Kel P and Wande Coal tell us about their new joint project “Best of Both Worlds”, discussing the process and decisions behind the work.
Grammy Award-winning producer, singer and songwriter Kel P is one of a kind. His instantly recognisable tag, “It’s Kel-P Vibes” has always indicated a banger generating billions of streams and achieving multi-platinum success worldwide.
More recently, he’s stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, amplifying another dimension of his artistry on the grandest scale possible. This month, he will release “Best Of Both Worlds” a 6-track EP that features Afrobeats royalty, Wande Coal. Wonderland had the chance to catch up with them following the announcement of the project’s release.
Listen to teaser single “Old Soldier”…
Read the interview…
Having just announced his upcoming project, How and when did you first meet?
Kel P: We started working on the project in 2020 but by 2021 we had put things on hold. Later we came back together to continue and finish creating the project.
Wande Coal: A mutual friend connected us years ago. I had already heard great things about him—people were saying, you need to work with this guy. So, I reached out. When we met, there was an instant connection—he had this fresh energy.
What did you learn about each other while living together?
KP: I’m very intentional about everything I do so I tried to influence Wande Coal with that intentionality in his music and what I learnt from him really is that music wise, he is just so good! His Melodies?! Out of this world that most times he doesn’t even know where it comes from, just very natural and the advice he gives me is to ‘keep going’. Working with him and learning from him means a lot.
WC: Kel-P is one of the most disciplined and intentional people I’ve ever worked with. He’s
precise—every detail matters to him. Watching him work made me more deliberate with my own process. But beyond that, I saw how passionate he is, and that inspired me. I think we pushed each other to new heights without even realising it.
When did you begin working on the “Wande Coal vs Kel-P Vibes” EP?
KP: I started working on the project around 2019 and it was meant to come out in 2020 but we had a couple of back and forth with the release.
WC: We started recording back in 2019, just vibing and experimenting at first. As we kept going, it became clear that this wasn’t just a few songs—it was a complete project. Timing is everything, though, and 2020 wasn’t the right time. Now, I feel like the world is ready for what we’ve created.
You’ve collaborated with many amazing artists— what makes a collaboration truly successful for you?
KP: I think what makes a collaboration truly successful is the energy, and the friendship you build while working together. I don’t think it’s the music but the synergy. If you guys are not connected, whatever you guys make won’t work. I’ve worked with everyone, and I mean I need to connect with you and it goes beyond just basic things. It’s a spiritual thing.
WC: For me, it’s all about the vibe. When the energy is right, the music flows naturally. A good collaboration is like a conversation—you bounce ideas off each other, and both sides grow from it. Respect and creativity go hand in hand, and I’ve been lucky to find that in the people I’ve worked with.
How does working solo compare to creating as a duo on a full project?
KP: Two good heads are better than one, that’s what I’d say. You know, as long as you guys are on the same page, team work is always better.
WC: When you work solo, it’s all on you—you’re the captain and the crew. But with a duo, it’s teamwork. With Kel-P, it felt like we were building something brick by brick. He would come with a beat, I’d add my melodies, and we’d keep going back and forth until it felt right. Two creative minds are always better than one.
How has the process of making this project differed from your previous release, “Kpe Paso”?
KP: I think what specifically differentiates the process of the two were the times and mental state Wande Coal was in. While creating the project , Wande just wanted to pour out his soul in the music which he always does anyway but while creating Kpe Paso , he was speaking his mind, coming with fire, warning the industry, so you know different times , different situations in his life.
WC: With “Kpe Paso”, I had a lot to say, and it was more about me addressing certain things. But with this project, it was about creating timeless vibes. It’s a different energy—Kel-P and I wanted to make something people could feel in their hearts and souls, not just in the clubs.
Why do you think Afrobeats lacks a strong collaborative culture?
KP: I think it’s just unnecessary beef. One I’m not sure if it’s real or just for social media rants. However, I think Afrobeats deserves a collaborative culture just like we knew Hip-Hop back in the days where everyone was working and pushing the culture regardless of whatever. Imagine a Burna Boy and a Davido going on tour together for a year or dropping a project – that sh*t is going to sell out! So I think it’s very important for us to collaborate because it helps the Afrobeats genre and culture grow bigger and better.
WC: Ego is the main issue. Everyone wants to be the biggest, but collaboration is what pushes the culture forward. Back in the early days, we worked together more, and that unity helped Afrobeats grow. We need to return to that mindset because the possibilities are endless when we work together.
What’s your favourite song by each other?
KP: That’s a difficult one cos every song on that project is special but I’ll say “Call Again”.
WC: I agree. “Call Again” is special. The way we brought that song to life—it just hits differently.
Which song by the other would you have loved to be a part of?
KP: There are 2 songs I wish I had produced for Wande Coal. The first one is “The Kick”- that song! OMG! That song is crazy. Then the second song is “Rotate”.
WC: Hmm, I’d say any of the beats he made for Burna Boy. That man is a wizard with production. I’m lucky I get to work with him one-on-one on this project.
What would you both like to see left in 2024?
KP: Songs without substance. All that noise just for the sake of dropping music and unhealthy competition cos that’s not good for the culture.
WC: Fake love and unnecessary comparisons. Let’s just focus on the music and uplifting each other.
What would you like more of in 2025?
KP: I’d like to see more Afrobeats artists collaborate together in 2025 and to see more songs with substance and culture. Just good music man. I just want to listen to amazing music because that’s what inspires me.
WC: More collaborations, more unity in the industry. And I’d like to see Afrobeats dominate even more globally. The world hasn’t seen the full power of our sound yet.
How does working with one producer for an entire project compare to collaborating
with multiple producers?
WC: Working with one producer is like building a house with the same architect—it’s cohesive, and you can tell a complete story. With multiple producers, you get variety, but sometimes the project loses its identity. With Kel-P, it felt like we were creating one beautiful story from start to finish.
Were there any key influences that shaped your production for this project?
WC: Honestly, what really influenced me while working on this project was Wande Coal himself cos we sat down together to create from scratch. In the process of me making the beat or playing the piano, Wande is already singing and that inspires me a lot cos it gives me more clarity on the direction to go with the music.
Did you approach this collaboration differently from your usual process? If so, how?
KP: Yes I approached this collaboration differently. I mean every artist is different just like I said initially so what helps my approach in collaborations generally is the synergy and energy I get from the artist which differs from person to person.
WC: I think the main difference was how hands-on Kel-P was. He’s not just a producer; he’s like a music director. He wasn’t afraid to push me, and I wasn’t afraid to push back. It was a real partnership.
