Nigerian record producer Kel-P has responded to claims made by singer Solidstar that he mentored him in the music industry and that he allegedly stole his musical style to use for Burna Boy.
In January, Solidstar accused Kel-P of copying his unique sound and passing it on to Burna Boy while working on a project with the Grammy-winning artist. However, he claimed he let the issue slide because Burna Boy had once supported him.
Taking to X, Solidstar wrote:
“I groomed Kel-P up, we made Eleganza and some unreleased songs while trying to put together an album. Around that time, Burna Boy dropped an album, and I could hear a lot of my vibes in it. I was really pained—Kel-P for collect, but I let it slide because Burna supported me once. Evidence dey.”
Kel-P’s Response
Addressing the allegations on the Urban96 podcast, Kel-P dismissed Solidstar’s claims, stating that he was the one who actually created the sound in question.
“So many artists feel entitled when they hear similar sounds elsewhere. What they don’t understand is that I created the sound and gave it to them,” he explained.
Kel-P also revealed that Solidstar was one of the first artists he worked with, but he never made any money from their collaboration.
“We were just making music because he’s talented. But when I got the opportunity to work with Burna Boy, I had to focus on that.”
He further disclosed that Solidstar reached out to him after the COVID-19 lockdown, congratulated him on his success, and even asked for help securing a record deal. However, the singer later unfollowed him after a brief interaction.
“Months later, he followed me again, sent me a DM, but I didn’t respond, and he unfollowed me once more. Then, a month ago, a friend sent me a screenshot of his rant about me on X—I was shocked.”
Kel-P’s Success with Burna Boy
Kel-P gained widespread recognition after co-writing and producing 10 tracks on Burna Boy’s 2019 Grammy-nominated album, African Giant.
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