Kel-P’s rise to super-producer prominence is as wholesome as any career narrative you’re likely to hear in Afrobeats. Two years shy of dedicating himself to helming beats, Lagos-born Kelvin Peter Amba was introduced to the Nigerian music mainstream through Burna Boy’s 2018 hit song, “Gbona.” Before that, he had producer credits on just two songs, and he quickly consolidated on his breakthrough by serving as the primary collaborator for Burna Boy’s late 2018 to 2019 run, which included a handful of hit songs and culminated in Burna’s Grammy-nominated album, African Giant.

“I haven’t stopped working to be honest,” Kel-P says of the last three years. The proof is extensive, with a catalogue of credits that shows diversity in collaborators, from Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Rema to French singer Dadju and reggae scion Skip Marley. A huge part of that work has also been directed at himself. Prior to taking up producing, Kel-P was an aspiring singer. After getting a nudge from the iconic Nigerian producer Sarz, he temporarily shelved those dreams to focus on nurturing the side of his artistry that would bring him initial attention.

“From day one, I’ve always known that I would release music as an artist with my own vocals,” Kel-P tells OkayAfrica over the phone. This is hours off the February 24 release of his debut EP, Bully Season Vol. 1, and the producer/singer radiates a calm that suggests utmost confidence in the work he’s put into the music. “Throughout my time of mainly producing, I was also practising,” he says. “Just putting my voice on beats, sometimes to help finish up beats. Then I started working on this project two years ago, just creating stuff for myself over music from other producers. I felt I was ready to put my vocals to work instead of just using it to make beats. I just knew I was ready.”