INTroducing:keys the prince
West London artist Keys the Prince returns with ‘Back 2 Me’, a self-produced track built on playful melodies, a hypnotic vocal sample, and his laid-back, cheeky flow. Following a breakout COLORS performance in 2023 and a huge 2024 that included a sold-out headline show and standout singles like ‘Left Right’ and ‘Oya Now’, Keys continues to carve out a lane that celebrates his British-Nigerian identity.
Interview BY amrit kambo
Congratulations on your latest release! Your new single, "Back 2 Me," is flirty, fun, and catchy. What inspired this track, and how do you feel it represents where you are creatively?
KEYS THE PRINCE: Right now, the call-and-response technique is really popular, so I wanted to try my hand at it. While I was producing, I found the sample and chopped it up - it all came together perfectly. Now that summer is approaching, I wanted to make something fun for everyone to enjoy.
Even before this release, you’ve been on a great run. Your show at The Lower Third was monumental—it looked so joyful and emotional. How did it feel to experience that?
KEYS THE PRINCE: It was surreal. I had so many shows in 2024, and they all felt like practice for that headliner. I’ve performed to big crowds and tiny ones, and all of them prepared me for that moment. To be in front of a crowd that was solely my own; my audience - my listeners - it was an emotional journey. People think shows are easy, but putting on a good one takes a lot of effort.
Before “Left Right” blew up, I heard you had a job offer and weren’t sure where your music career was headed. What was going through your mind at the time, and how did that moment change your path?
KEYS THE PRINCE: The day I dropped the snippet, I was meant to start work a few weeks later. So I started the job, got offered a record deal, worked for a short while - and then I quit! I saw it as a sign from God that I was meant to do this. God has a way of humbling you before something good happens. I had to be grounded and learn to trust that good things will come.
Your performance of "OSHEY" on COLORSxSTUDIOS was incredible. How did the opportunity come about, and what was the experience like performing on such a renowned platform?
KEYS THE PRINCE: An A&R from COLORS had been engaging with my content, which was funny because we were already planning to shoot a COLORS-inspired video ourselves for “Oya Now,” my biggest song to date! I sent it over, he loved it, asked for more music, and not long after, the offer came through. I originally thought it was pre-recorded, so when I realised it was live, I really got to work to make sure I gave a solid performance. It was a great team and a great experience all round.
When I think of you, I think of “Oya Now” and “Owner”—two really important songs in Black British music. Looking back, what do those tracks mean to you now, and how do you see their impact on your journey?
KEYS THE PRINCE: I think they’re staples in my career, and in diaspora culture too. I want to make music that people deeply relate to. I want to be that voice for people who know what they want to say but don’t know how to say it.
Your sound is an homage to both Nigeria and London. Do you have plans to explore other genres, or do you feel like you’ve found your niche?
KEYS THE PRINCE: I feel like I’ve found my niche, but I’m always open to exploring. I love big choirs, I love live music, and lately, I’ve fallen in love with South African spiritual music. There’s something innate in how people respond to those sounds. I’d love to have a group of South African singers on a track one day.
Being both a producer and an artist gives you unique creative control. Can you walk us through your production process?
KEYS THE PRINCE: I usually start on the keys, but recently I’ve been more percussion-led. I think that’s a result of shifting from rap to Afro. Sometimes, a sample kicks things off, it really depends. That move from rap to Afro started when I wanted to use a talking drum sample. Everyone around me was confused at first, but I tried it, and it immediately clicked. It came from God!
You’re known for your incredible creative concepts for videos and visualisers. What’s your process for bringing those ideas to life—and is there a particular video you're especially proud of?
KEYS THE PRINCE: A lot of it comes from nostalgia - my experiences growing up and the things I enjoyed. For example, “Oya Now” was set in a fabric shop, the kind I used to go to with my mum. I may not have enjoyed it then, but now I can look back and see the beauty in those times. Same with the hair shops; my sisters used to drag me along, and I never liked it, but now I see those spaces as vital parts of our culture. My thing has always been to put my culture at the forefront of my music, and then marry that with my identity as a London boy.
You’ve had a major influence in the scene, but are there any artists or figures who’ve had a significant impact on you?
KEYS THE PRINCE: So many! There’s Yinka Ayefele, who I sampled on “Left Right.” My parents always played his music, so I became a fan. J. Cole was my favourite rapper at one point, and I also looked up to homegrown talent like Chip. I listened to a lot of old-school R&B - Lauryn Hill, 112 - and of course, Fela Kuti. His music is spiritual. My dad used to tell me, “You’re related to him!” I never believed him until he showed me the family tree. I don’t really tell people that, but it’s very cool!
Is there a specific song or lyric of yours that’s had the biggest impact on your audience?
KEYS THE PRINCE: I’d have to say “E Se Pt. 2.” That track resonated with people both within the community and beyond. I’m not a gospel artist, but I grew up in church and I have a strong belief in God. I felt the need to make a song that reflects that. People all over the world connected with it on a spiritual level.
You’ve seen the music industry evolve a lot. What advice would you give to new artists trying to carve out their own space?
KEYS THE PRINCE: The game rewards consistency, and those who don’t give up. Keep going, find your niche, and push as hard as you can. Even if everyone else is doing something totally different, stay true to what feels right for you. You’ll find your community.
What’s next?
KEYS THE PRINCE: I’ve got a song coming out this month! I’m so excited. I really feel like it’s my best one yet. If you liked “Left Right,” you’re in for a treat. Stay tuned!