In the heart of Houston’s creative underground, a young Nigerian artist is quietly building something extraordinary. Maradona—who takes his stage name from the legendary footballer—has traveled a remarkable path from performing at street carnivals in Lagos’s bustling Surulere district to opening for Afrobeats superstars like Asake and joining Oxlade’s U.S. tour.

Now, with his upcoming mixtape MARACETAMOL: VOL 1, the multi-talented artist is positioning music as medicine—a sonic remedy for modern life’s overwhelming pace. The project’s title cleverly plays on paracetamol, reflecting Maradona’s belief that his sound should “soothe the soul” just as the painkiller eases physical discomfort.

What sets Maradona apart in today’s saturated Afrobeats landscape isn’t just his melodic sensibilities—shaped, surprisingly, by years as a Quran scholar whose Arabic recitation training influences his musical phrasing—but his multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Beyond music, he’s carved out success as a stylist and designer for other artists, while launching N3XT DOOR, a platform aimed at nurturing Houston’s emerging creative talent.

From his early days as a hip-hop purist to embracing Afrobeats as his primary vehicle for global connection, Maradona represents a new generation of African artists who refuse to be boxed into single categories or markets. His journey embodies the increasingly fluid nature of contemporary African music—rooted in local community but designed for worldwide resonance.

As he prepares to unveil MARACETAMOL: VOL 1, led by the confident, celebratory single “Body Magic,” Maradona sits down to discuss healing through sound, the evolution from Fashion Killa to musical entrepreneur, and why he’ll always carry Surulere in his heart—even from his new base in Texas.

“Body Magic” sets the tone for your coming project,  MARACETAMOL: VOL 1. What headspace were you in when you created that record?”

When I created ‘Body Magic,’ I was in a space where I just wanted to feel free—no overthinking, just vibing. I wasn’t trying to be too deep with the lyrics; it was really about having fun and letting the energy guide me. The song is about a confident, sexy woman who’s enjoying herself—dancing, owning her style, her presence, and her bag. It’s about that effortless magic some people carry without even trying.

What’s the story behind the title ‘MARACETAMOL’? Is music your healing mechanism?

 Music has always been my healing mechanism, and now I’m trying to make it that for my listeners too. I want my songs to feel like paracetamol—something they can reach for when life gets overwhelming. Whether they need to relax, feel good, connect, or just vibe, the music should ease the tension. Just like paracetamol soothes pain, I want my sound to soothe the soul.

Can you share one moment in the creation of this mixtape that challenged you the most—or changed you?

I’ve been working with several producers lately, and it’s really pushed me creatively. Some of the production is done by Hispanic engineers, and that brought a whole new flavor to the process. It pulled me out of my comfort zone in the best way—challenging me to experiment with new rhythms, sounds, and vibes I wouldn’t have reached on my own.”

Who are some of the surprise collaborators or voices we might hear on this project?

Expect the unexpected. Maybe Minz, Mavo and Seyi Vibes but i won’t say too much

You grew up in Surulere surrounded by musicians and creatives. what’s a memory from that era that still fuels your creativity?

It’s that grow-and-go mentality back there—people always hungry to create, to build something from nothing. That energy shaped me, and I still carry it with me to this day. I’m in a different space now, surrounded by new people and mindsets, but I’ll always be Surulere. I might be out of Surulere, but Surulere will never be out of me.”

Between writing for friends and remixing viral records like ‘WOWO’ and ‘XTRA COOL’, how did you develop your own voice?

I wouldn’t say I consciously developed my own voice—it just evolved over time. But people often tell me they can hear traces of my Arabic lessons in my music. When I was younger, I was a Quran scholar and could recite large portions from memory. That experience deeply influenced my sound. The melodies of Arabic, especially the rhythmic and tonal patterns of Quranic recitation, have a unique flow that naturally seeped into my musical expression.

What role does fashion play in your creative expression and how do styling and music feed off each other for you?

Fashion wasn’t something I set out to do—it just came naturally. I’ve always just done me, and people started calling it fashionable. I rock with that. Over time, it turned into something more—I started making money from styling and designing for artists. Now, it’s another lane I use to support my music and keep everything moving.

What inspires you outside of music. Are there books, films, or visuals that shaped this mixtape

A lot of movies and shows shape my music. Series like You and All American really resonate with me—I like how they capture youth culture, the energy, the emotions, the scenery. I still see myself as part of that. Youth isn’t just age, it’s a mindset. And outside of music, things like swimming help me relax and reset. The gym, too—it’s where I do a lot of thinking and reflection. It all feeds into the music one way or another.”

From ‘Fashion Killa’ to now, how would you describe the evolution of Maradona, both as an artist and a man?

From ‘Fashion Killa’ to now, the evolution of Maradona has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. It’s been full of ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve learned how to balance life and music. Doing it independently for the most part hasn’t been easy, but I’ve always believed in the vision—and over time, that belief has opened doors. From performing across cities like Houston, Atlanta, Lagos, and New York, to finally bringing a manager on board just last year, every step has been progress. I’m still growing, still learning, but I’m grateful to God for how far I’ve come. The hunger, the message, and the passion are still the same—just more refined now.

What was it like opening for Asake, or joining Oxlade’s U.S. tour? How did those experiences prepare you for headlining your own shows?

Opening for Asake was a truly amazing experience. Performing in front of over 2,000 people and seeing a good number of them singing along to my songs—it was a powerful reminder that the work I’ve been putting in is paying off. It gave me a real sense of how far I’ve come. Big shoutout to Oxlade as well—he’s been a solid supporter since the early days of my career. Joining him on his U.S. tour was not just exciting, it was inspiring. Going from city to city, performing for new crowds, having people sing my lyrics, take pictures, and show real love it made me feel seen, like a star in the making. Those moments helped build my confidence and definitely prepared me for headlining my own shows.

How has relocating to the U.S. shaped your view of Afrobeats as a global movement?

 I began my journey as a rapper with a deep passion for hip-hop culture. Since moving to the United States, I’ve embraced Afrobeats as my primary sound. Blending my roots with global influences has helped me stand out, and audiences consistently connect with the melodic and vibrant energy of my music.

You seem to carry a real pride for Surulere. What did it mean to you to headline Maradona Meltdown: Lere in your hometown?

 It’s an incredible feeling to see young friends and people from my hometown now showing up to support the sound. Even more fulfilling is being able to bring superstar talent back to where it all startedmy hometown and sharing that experience with the community that shaped me.

What’s the hardest part about staying independent and ambitious in today’s industry?

One of the most challenging aspects of staying independent is managing the financial demands and establishing a solid work structure. Balancing creativity with business responsibilities requires constant discipline, strategy, and resilience

What advice would you give your younger self performing at street carnivals in Surulere?

 If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: start earlier and be intentional about investing your money wisely. Time and smart financial decisions make all the difference..