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Priesst, born Caleb Olusegun Odugbose, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his Afro-fusion sound that blends Afrobeats, melodic rap, R&B, and contemporary street-pop influences. Emerging through independent releases and online promotion, his career reflects the growing wave of Nigerian artists building strong audiences outside traditional industry systems.
Born in Abuja, Nigeria, and originally from Ogun State, Priesst was raised in a deeply religious household by cleric parents, with his father serving as a pastor. His introduction to music came through church activities, where he participated in choir rehearsals and learned to play instruments such as the drums and keyboard. These early experiences helped shape his melodic instincts, emotional songwriting approach, and comfort with live instrumentation.
He later attended the University of Abuja, where he studied Political Science and International Relations. While still in school, he began recording covers, freestyles, and original songs online around 2015, initially treating music as a hobby before gradually transitioning into a professional career. Early songs such as "Preach" and "God When" introduced listeners to his introspective writing style and expressive sound.
Priesst officially entered the music scene with the release of "Miwa" in 2021, a record that helped establish his melodic Afrobeats identity and marked the beginning of his rise within underground Afrobeats circles. His visibility increased significantly between 2022 and 2024 through independent online promotion and the viral circulation of his music, positioning him among Nigeria’s rapidly emerging digital Afrobeats artists.
One of his breakthrough moments came with "Upcoming (Check on Me)" in 2023, a song that resonated strongly with young audiences through themes of hustle, ambition, pressure, and the desire for recognition. Its relatable messaging helped expand his fanbase significantly. He further elevated his profile with "Puff-Puff Pass," a collaboration with Falz that blended Afrobeat rhythms, rap influences, and energetic street-inspired production.
In 2025, Priesst released his first major project, "KURIMA," featuring tracks such as "HALLELUJAH," "ON GUARD," "100 BILLI," "FAMILY," and "AND SO." He later followed with "KURIMA TOO" in 2026, a continuation of the emotional and reflective themes introduced in the earlier project. Songs like "Ife" and "Tobi" leaned into softer melodic production, romantic storytelling, and introspective songwriting.
Another defining release in his career is "Akonuche" (2026), one of his strongest breakout records. The title, derived from an Igbo expression associated with wisdom, strategy, and cleverness, centered on ambition, smart hustle, and self-belief. A remix featuring Victony and Shoday further expanded the song’s reach and visibility within the Afrobeats scene. Around the same period, he also released "Omo," a street-inspired Afrobeats track produced by Spellz. He describes himself as a “musical priest,” a concept that reflects his intention to use music as a platform for relatability, hope, and emotional connection.
Over time, he has collaborated with artists such as Falz, Victony, Shoday, and Zlatan, reflecting his growing acceptance within Nigeria’s contemporary Afrobeats ecosystem. His music has also appeared on major Afrobeats and viral playlist rotations, contributing to his expanding international presence.