Rising Afrobeats: Keys the Prince is Flying the Flag for the Diaspora

In today’s genre-bending Afrobeats landscape, some artists bring flair, others bring skill, but a rare few bring both with a clear sense of purpose. One such voice is Keys the Prince, a vibrant emerging talent who seamlessly blends his Nigerian roots with his upbringing in London. The result is a sound that’s as culturally rich as it is sonically fresh.

He got his first major break with Left Right, a bold single that sampled Gospel legend Ayefele and quickly set him apart from his peers. It was a defining moment that put his name on the radar of tastemakers and fans alike, especially within the growing diaspora wave pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats.

From heartfelt lyrics to head-bopping beats, Keys creates music that’s rooted in identity and delivered with intention. It’s no surprise that his single Oti Lo which also samples the legendary Jesse King's 'Buga' stood out among thousands of submissions to become the latest spotlight pick for Notjustok’s Afrobeats Rising, a monthly showcase that shines a light on the continent’s next big stars.

Beyond the music, Keys is carving a lane for a new kind of diaspora artist — one that’s unafraid to tell his story with authenticity and ambition. Whether it’s selling out shows, going viral on TikTok, or dreaming up lavish visuals, he’s moving with clarity and vision.

In this exclusive Q&A, Keys the Prince opens up about 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' made the cut for Afrobeats Rising! What do you think sets your sound apart from the thousands of submissions?
I think what sets my sound apart is the fusion of cultures. In my music I am unapologetically Nigerian but I’m also unapologetically a London boy. Marrying the two worlds together seamlessly feels like something that I’m becoming a master at day by day. I think music should show every side to you and that’s what I’m trying to accomplish.

2. Every artiste has a moment where they realize, ‘This is it. I was made for this.’ When did that moment happen for you?
It’s funny because I’ve had a few moments like this, big and small. A big one being when I did my COLORS in 2023. My sold-out headline show in 2024 was also a moment where I realised I was made for this.

3. If your sound was a fusion dish, what ingredients (genres, influences, vibes) would it be made of?
Haha it would probably be wings and chips but the wings would be suya wings representing the Nigerian side. The chips would represent the London boy sound. I’d have a spicy red stew sauce on the side to represent the heat I’m bringing, and then a Nigerian Fanta because who doesn’t love Nigerian Fanta?

4. The journey of a rising artiste is never easy. What’s been your most defining struggle, and how did you overcome it?
I think my most defining struggle is learning how to adapt in the ever-changing music industry. There was a time where if you had your song on radio you would’ve made it, then it transitioned to TV, then certain blogs or YouTube pages. Now it’s TikTok. I think it’s understanding that change is inevitable and trying to cut through the noise during the change. I’ve managed to go viral and build an audience on TikTok which is great, but even that app goes through shifts and changes. So it’s about staying current and being able to adapt and shift when needed.

5. Afrobeats is evolving fast. Where do you see yourself fitting into the movement in the next 5 years?
Afrobeats is definitely the fastest-growing genre in the world right now. I’m here to represent for the diaspora. I think the next set of superstars will come from the diaspora. We have our own stories to tell and our own version of what it’s like being Nigerian to express to the world, and I see myself being one of the front-runners of that new wave. Legendary status is what I’m looking to achieve and by God’s grace I will achieve it.

6. If you had to introduce yourself to the world with just one song from your catalogue, which would it be and why?
It has to be Left Right. The Ayefele sample, the lyrics, the instrumental — it’s the perfect introduction to Keys the Prince. Omo London at its finest.

7. What’s one misconception people have about being an underground artiste that you want to set straight?
That our music can’t compete with the biggest artists in the world. Some of the best music in the world right now is being produced by underground artists.

8. Imagine you had unlimited resources for your next project, no budget limits, no restrictions. What would your dream music video look like?
I’d try and recreate the Ojude Oba festival. Thousands of people dressed in agbada, gele, etc. Aunties riding horses, the mandem playing talking drum and omele. It would be filmed outside of Buckingham Palace as well. Something like that sha.

9. They say every artiste has their ‘holy grail’ collaboration. Which artiste, alive or dead, would be yours, and what kind of song would you create together?
I would love to make a song with Asake. I feel like we have similarities in our themes of God, struggle, elevation, money and of course women in our music. I think the song would have a beat switch so almost two songs in one. It would start off meaningful, choir vocals, and then we’d take you to Gbedu City where the party doesn’t stop. Talking drum, log drums, catchy hooks and verses. It would be one for the history books.

10. Notjustok has given you this platform, but what’s the one thing you wish media platforms did more of for rising artistes?
I am incredibly grateful to Notjustok for giving me this platform. It is something that rising artists need to help further their careers. I think probably more freestyle opportunities, live session opportunities, and just opportunities to showcase the new wave of talent emerging. No one ever knows who the next superstar is going to be, so it’s always good to appreciate talent from early. Also, a XXL Freshman list for artists making Afro music would be great. Africa is the heart and home of the world’s greatest musicians, and things like that help push the culture forward and cement its place in history.

11. What city do you represent?
Omo London.

Are you an emerging artist with quality music? Would you like to feature on Notjustok's monthly 'Rising Afrobeats' showcase? We’re looking for you! Submit your music here - SUBMIT MUSIC