There is a quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are. That confidence defines Mayten, an Afrobeats artist from Pretoria whose music carries the weight of self-discovery, resilience, and truth. Even his name tells part of his story. Inspired by his birthday, May 10th, it serves as a reminder that his journey has always been personal.

Growing up in a musical family, creativity was never something he had to search for. Support was always there, even when the path ahead seemed uncertain. As a teenager, he began experimenting with hip-hop, drawn to the energy of the culture and the way it allowed him to tell stories. Hip-hop gave him the language to express himself, but when he came across Afrobeats, something deeper clicked.

Afrobeats felt like a return home. The rhythm spoke to his roots, the style felt familiar, and the sound carried a joy that matched his own energy. The shift was natural, not forced, and it opened up new ways for him to connect with people. It was less about chasing a trend and more about embracing a sound that reflected who he truly was.

His first major breakthrough came with the song “Karolina.” It was the moment that changed everything, his first track to reach both television and radio. That success gave him the belief to keep creating and trust that his sound had a place in the world. From there, he continued to grow, both as a musician and as a person.

Then came “Pain,” his latest single that pulled back the curtain completely. It was written during a time of heartbreak and recorded when emotions were raw and unfiltered. It became his most personal work, a song that turned vulnerability into strength. That honesty also shaped “Let Me Love You,” a track that explores love with depth and intention. Both songs reveal how Mayten uses music to process life, turning personal moments into universal emotion.

One of his most defining memories isn’t from a big stage or a packed crowd. It happened early in his career, performing for only fifteen people. He left that night disappointed, thinking it was a failure. But one person from the audience came up to him afterward with tears and said his music had given them hope. That moment changed how he saw his purpose. It reminded him that impact matters more than numbers and that even one listener can make a song meaningful.

His individuality doesn’t stop with his sound. Mayten’s sense of style reflects the same mix of confidence and creativity found in his music. He enjoys pairing fitted or cropped tops with loose pants, creating a balance that feels authentic to him. Nothing about his presentation is ordinary, and that’s the point. His look, like his music, is about being himself and standing out without trying too hard.

Even with his growing success, he remains grounded. He values the discipline found in other paths, like sports or law, and often reflects on how those worlds demand focus and patience. That sense of balance keeps him centered as he continues to build his career.

Mayten’s gratitude for his supporters runs deep. He often speaks about how much it means that people stream, share, and believe in what he is creating. For him, this is only the beginning.

From the neighborhoods of Pretoria to the expanding world of Afrobeats, Mayten is proving that music rooted in honesty will always find its place.  Every beat, every lyric, and every performance tells a story of staying true to who you are.

Listen to his new single “Pain”