Agada Prince—professionally known as ‘Producer X‘ or by his signature tag Yo X!—is now recognized not only as a producer but also as a sound engineer with an extraordinary touch. Though his journey started unexpectedly, succumbing to JAMB’s will and studying French at the university, it wasn’t long before his passion for music pulled him in a different direction. His very first production set him several steps ahead of his peers, marking him as a hitmaker and earning him the reputation of being one of the most promising new producers on the scene.
Yet, music runs deep in X’s family. His mother was into gospel music, his dad was a drummer, and his older brother was a DJ. It’s clear that the family’s musical core played a significant role in shaping his path. Serving in the church choir and band, X was surrounded by instruments and melodies from an early age, which built the foundation for his future career
Behind some of the most viral Afrobeats hits like Machala by Carter Efe and Berri Tiga, and Otilo featuring Poco Lee and Hotkid Fire, Evil Receive by Shallipopi, Benin Boys Rema and Shallipopi. Producer X has carved a niche for himself in the music industry. Reflecting on how his brother, Berri-Tiga, played a pivotal role in connecting him with some of his most successful collaborations, X credits family and fate for his breakout into the limelight. His brother “Berri Tiga” introduced him to Carter Efe, and that’s how Machala happened. It was my first viral hit, and the doors kept opening from there. He also introduced him to Shallipopi and that’s how ‘Evil Receive” came about. He says.
You know the funny thing? Fuel isn’t really scarce in Lagos—it’s just that you have to use fuel to find fuel!” Producer X laughs as we dive into the challenges of living in Lagos. He’s lighthearted about it, but like many Lagosians, he’s adapted to the city’s often chaotic rhythm. We talk about his childhood, the inspiration behind his Producer tags, and valuable lessons from his experience in the industry.
How did you first get into music production?
Music has always been a part of my life. I come from a family where music was everywhere—my parents, my siblings—everyone was into it. Growing up, I was always around instruments, whether in church or at home. Over time, I naturally found myself gravitating towards production. It wasn’t something I forced; it just happened.”
What’s the story behind your alias, “X“?
It’s a funny story actually. I was making beats, and people around me kept saying how different and extraordinary my beats were. That word, ‘extraordinary,’ kept ringing in my head. So, I thought, why not just call myself something that represents that? That’s how I landed on ‘X,’ which stands for ‘extraordinary.
I was in the studio one day, finished making a beat, and I needed a tag. I recorded myself saying, ‘Yo, X!’ The first time I did it, it sounded bland. But after tweaking it, and mixing it properly, it became my signature sound. It’s stuck with me ever since.
When did you land your first major placement, and what was that like?
My first big break was with Machala. My brother, Berri Tiga, introduced me to Carter Efe. We linked up in the studio, and the vibe was just right. We made the track, and it was pure magic. I had no idea how massive it would be.
When Machala dropped, I wasn’t really aware of how charting worked or how big a song could get. One night, I was at the club, and the DJ played the song. All of a sudden, cameras were on me, and that’s when it hit me—this track had blown up. That moment was surreal.
Do you have a distinct sound, and how would you describe it?
Of course! My sound is distinct, and the word I’d use to describe it is ‘extraordinary.’ It’s what makes me stand out. I don’t just make beats; I create something unique every time.
What’s your creative process like?
It’s simple. I wake up in the morning, listen to some music to get inspired, and then head to the studio. That’s where the magic happens. There’s no complicated process. I let the vibe guide me.
When I’m in the studio, it’s about the energy in the room. If the vibe is right, everything just flows naturally. I don’t overthink it.
What track made you feel like you had officially ‘made it’?
Machala, no doubt. That was the track that put me in the spotlight. It’s wild because, at the time, I wasn’t really keeping track of how successful it was. I didn’t know the song was charting or that people were going crazy over it. It wasn’t until that night in the club that I realized it had blown up. That’s when I had my ‘this song is big’ moment.
For me, music isn’t just a business; it’s a hobby, a passion. I live and breathe music. It’s something I would always wake up every morning to do.
What would you say gives you an edge over other producers?
The fact that I can play several instruments definitely gives me an edge. I play drums, bass, guitar, piano, trumpet—you name it. It helps me connect with the music on a deeper level. I’m not just making beats; I’m making music.
You’re part of the conversation about redefining Afrobeats with the songs you’ve produced. How does that feel?
It feels incredible! Afrobeats is taking over the world right now, and it’s amazing to see everyone wanting to infuse it into their sound. For me, Afrobeats is something I can’t do without. It’s part of who I am.
Tell me about working with Rema. And you’ve produced a lot of tracks for Shallipopi—are you guys close? How did you meet, and what’s your vibe like outside of music?
Shallipopi and I met through my brother, Berri Tiga. He needed a producer, and my brother referred me. We hit the studio and made Evil Receive, and it was another hit. That track was a turning point for Shallipopi too, and ever since then, we’ve been working closely together. As for Rema, I met him through Shallipopi during one of our sessions. The vibe in the studio was amazing, and we clicked instantly.
Do you see yourself ever transitioning from producer to singer?
Nah, I’m all about producing. I don’t have the vocals for singing, but I love making music. I’m staying in my lane.
What’s it like living and working in Lagos?
Lagos is a crazy place, man! You have to hustle hard to make it here. But on the flip side, it’s a commercial hub—you can find anything and anyone in Lagos. It’s the perfect place for Afrobeats because everyone in the industry is here. The connections you make are priceless.
How do you think producers are shaping the future of Afrobeats?
Producers are the backbone of Afrobeats. Without us, the genre wouldn’t be where it is today. We’ve kept it alive and evolving. If producers started straying away from Afrobeats, the sound wouldn’t have reached the global stage like it has.
What valuable lessons have you learned about the legal side of music?
One of the most important lessons is to get yourself a manager and a lawyer. They’re there to protect you and your craft. Having a strong team is essential in this industry.
You’re known for creating hit tracks—what inspires you?
It’s all about passion. When I’m in the studio, I don’t aim to make a hit—it just happens. The vibe, the energy, and my love for music all play a part. I’m a born creative, so it just flows naturally.
Who are you looking forward to working with next?
I’m looking forward to working with 4batz, a U.S. singer. Recently released an album that features Kanye and Drake.
What’s something you wish you knew before you started producing?
Honestly, there isn’t much I wish I knew, but I do wish I had better tools and equipment from the start. I’ve always been around music, but having the right equipment from day one would’ve made a difference. Still, I’m grateful for how I made the most of what I had.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
No regrets. I’m happy with the choices I’ve made. Everything led me to where I am today.
Let’s talk about credit and recognition for producers. How do you think more spotlight can be shed on the people behind the beats?
Put yourself out there! Do some PR, get media interviews, and show people the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a beat or recording a session. Use the opportunities you have to showcase your craft.
As Afrobeats continues to dominate globally, Producer X is poised to keep pushing boundaries and making his mark, one extraordinary beat at a time. With a passion that’s rooted in his family’s musical legacy and a sound that’s nothing short of extraordinary, a sharp ear for sounds, the future looks bright for this rising star and there’s no limit to what he’ll achieve next.
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