Ice Prince Says ‘Oleku’ Made History as First Afrobeats Song Playlisted by BBC
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has spoken about the historical impact of his hit song Oleku, stating that the track played a major role in shaping the early global recognition of Afrobeats.
In a recent reflection, the rapper noted that Oleku was the first Afrobeats song ever playlisted by the BBC, at a time when the genre itself was still finding its identity.
“I don’t usually like to say this, but sometimes I find it ironic how the respect isn’t always given where it’s due,” Ice Prince said.
He described Oleku as a landmark record, stressing that its BBC recognition came before Afrobeats became a globally accepted term.
“My song Oleku stands as a landmark — it was the very first Afrobeats song ever playlisted by the BBC, at a time when the term Afrobeats was just beginning to find its meaning,” he added.
Ice Prince concluded by stating that history remains factual regardless of whether it is acknowledged or celebrated.
“History is history, whether acknowledged or not,” he said.
The rapper’s statement has sparked renewed conversations among fans and industry watchers about early contributors to the global rise of Afrobeats and the need to properly document and recognize their impact.
