Picture this: a 23-year-old visionary reshaping the global soundscape with beats that pulse like a heartbeat of joy—that's P.Priime, born Peace Emmanuel Aderogba Oredope, Nigeria's standout Afrobeats producer who's rapidly becoming a cornerstone of this electrifying genre.
And this is the part most people miss: Afrobeats isn't just music; it's a cultural phenomenon fusing age-old African rhythms with modern pop vibes, born in the 1970s Nigeria and ignited by the legendary Fela Kuti, whose influence still echoes in every track. But here's where it gets controversial—while this fusion has catapulted the genre onto international stages, some argue it's watering down pure African traditions in favor of commercial appeal. Is this evolution or erosion? We'll explore that as we go.
This year, the Grammy Awards spotlighted Afrobeats once more, with nominations for Nigerian icons like Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay at the 68th ceremony set for February in Los Angeles. Pioneers like Burna Boy and Tems have already clinched those coveted statues, proving the genre's unstoppable momentum and its infiltration into mainstream awards circles.
For P.Priime, the secret sauce behind Afrobeats' worldwide appeal boils down to its infectious 'groove'—that raw, spontaneous energy that compels you to shake off the day and hit the dance floor. As he puts it, with a guitar slung over his shoulder while lounging on a plush sofa in a bustling Lekki studio dressing room in Lagos, Nigeria's vibrant economic and cultural center, 'Afrobeats makes you want to be happy and move your body.' He's just dipping his toes into guitar lessons, so he carries it everywhere, he shared with AFP—a charming detail that highlights his hands-on, ever-learning spirit.
P.Priime's résumé shines with collaborations that underscore his rising status. In 2024, he teamed up with Rema on hits like 'March Am,' 'Azaman,' and 'Villain,' showcasing his knack for crafting tracks that resonate. Earlier, he worked with Burna Boy on 'Alone' from the 2022 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, and with CKay and PinkPantheress on 'Anya Mmiri' that same year. What sets him apart? His preference for artists who freestyle and let ideas flow organically, mirroring his own creative process where melodies and lyrics just 'pop up' in his mind. It's this intuitive style that helps beginners in music production understand—think of it as capturing lightning in a bottle, rather than forcing structured compositions.
Born and bred in Lagos, P.Priime has been steeped in music from a tender age, banging drums, tinkling piano keys at church, and harmonizing in the choir. 'I've always loved music since I was little,' he reminisces, crediting his accountant father—a school owner—and his grocery store manager mother, plus a brother who set up his first studio, for nurturing his passion. Imagine a family band session turning into a lifelong love affair with sound!
His breakthrough came at just 17, when his production of 'Gelato' by DJ Cuppy featuring Zlatan Ibile caught the world's ear, drawing praise from Nigerian audiences, industry insiders, and global critics alike. This early win snowballed into accolades at prestigious events like the Headies and the All Africa Music Awards. He even co-produced Wizkid's Grammy-nominated 'Made in Lagos' album in 2022, a testament to his growing influence.
To refine his skills, P.Priime honed his craft at the Sarz Academy, an innovative program by producer Sarz aimed at mentoring young Nigerian talents in contemporary music production. 'Sarz noticed my highly developed ear and how fast I work,' P.Priime notes, emphasizing how such incubators can be game-changers for aspiring creators—providing tools and networks that turn raw talent into polished pros.
Currently, in that same Lekki studio, he's gearing up for an episode of Next Afrobeats Star, a fresh Nigerian reality TV series scouting new voices. As a co-judge alongside heavyweights like Sarz, Andre Vibez, and Puffy Tee, he'll help whittle down 'thousands of candidates' to 48 auditions, with one lucky winner snagging a $100,000 music deal from ONErpm by year's end. P.Priime sees this as a vital launchpad for the industry, reminding hopefuls that 'you can never tell who is watching on stage and at home. Don Jazzy might be watching from his house,' referencing the Marvin Records mogul. It's a nod to the unpredictable nature of fame—much like how a viral TikTok can make or break a career.
His wisdom for success? Artists need unshakable confidence in themselves and their crew, but most crucially, they must radiate authenticity in their art. 'The biggest mistake would be to simply imitate those who have already found their place in a booming industry,' he warns. This advice resonates deeply: in a genre like Afrobeats, where imitation might seem tempting to chase trends, staying true to your unique voice can be the difference between fleeting buzz and lasting legacy. For beginners, think of it as creating a signature style—perhaps blending your cultural roots with personal stories, just as P.Priime does.
© 2025 AFP
What do you think—will Afrobeats keep dominating the charts, or is its rapid globalization a double-edged sword? How important is authenticity in music today, especially in a genre that's blending traditions with pop? Do you agree that imitating successful artists is a pitfall, or could it be a stepping stone? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take!
