He Lost His Father at 11. 11 Years Later, “Oleku” Changed African Music Forever – Ice Prince’s Story

Konnected Minds Podcast

Ice Prince's journey from losing his father at age 11 to becoming an Afrobeats pioneer is nothing short of extraordinary. In this deeply personal conversation, he reveals how spending 11 years as a "studio rat" prepared him for the magical moment when "Oleku" came together in just one hour, forever changing his life and the African music landscape.
What makes Ice Prince's story remarkable is his perspective on responsibility. As an only son with both parents now deceased, he embraced his role as family provider from a young age, even crafting palm slippers to earn money. "I love it when they ask me," he says about supporting family members. "It gives me a sense of purpose." This grounding force helped him navigate fame when "Oleku" exploded across the continent, leading to his first international booking in Ghana – a connection he cherishes deeply.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Ice Prince discusses the relationship between Nigerian and Ghanaian music scenes. Rather than seeing division, he passionately advocates for unity: "Accra is closer to Lagos than Jos is," he notes, emphasizing cultural connections over national boundaries. His vision extends beyond music to leadership, wishing African presidents would collaborate as frequently as artists do. "We need to unite our continent more, starting from the leadership to the artistry," he insists.
With refreshing honesty, Ice Prince addresses cannabis use, relationship regrets, and the lessons he's learned across his decade-plus career. Now working on a new collaboration album with producer Chopsticks through Chocolate City distribution, he defines success not by accolades but by "happiness and being in a position to bless yourself and others." His book recommendations – including Think Big by Ben Carson – reveal the depth of thought behind his artistic expression.
Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, this episode offers profound insights into the mind of a true African music pioneer who continues to evolve while staying true to his roots. Subscribe now and join the Konnected Minds community as we explore more transformative conversations with influential voices shaping our world.

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Chapters

1. Meeting Ice Prince (00:00:00)

2. The Making of Oleku (00:03:16)

3. Family Responsibilities at a Young Age (00:09:05)

4. Success and Breaking Through in Lagos (00:19:54)

5. Nigeria-Ghana Music Connections (00:26:34)

6. Smoking and Young Artists (00:39:05)

7. Success, Legacy, and New Projects (00:54:55)

8. Uniting Africa Through Collaboration (01:01:05)