Folayan Kunerede made headlines when she announced her pregnancy in a teaser for Flyana Boss’s newest song “Hot Butter Summertime.” This milestone adds to her career that’s growing faster than ever. She rocketed to stardom as one half of the viral rap duo Flyana Boss. Their unique running-while-rapping TikTok videos engaged millions of viewers in 2023.
Their growing success has sparked fan interest in Folayan’s personal life – from her age and birthday celebrations to questions about her husband or partner. The duo’s name cleverly references singer and actress Diana Ross. They evolved from social-first sensations to mainstream artists almost overnight. Their hit track “You Wish” has got over 40 million Spotify streams. One of their most popular TikTok videos has reached 21 million views since June. Stars like Timbaland and Lupita Nyong’o have recognized their talent. They even shared the stage with Megan Thee Stallion at the Essence Festival.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Folayan Kunerede spent her early years in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by music. Her family’s love for artistic expression ran deep. All her siblings pursued careers in music and film, which made their home a creative haven. Her mother’s influence became the most important factor in shaping Folayan’s identity.
“My mom is this fairy goddess who does hair,” Folayan once shared in an interview. “She’s a celebrity hair braider and a natural hair activist”. This amazing woman stayed away from chemicals and heat. She used natural techniques to serve clients like music icon Erykah Badu—an experience that deeply inspired Folayan.
Folayan started as a jazz vocalist and earned her place as a finalist at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival in 2013. Her musical trip took her to Los Angeles, where she joined Musicians Institute on Hollywood Boulevard.
Life changed when Folayan met Detroit native Bobbi LaNea Tyler during their first year at the institute. They went separate ways after graduation until Folayan reached out to LaNea about working together. Flyana Boss became reality in mid-2019, and they secured management just months later.
They came from different cities—Folayan from Dallas and LaNea from Detroit. Their mutual love for performance created a special chemistry that would engage audiences worldwide.
The Formation of Flyana Boss
Folayan Kunerede and Bobbi LaNea’s chemistry didn’t spark right away. They shared mutual admiration during their Musicians Institute days but stayed casual acquaintances. “We’re both very introverted and only hung out in groups the first year we knew each other,” LaNea shared in an interview.
The duo’s path changed after graduation when Folayan reached out to Bobbi with an idea. “I thought of the master plan that we should do this together,” Folayan remembered. This conversation led to Flyana Boss’s formation in mid-2019, and they secured management within months.
Their search for the perfect name took several twists. They first thought about “Halle Berry,” wanting to play with a celebrity’s name, as with Nipsey Hussle. Bobbi’s Diana Ross poster in her room sparked the inspiration that led to “Flyana Boss”.
Early 2020 brought challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, but the setback sparked a new direction. They made a bold commitment to daily TikTok posts for two years. Their collaboration with producer Marky Style helped create a sound that showcased “the joy and the weirdness” of their performances.
Their hard work caught Atlantic Records’ attention, leading to a deal in July 2021. Success followed with two EPs: “Boffum” in February 2023 and “Make It A Double” in June 2023.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Folayan Kunerede stands apart from other celebrities by striking a perfect balance between her public and private life. She takes time to protect certain personal details, including her age—a choice that comes as her response to gender-based questions women often face in entertainment. “We know black don’t crack, but how old are y’all?” she wrote as a caption to a video that addressed these frequent questions.
Her signature elf ears have become the most distinctive part of her public image. She started wearing them after spotting another “cute Black girl” with similar accessories. “The ears just make me feel like the mystical creature that I feel like inside,” she explained and mentioned her love for “fantasy, anime, cosplay, all that stuff”.
Fans got a surprise in July 2024 when she announced her pregnancy through a teaser for “Hot Butter Summertime”. The video featured Bobbi LaNea with a beach ball under her shirt before showing Folayan’s real baby bump. She welcomed a daughter in early 2025, according to one source.
Behind the scenes, she sees herself as an introvert who needs quiet time to recharge. “We’re introverts who like to perform… We just balance it out with sleeping a lot or taking naps,” she revealed. This mix of public performance and private reflection serves as the foundation of her authentic artistic expression that celebrates “everything weird, beautiful, Black and feminine”.
Conclusion
Folayan Kunerede’s trip from jazz vocalist to viral rap sensation shows both artistic progress and genuine self-expression. She and Bobbi LaNea were strangers at Musicians Institute but developed a chemistry that surpassed their introverted personalities. They formed Flyana Boss in 2019. Their dedication through pandemic challenges and daily TikTok content ended up earning them a record deal with millions of devoted fans.
Folayan stays connected to her Texas roots and family influences despite her rising fame. Her mother’s role as a natural hair activist and celebrity braider shaped her artistic expression without doubt. Her signature elf ears show her welcome of “everything weird, beautiful, Black and feminine” – a philosophy that spreads through Flyana Boss’s music and performances.
A new chapter begins with Folayan’s pregnancy announcement. She keeps clear boundaries between her public performance and private life all the same, especially about certain personal details. This balance helps her stay authentic while handling her new celebrity status.
Flyana Boss stands as evidence of natural growth in the digital age. Their path from social media posts to mainstream recognition happened fast but feels earned rather than manufactured. Fans are happy to see what comes next as Folayan steps into motherhood and future creative attempts. She continues to be a multifaceted artist who breaks free from conventional expectations.
FAQs
Q1. How did Flyana Boss rise to fame? Flyana Boss gained widespread popularity through their unique “running-while-rapping” TikTok videos. Their song “You Wish” went viral after they posted videos of themselves running through various iconic locations, which garnered millions of views and led to their breakthrough in the music industry.
Q2. What are the origins of Flyana Boss? Flyana Boss is a duo consisting of Folayan Kunerede from Dallas and Bobbi LaNea from Detroit. They met at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and officially formed the group in mid-2019, combining their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for music.
Q3. What’s the story behind Folayan Kunerede’s signature look? Folayan is known for her distinctive elf ears, which she adopted after seeing another Black girl wearing them. She explains that the ears make her feel like the “mystical creature” she feels like inside, reflecting her love for fantasy, anime, and cosplay.
Q4. How do Flyana Boss create their viral videos? Their viral videos are filmed by videographer Evan Blum, who uses a gimbal and light while running alongside the duo. This unique filming technique captures their energetic performances in various crowded locations, often surprising bystanders.
Q5. How does Folayan Kunerede balance her public and private life? As an introvert who enjoys performing, Folayan carefully maintains boundaries between her public persona and private life. She keeps certain personal details private, including her age, and balances the demands of fame with downtime and rest to recharge.
