Maya Jama and Stormzy have broken up, the couple have confirmed in an emotional statement.
A year after confirming they were back together after a five-year split, the couple announced on 17th July: “We've spent this past year trying our best to make it work; however, we recently decided to call it quits.”
Here's a look back on the couple's journey over the past 10 years, including their deeply emotional statement in full…
2014: Maya Jama and Stormzy meet
Both Maya and Stormzy have spoken openly about their early relationship. They met at an event in London in 2014, though they didn't officially start dating until 2015 – and enjoyed a relationship outside of the public eye before their careers took off.
Appearing on Shopping With Keith Lemon in 2020, Maya said: “We just had a normal relationship. We met when we were like 20 before anyone cared about us. So then it was just a normal relationship. Basically, I always said it was like a normal relationship but people wanted to look at it more and talk about it more.”
Speaking to Vogue of their initial spark, she added: "If I'm really honest, I knew I fancied him from the start. But I didn't want anything yet, because, you know, you're trying to do the whole friend situation first, and then I'd do, like, obvious hints that I fancied him and then take it back because I didn't know if he definitely likes me.
"It was a childish phase. And then one day we just kissed, and that was that!"
2016: Stormzy releases Birthday Girl in tribute to Maya
Stormzy publicly declared his love for Maya by releasing the track Birthday Girl for her 22nd birthday in August 2016. He tweeted at the time: “This was for the Mrs but I hope that any girl can vibe to it and play it on their birthday also and feel special.”
Among the lyrics is a verse in which Stormzy speaks directly to Maya, saying: “Yo princess, I just come to wish you a very, very happy birthday / I hope this is an incredible one for you, I hope God blesses you this year / And I hope you're havin' an amazing, amazing, amazing birthday / Lots of love / Love you always.”
2017: Maya appears in the music video for Big For Your Boots
Stormzy's debut album Gang Signs & Prayer was released in 2017, to huge acclaim. Maya appeared in the music video for Big For Your Boots, which was released as the lead single from the record.
Simultaneously, Maya's career was taking off as she became the youngest ever person to present the MOBO awards that year.
The couple had gained popularity amongst fans, and spoke about each other naturally in interviews – Stormzy even spoke of proposing in 2017. He told The Mirror: “I'm still so young but I want to propose, it's going to happen and I will do it right. She is so sick, she is the best.”
2019: Maya Jama and Stormzy split after four years together
Fans were gutted to learn that the couple had called it quits in 2019, with rumours swirling as to the reasons why. Maya's representative released a statement that read: “Maya has moved out of their home in south west London. The decision isn't one she has come to lightly, but ultimately the relationship has come to an end. She wants to focus on her TV and radio career for now.”
Stormzy dropped his album Heavy Is The Head during the same year, which appeared to reference his split from Maya in the track Lessons.
Some of the most telling lyrics go: “You taught me love, oh, what a gift / I know that it's hard, too hard to forgive / And to be honest if I were you / I'd be the same way / To be honest if I were you / Then I'd be unforgiving too.”
As well as: "I done the dirt and then I figured that you’ll dig it out, but that’s a coward move, I guess you got me figured out, I know you’ll never listen now."
2020: Stormzy opens up about the breakup
Stormzy said he had “never loved anyone” like Maya in a YouTube interview with Charlamagne Tha God, suggesting he would have loved to make their relationship work. He also denied ever cheating on her.
“I would love to be the man who she needs, I would love to do all the things that make this work. I want to marry her, I want to have her children,” he said.
2021: Maya moves on with a new relationship
In 2021, Maya dated – and subsequently became engaged to – Australian basketball star Ben Simmons. The pair made their public debut at Wimbledon that year, but in 2022 they called off their engagement.
2022: Stormzy talks to Louis Theroux about his relationship with Maya
The rapper spoke openly in a documentary with Louis Theroux about his split from Maya and the impact it had on him. “That's probably the biggest loss a man can have, isn't it? Away from someone passing away, that's the biggest loss you can have,” he said.
He added: “My breakup was probably the biggest catalyst for my growth as a man. It was like, 'OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you.'”
2023: Maya Jama and Stormzy confirm they are back together
Rumours had been swirling about a possible reconciliation for some time – but in October 2023, Maya and Stormzy confirmed they were back together when they were pictured on a trip to Greece.
By the following month, they had appeared together at the British Fashion Awards 2023, which Maya hosted.
February 2024: Stormzy shares a cute Valentine's TikTok
The couple are officially going strong in 2024, with Stormzy supporting Maya as she presents Love Island. The couple spent Valentine's Day together, with Stormzy treating Maya to an Hérmes bag to mark the occasion, as well as sharing their sweet 'couples' challenge' video on TikTok. Cute!
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May 2024: Stormzy supports Maya at her Beauty Works launch
Maya announced her collaboration with hair extensions brand Beauty Works in May 2024, and celebrated with a launch party in London – which Stormzy attended to support, naturally. Swipe through the gallery to see an ultra-cute video of the pair from the event:
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June 2024: Maya and Stormzy spotted dancing on London night out
Amid Maya's busy Love Island schedule, she and Stormzy headed for a night out at House Party – the new London concept venue launched by Stormzy. The pair were seen dancing and laughing together in what can only be certified evidence that the couple are still going strong. Plus, Maya's unitard bodysuit is all kinds of gorgeous. Protect this pair at all costs!
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July 2024: The couple confirm they've broken up
Maya Jama and Stormzy have sadly broken up, a year after rekindling their romance.
In an emotional statement shared to both their Instagram Stories on Wednesday 17th July, the couple said:
"Hey guys,
We've been laughing whilst drafting this because we never, ever, in a million years thought we'd be the couple announcing a breakup, but for the sake of clarity and, more importantly, to allow us the space and grace that's needed for us both to be able to navigate this next bit of our lives with peace, we thought it might be best to.
We fell madly in love in 2014, broke up in 2019, and then spent five years manoeuvring life apart. We decided to try for the final time in August 2023, and we've spent this past year trying our best to make it work; however, we recently decided to call it quits. We were 21 and 20 when we first met-both at the beginning of our careers-and spent five years growing together and then five years growing separately, so this final attempt required a whole lot of figuring out, relearning, and unlearning. We tried, and it didn't work, and that's okay.
"We still think the absolute world of each other, we still care and respect each other, we are still grateful for the time we've had together, and we are still friends and will always be friends (so if you see us having a lil catch-up at The Brits or something, don't cause a fuss, we are dawgs!).
“Announcing this feels so dramatic, but we're doing it so that it kind of takes away the drama and avoids speculation and rumours. We're kindly asking for the grace to let both of us keep it moving and not be bothered about it (we highly doubt this'll work, but we're still kindly asking anyway). Love you guys and thank you for all the love you've showered us with, it's been beautiful! Mike & MJ.”
