Kel-P denies stealing Solidstar’s sound, says he created it

By Tosin Brown

Renowned Nigerian music producer Kel-P has dismissed singer Solidstar’s claims that he took his sound and gave it to Burna Boy.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Kel-P insisted that the musical style Solidstar accused him of stealing was originally his creation.

“So many artists have said I’m giving their vibes to other artists. What they don’t understand is that I created the sound and gave it to them, so when they hear that same sound from another artist, they feel entitled,” Kel-P said.

Recalling his early work with Solidstar, he explained, “Solidstar was one of the first artists I worked with. We were making music back and forth. To be honest, I didn’t make a dime from him. I was just making music with him because he’s talented. But when I got the opportunity to work with Burna Boy, I stopped giving attention to other artists.”

Kel-P also recounted their interactions after the COVID-19 lockdown. “In 2021 or 2022, Solidstar followed me on Instagram, congratulated me on my deal with Burna Boy, and asked me to help him secure a recording deal. I promised to keep in touch, but two days later, he unfollowed me. I didn’t take it personally.

“Months later, he followed me again, sent me a message, but when I didn’t respond, 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.”

Earlier in January 2025, Solidstar had accused Kel-P of stealing his musical style, saying, “I groomed Kel-P up. We made Eleganza and some unreleased songs, trying to make an album together. Then Burna Boy dropped an album, and I heard a lot of my vibes. I was really pained. Kel-P for collect, but I let it slide because Burna supported me once. Evidence dey.”

Despite the accusations, Kel-P has maintained that the sound in question was his creation from the beginning.