It’s not every day that Mavin Records does one of its famed artist activations, and it’s even less usual for a new act on the label’s book to debut with just a single, but LOVN has always had to navigate a different pathway for much of his career. Born Akinloye Charles Temidayo, LOVN has had a long trudge to signing with Mavin, growing up in different cities across south-western Nigeria. 

LOVN’s earliest foundation in music was shaped by a mix of the Yoruba oral music he heard growing up and his experience growing up in his local church. In 2022, LOVN released his debut project, ‘This Is LOVN,’  an introductory five-track extended play that introduced his sound-bending style to the world, seeing him meld age-old and neo-African sonics, Fuji, and salsa music, as well as his wealth of experiences across beauty and fashion. 

In his new iteration with Mavin, LOVN has stepped out with a new single, “Sorry I’m Busy,” that captures the quest for motion that’s propelling him forward. Produced by Altims, “Sorry I’m Busy” is a groovy piece that lays bare the motivations for LOVN’s grind with his Fuji intonations adding a distinctive feel to the song’s layered composition. The single is taken from a debut album, ‘Soundbender,’ that’s due to arrive in March 2026. 

We caught up with LOVN to check in on how he’s feeling after his Mavin debut. 

What inspired your stage name?

It came after several reiterations from a friend suggesting ‘Loving Charz’ to me. I changed from ‘Loving Charz’ after I found out what ‘Loven’ meant, and adapting it. Then I thought to remove the ‘e,’ and here we are with LOVN

What do you hope to achieve in your career from here? What’s the big goal?

The legends are already doing it. My goal now is to be a notable part of the movement in making Afrobeats more recognized. I want to inspire young Nigerians and let them know they can do whatever they put their minds to.

What inspired “Sorry I’m busy?”

“Sorry I’m Busy” is inspired by my hustling spirit. I’ve picked up so many skills across my career. Apart from being a musician, I’m a makeup artist, stylist, and fashion designer. I was even a cleaner at some point. I’m very intentional about making money and making sure my family and I are comfortable. 

What does this moment mean for you?

The unveiling means a lot to me. Being a Mavin-activated artist has been a dream of mine, and it feels so great to see it come to life. Thankful to God, Don Jazzy, and the Mavin Team.

Listen to “Sorry I’m Busy” here.