Kel-P Addresses Surprising Allegations Made By A Former Collaborator

Nigerian record producer Kel-P has responded to accusations from his former music business partner, Solidstar, who accused him of receiving industry guidance from him.

In January, Solidstar alleged that Kel-P had borrowed his musical style and incorporated it into Burna Boy’s music during their joint project. The singer stated that despite being deeply affected by the situation, he decided to let it go in order to show respect for Burna Boy, who had earlier provided him with support.

Solidstar took to his X handle to share: “I mentored Kel-P, and we created ‘Eleganza’ and some unreleased tracks, with the goal of producing an album.” Burna Boy released an album and I could identify with a lot of the music in it. I was genuinely hurt, but I chose to let it go as Burna Boy had previously shown me support. Evidence dey.”

Kel-P contested the allegations in a recent Urban96 podcast episode. He claimed that he was the one who had originally produced the sounds in dispute. The artist stated that some producers incorrectly assume they have exclusive rights to a sound simply because they have collaborated with other artists on similar musical styles.

Numerous artists have claimed that I’m passing on their energy to others. The point they’re missing is that I originated the sound and made it available to them. Kel-P claimed that people feel entitled when they hear something similar elsewhere.

He confirmed having worked with Solidstar previously but stated that he didn’t profit from their joint project. Kel-P changed his priorities entirely after being given the chance to collaborate with Burna Boy.

Solidstar contacted him following the COVID-19 lockdown, as he recalled. Solidstar reportedly congratulated him on his success in collaboration with Burna Boy, and even sought his assistance in securing a record deal. Their communication suddenly took an unexpected direction.

He began following me on Instagram and then sent a direct message. I had agreed to stay in contact, but within a span of two days, he had stopped following me. I chose not to interpret it as a personal attack. Months after the initial incident, he re-established contact by messaging me, but I chose not to respond, prompting him to once again unfollow me. Approximately a month prior, a friend had forwarded to me a screenshot of a video in which Solidstar was verbally attacking me on the social media platform X. I was taken aback.

Kel-P’s reputation grew significantly after he was involved in the production and co-creation of 10 tracks on Burna Boy’s highly regarded 2019 album, African Giant, which received a Grammy nomination.