
Self-care is setting my mind right. I’m already too hyper, and sometimes I need to just take a breather and check myself before I act or say something. Self-care is caring for my skin, making sure it’s spotless. I cannot stand bad or irritated skin.
It’s also cutting down on unhealthy food so I stay fit while I do my sit-ups at home (because road to Teyana’s six-pack is loading). I’m not much of a gym rat; I go whenever I have the opportunity. I plan to resume regularly next year so I can finally grow this booty! Because this cannot be the end of the road for my yansh!!!
I have struggled and still struggle with mad anxiety, mehn. My line of work is quite sensitive; my tasks can be very time-conscious, and I put a lot of pressure on myself because I’m way too energetic and I don’t joke with timelines. So, self-care for me is laying every worry, disbelief, and anxiety at His feet.
Because on some days, I do get overwhelmed. I overthink and overanalyze every single thing, but I’m learning to just leave things to God. He has given me so much peace. I just remembered that it’s been a year since I started attending church regularly. I’m in a very healthy church community. The ones from my teenage years scarred me so much. God is good.
With my very hard-girl persona, the presence of God is the only place I can actually be genuinely vulnerable. I don’t feel comfortable being like that with humans.
What role do your friendships play in your creative journey? How do your people keep you going?
My friends and colleagues inspire me so much — from fashion to style, to conversations and banter about music and social issues that give me a fresh perspective, especially when I haven’t thought about something in a certain way. I have smart and kind people in my corner!!!
I have very few people I consider my FRIENDS. I don’t interact with some of them as much as I used to (time zones or marital status), but when we do link up, it’s a vibe. We understand that life is lifing for all of us. We have each other in mind and we don’t take the time we share for granted.
My childhood friends Oluoma and Yusuf are outside the country. My day ones — Sweetie Asibia and Jahmaiica — are literally my sisters. Ofure, my ex-colleague turned friend and confidant; then there’s Sharon and Ralph, my colleagues who I consider very good friends. And there’s Bolu — my guyest guy!!!
I also enjoy the friendship of the musicians and BGVs I work with. Those guys are amazing!!!
I’m also a family woman. My family is my everything and they keep me grounded. I literally inherited my dad’s musical taste — from Michael Jackson to Lucky Dube, to Fela, to Luther Vandross.
My dad, who’s also a pastor, sends me Bible verses and devotions every single day. I’m genuinely grateful for him. We’ve grown closer over the years. That’s literally my guy!!!
What’s one country or city you’d love to visit for a music-meets-food experience — something that feels like pure joy?
One country??? We don’t do that over here.
Zurich, Switzerland: there’s a beautiful atmosphere there.
Barbados: I just want to experience the Caribbean wonder. There’s a festival that happens there yearly — the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. That’s how I couldn’t go in 2023, and they brought a mug for me as a souvenir. I wan craze, me!!! I also want to see a parade of humongous bunda as I watch from a carnival truck!!!
I want to go to Venice, Senegal, Ibiza. I have too many destinations saved on Pinterest. Gotta triple the bag, mehn. Get this schmoney and start touring the world on my own.
When you think about the future of Afropop, what excites you most? What kind of impact do you want to leave on the industry?
Omo!!!
Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard the kind of artists and beautiful sounds that will come out of Nigeria. Afrobeats has evolved into some very interesting music with a lot of elements. There’s no boxing anymore — the fusion of it all.
How we move now will determine how the world sees us in the time to come. How we roll out our artists, how they’re discovered, how they’re positioned alongside other global artists.
I see a future where we not only take the crumbs but sit in the big leagues, pioneer, and influence culture on a very big scale. A future where a kid in the village of Bibury in Europe is crazy about an Afrobeats artist. Where our music invites citizens of the world into other aspects of Nigeria. What the world knows about Afrobeats and Nigerian culture is still very vague. I see us expanding that knowledge in the future.
This one is scary and is already happening — I see Afrobeats being sung by American, European, Swedish artists, and artists all over the world. Who knows? The next Grammy Afrobeats album might be won by a Gerald from Wisconsin in five years. That’s why it’s important for us to take our own local awards seriously. Let’s stop with the mediocrity.
On the side, I also want to see a globally rising RnB, hip-hop, or pop artist from Nigeria. I understand that to the global world, all music that comes from this part is considered Afrobeats or Afropop. We need to take spots with the SZAs, Kendricks, Olivia Rodrigos, and Kateyes.
I hope to see Afrobeats artists take touring in Africa seriously, and for organizations, promoters, and show producers — we all need to sit up! The future is very bright!!!
Finally, drop one random, funny, or profound thought that’s been living rent-free in your head lately.
First one: just like me, do whatever makes you happy no matter how cringe it appears in the eyes of others. It’s your happiness and mental health that matter. Na ogba you be, you no kill person!!
Second one: we need to normalize healthy banter — in real life and on social media. People do not know how to do this at all. They can’t even argue in peace!!!
Because why are you wishing death on me because I yabbed your fave on Big Brother Naija? You sef yab my own make you dey alright. Which one be say you dey come my DM dey lay curse on me? It’s so funny 🤣🤣🤣
I really enjoyed BBN and the fan wars this year. Gbas gbos every corner! I’m a little sad the show is over.
Number three: men without a lot of facial hair (moustache and goatee alone) deserve heaven. The rest can just start gyming for hell alongside the light-skinned niggas. Because I do not know what is possibly attractive in the Methuselahs and bushy beards most of them carry. Bro, just look at Damson — I’m sure that’s what Jesus looks like!!
Final note: life is Gucci out here. We dey push dey go. Hopefully, we stay breezy and keep it moving.
It really felt good to share this. I’ve been a fan of Proof of Life since it started, and I must commend you for all the work you do, my guy!!!
Weldone.
Thank you Mfon, and looooong may your hyperactive reign of blessings continue.
What’s happening…
God answers prayers.
He does things in his own time.
More reason we need to embrace the waiting season with trust, as well as we enjoy the celebration seasons.
I thank God for answered prayers.
(In a few months, you will understand why I wrote this spiritual CTA)
…Alcohol League resumed last week, and I have been drafted into a relegation fodder team. My team is already at the bottom of the group after the first round of matches, but no wam, we go hard today.
Pray for me as I take on a pivotal week in my career. Cheers!
Till next week! Have Fun.
Thank you TBB for putting me on this. I’m so hyped!!!
This is My first time getting to see the Underneath of the whole Music Clamour we all see... Thank you 👏