From Teenage Prodigy to Afrobeats Powerhouse
At just 23 years old, Peace Emmanuel Aderogba Oredope, professionally known as P.Priime, has transformed from a teenage sensation into one of the most sought-after producers in the global Afrobeats scene. The young talent, who first gained recognition at 17, now stands as a creative force shaping the sound that dominates international music charts and award ceremonies.
The Rise of a Musical Genius
P.Priime's journey began in Lagos, where he grew up immersed in music from an early age. "I've always loved music since I was little," he recalls, highlighting how his musical foundation was built playing drums and piano in church while singing in the choir. His family played a crucial role in nurturing his talent, with his accountant father, school-owner mother, and supportive brother who built him his first studio.
The breakthrough came at 17 when he produced "Gelato" for DJ Cuppy featuring Zlatan Ibile, immediately capturing the attention of both the Nigerian music industry and international critics. His rapid ascent continued as he began collaborating with Afrobeats heavyweights, earning recognition through prestigious awards including the Headies and All Africa Music Awards.
Shaping the Global Afrobeats Sound
P.Priime's production credits read like a who's who of contemporary African music. In 2024, he worked extensively with Rema on tracks including "March Am," "Azaman," and "Villain." His international reach expanded through collaborations on major projects like Burna Boy's "Alone" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack in 2022, and working with CKay and PinkPantheress on "Anya Mmiri" that same year.
Perhaps most significantly, he co-produced Wizkid's "Made in Lagos" album, which received a Grammy nomination in 2022, cementing his status in the global music landscape.
The Sarz Academy Foundation
P.Priime's skills were refined through the Sarz Academy, an incubator program launched by renowned producer Sarz to train young Nigerian production talents. "Sarz noticed my highly developed ear and how fast I work," P.Priime explains, acknowledging how this mentorship helped polish his natural abilities.
The producer describes his creative process as spontaneous and intuitive. "I connect more easily with artists that freestyle or write songs that pop up the top of their head. That's how I make music. It pops up the top of my head," he revealed during an interview in a Lagos filming studio.
Nurturing the Next Generation
P.Priime is now paying forward the support he received by serving as a judge on "Next Afrobeats Star," a new Nigerian reality TV show dedicated to discovering fresh talent. He joins fellow producers Sarz, Andre Vibez, and Puffy Tee in evaluating thousands of applicants, with only 48 making it to the audition stage.
The competition offers a life-changing opportunity for the winner—a $100,000 music contract from distribution agency ONErpm. P.Priime sees the program as a significant springboard for aspiring artists, noting that industry heavyweights like Don Jazzy might be watching from home.
His advice to emerging artists emphasizes authenticity and self-belief. "The biggest mistake would be to simply imitate those who have already found their place in a booming industry," he cautions, stressing the importance of confidence in oneself and one's team while conveying genuine personality through music.
Afrobeats Global Domination
The genre that P.Priime helps shape continues its remarkable global ascent. The Grammy Awards have again recognized Afrobeats' influence by nominating several Nigerian superstars including Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay for the 68th ceremony scheduled for February in Los Angeles.
P.Priime attributes the genre's international success to its infectious energy. "Afrobeats makes you want to be happy and move your body," he says, describing the spontaneous groove that characterizes the sound. The genre, which blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop, has its roots in 1970s Nigeria, heavily influenced by the legendary Fela Kuti.
As P.Priime continues expanding his musical horizons—currently learning guitar that he carries everywhere—he represents the new generation of Nigerian creatives taking African music to unprecedented global heights while maintaining the authentic sounds that make Afrobeats uniquely powerful.
