Nigerian afropop sensation Alpha P is back in the spotlight with his eagerly awaited EP, Welcome to the Pack. After a two-year break, he returns with a dynamic five-track project that highlights a significant evolution in his sound and artistry. This release is more than just music; it’s a window into Alpha P’s personal journey over the past couple of years, marked by emotional depth and storytelling that resonates deeply. Collaborating with rising producer Wondah, Alpha P crafts a blend of pop, R&B, soul, and afrobeats that showcases his unique style and artistic growth. From the introspective “Light” to the infectious “W,” featuring Olamide, Welcome to the Pack is an invitation to join Alpha P on a transformative journey through his life and experiences. With this EP, he reclaims his place among the elite in global music, proving he’s an artist to watch as he shapes the future of afropop.
Read the full interview below:
Alpha P, your new EP Welcome to the Pack marks a significant evolution in your sound. Can you elaborate on the key influences and experiences that shaped this project?
I put this project together to bring my fans/listeners into my world and the emotions I was experiencing at the time so I would say my personal experiences helped shape this project but also the producers London and wondah (the producers on this project) also played a vital role in helping shape these special records.
You took a two-year hiatus before releasing Welcome to the Pack. What were some key personal and professional developments during this period, and how did they influence the creation of your new EP?
I took some time because I had to re-align myself with a team with whom we share a similar vision and also just to create and explore new sounds I had never attempted before, In the process, I created track 1: “Light,” and that really helped shape the rest of the project.
The EP showcases a blend of afrobeats, R&B, pop, and soul. How did you approach the integration of these genres to ensure a cohesive sound throughout the project?
As much as I’m experimental and always exploring new sounds and ideas, the original source of Alpha P always stays intact, I’m very intentional about that because I’m more of a believer of evolution than change, so it was quite easy just to bring in my flavor to these genres.
You worked closely with producer Wondah on this EP. Could you describe the collaborative process and how this partnership contributed to the overall sound and feel of the EP?
London and Wondah are both my real-life friends outside of the studio, so each session was just us having fun and creating great music in the process, we exchange melodies and basically just push each other to bring out the best. I talked to them about what I wanted/how I wanted these records to sound and feel and they just took it to the next level. Shout out to them, fr.
The opening track, ‘Light,’ is inspired by personal loss and grief. How did you channel these emotions into the music, and what do you hope listeners take away from this song?
I lost someone close to me, and ‘Light’ was that song that helped comfort me in that dark time. It’s one of the most emotional songs I had written at the time, and it was just so special because I had never made anything like that or even heard any Afrobeats record that sounds like that. I hope this song serves as a warm blanket to everyone who was in my position listening.
‘OMW’ is noted for its effortless flow and melody. Can you walk us through the creation of this track and how it came together so naturally?
‘OMW’ was the first song I ever made with Kemuel and Wondah, who ended up producing 4-5 songs on this project. It was one of those 5 a.m. sessions after the club sessions that we didn’t even put so much thought into, and we literally just freestyled the whole song, and that freestyle turned into this beautiful record.
The EP’s lead single ‘W’ features the legendary Olamide. What was it like collaborating with him, and how does this collaboration fit into the broader narrative of the EP?
Olamide is someone I’ve looked up to since I was a kid, so this is an honor for him to bless my song with a verse. To be honest, I hadn’t finished the whole project before I met him and played it for him and he just loved the record so much that he did a verse.
‘Hold Ya’ was recorded in the intimacy of your living room. How did this setting impact the production and vibe of the track?
It was one of those days where we had made like 3 unfinished ideas and we decided just to do 1 more before we called it a night, and we just happened to strike gold with the last try. Making it in my home made it even more special because we could take as much time as we needed on it and also just be as expressive as possible because, why not? I was in the comfort of my home (laughs).
The final track, ‘4AM,’ explores a different perspective on love. What inspired this approach, and how does it reflect your evolving view on relationships and storytelling?
‘4AM’ was based off a true story, and I just felt it was something we don’t usually hear in songs these days, it’s usually a guy chasing a girl, but in reality the opposite actually happens, and I just had to talk about it.
The success of your single ‘Paloma’ led to international recognition. How did receiving support from platforms like BBC 1Xtra and NPR Tiny Desk influence your career and artistic direction?
‘Paloma’ was my formal introduction to the game, and to see how everything played out since that Friday I dropped it has been quite interesting. I’m super grateful for the recognition that came with it and everyone who’s supported the kid, these wins just remind me that I’m on the right path.
Your first two EPs, King of the Wolves and Wolves & Mustangs Vol. 1, were well-received. What lessons did you learn from those projects that you incorporated into your new EP, Welcome to the Pack?
I learnt to stay original & just be myself.
With Welcome to the Pack as a significant milestone in your career, what are your aspirations for the future, and how do you envision this EP influencing your next steps in music and beyond?
I aspire to be the greatest doing this and, most importantly, the best version of myself. There’s a lot coming from Alpha P; the next phase/sounds are even more crazy, but this is a fit re-introduction to my pack/fans. I am going to be here for a very long time, and this just helps make that statement.
