Street
mafo
What does mafo mean?
From 'má fọ́' (don't break/don't be broken); used to tell someone not to fear, panic, or be discouraged by a person or situation. Popularised nationwide by artist Naira Marley.
"They're trying to scare you off — mafo, just keep pushing."
Origin
Yoruba phrase 'má fọ́' ('don't break'), popularised in Nigerian youth culture largely through Naira Marley's music and the 'Marlian' movement.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Mafo' mean?
It means 'don't be intimidated' or 'don't let it break you' — a call to stay confident and unbothered.
Who popularised Mafo?
Nigerian singer Naira Marley is widely credited with bringing the phrase into mainstream street slang.
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