In today’s genre-curved Afrobeats landscape, some artists bring talent, some artists bring skills, but few bring obvious sense of purpose. A voice like this is Prince’s KeyIt is a vibrant emerging talent who seamlessly blends Nigerian roots with his growth in London. The result is that a sound is as rich in culture as it is.
He and To the righta bold single, sampled the gospel legend Passionate And quickly distinguish him from his peers. It was a decisive moment, putting his name on the radar of tastemakers and fans, especially in the growing diaspora waves that pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats.
From heartfelt lyrics to the beat of the head, Keys creates music rooted in identity and intended to be passed on. It’s no surprise that his single is Drinking This can also be a sample legend Jesse King‘s’buga’ stands out among thousands of opinions and becomes the latest spotlight choice NotJustok’s Afrobeats Risesa monthly display that can illuminate the next big star on the continent.
Apart from music, Keys carved a lane for a new type of diaspora, which is not afraid to tell his story with authenticity and ambition. Whether it’s selling out the show, spreading on Tiktok or dreaming of luxurious visuals, he moves in clear and visual ways.
In this exclusive Q&A, Keys the Prince has enabled his journey so far, how he sees the future of Afrobeats and why being “Omo London” is a central part of his rise.
1. Your song “Oti Lo” makes Afrobeats rise! How do you think differentiate your voice from thousands of submissions?
I think what sets my voice apart is the fusion of culture. In my music, I am unverbal Nigerian, but I am also unhesitant to be a London boy. Marrying two worlds to two worlds feels like something I am a master every day. I think music should show you every aspect and that’s what I’m going to achieve.
2. Every artist has a moment and they realize, “That’s it. I did it for that. When did that happen for you?
It’s fun because I have some of these moments, sizes. This is a big guy when I make my colors in 2023. My sold-out title performance in 2024 is also what I realized I made for it.
3. If your voice is a fusion dish, what ingredients does it make (genre, influence, atmosphere)?
Haha, this might be wings and fries, but the wings will be Suya wings representing the Nigerian side. These chips will represent the voice of the London boy. I would have a spicy red stewed sauce on the side to represent the calories I brought, and then Nigerian Fantasia because who doesn’t like Nigerian Fantasy?
4. The journey of rising artists is no easy task. What is your clearest struggle and how did you overcome it?
I think the struggle I define most is learning how to adapt to the ever-changing music industry. There was a time when if you had songs on the radio, it would be made and then transitioned to TV, and then some blog or YouTube page. Now it’s tiktok. I think understanding change is inevitable and trying to cut noise during the change. I managed to spread on Tiktok and build an audience on Tiktok, but even the app went through changes and changes. So it’s about staying up to date and being able to adapt and move when needed.
5. Afrobeats are growing rapidly. Where have you seen yourself fit for exercise in the next 5 years?
Afrobeats is definitely the fastest growing genre in the world right now. I am here to represent the diaspora. I think the next set of superstars will come from the diaspora. We have our own story to tell, our own version is the feeling that Nigerians express to the world, and I see myself as one of the leaders in that new wave. Legendary status is what I want to achieve, and from God’s grace, I will achieve it.
6. What would it be if you just had to introduce yourself to the world with a song in the catalog? Why?
Must be To the right. Ayefele Sample, Lyrics, Musical Instruments – This is the perfect introduction to the Prince’s Key. The best in London Omo.
7. What are the misunderstandings about people wanting to be a direct underground artist?
Our music cannot compete with the world’s largest artists. Now, some of the best music in the world is produced by underground artists.
8. Imagine that you provide unlimited resources for your next project, no budget limits, no restrictions. What will the music video you dream of?
I’ll try to reproduce the Ojude Oba section. Thousands of people wear Agbada, Gele, etc. Aunt rides a horse, Mandem plays drums and Omele. It will also be filmed outside Buckingham Palace. Like Sha.
9. They say every artist has their “Holy Grail” collaboration. Which living or dead artist will be yours and what kind of songs will you write together?
I would love to write a song with Asake. I feel like we have similarities in God’s themes, struggles, altitudes, money, and of course women’s music. I think this song will have a beat switch, so almost two songs will be combined into one. This will start with meaningful chorus vocals and we’ll take you to the Gbedu City where the party is constantly on the go. Talking drums, log drums, attractive hooks and scriptures. This will be a history book.
10. NotJustok provides you with this platform, but what do you want the media platform to do more for the rising artists?
I’m very grateful to Notjustok for giving me this platform. This is something that risen artists need to help further their careers. I think there may be more freestyle opportunities, live conference opportunities and opportunities to showcase a new wave of talent. No one knows who the next superstar will be, so it’s always good to appreciate early talent. In addition, the list of freshmen of XXL who make African music is great. Africa is the core and home of the world’s greatest musicians, and things like that help push culture forward and consolidate its place in history.
11. Which city do you represent?
London OMO.
Are you an emerging artist with quality music? Do you want to show in NotJustok’s monthly “Afring Afrobeats” showcase? We are looking for you! Submit your music here – Submit music
