The Career Evolution of P.E.P YLS in the Nigerian Music Industry

Nigerian-American artist Prezidor Ezemweghian Porbeni, better known by his stage name P.E.P YLS or simply P.E.P, coined initials from his name, continues to reshape his place in the Nigerian music industry with a career that now spans over ten years of consistent releases, radio rotation and playlist supremacy.

Born on 4 October 1989 in Surulere, Lagos, to Delta State parents from Patani LGA, Porbeni spent his formative years in New York, where he completed elementary, junior and senior high school. In 2006, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and enrolled at Clark Atlanta University to study Biology.

He officially entered the music scene in 2013 with his debut single “Pep Rally,” released as part of a mixtape that announced a new voice blending American hip-hop training with Nigerian identity. Since then P.E.P YLS has built a discography defined by steady output and evolving sound.

The artist cites Kanye West and Drake as his two favourite international influences, pointing specifically to their mastery of lyricism, clever wordplay and deep love for melodic music as the blueprint for his own approach.

His growth is clearly traced through a series of landmark releases. In 2016 he dropped a string of singles that included “1st Place,” “Rich By 30,” “Throw It,” “Single” and “Morgan Freeman,” marking his early presence in the scene. By 2023 he had entered a prolific phase, releasing “MBAPPE,” “The Rest,” “Winning Again,” “100k,” “Vybez,” “Hot Nigga 2.0,” “Money On Me,” “Buss It,” “On A Wave” and “Bop” in quick succession. The momentum continued into 2025 with the arrival of “Holy Wata,” “IAMPEP” and “Cinderella.” Then in 2026 came the breakout single “Exotic,” which has secured radio airplay across Nigeria while dominating major streaming playlists on every major platform.

In 2024 he released his debut album “La Casa De Pepe”, further cementing his catalogue under 27 Records.

P.E.P YLS’s career reflects a measured progression shaped by early relocation from Lagos and subsequent artistic development abroad. After studying biology in Atlanta, he transitioned into music, later establishing a presence on Nigerian platforms. His work is characterized by melodic rap elements influenced by both his international background and the dynamics of the local music scene.

He serves as CEO of 27 Records, which functions as the umbrella for his label operations and includes a roster of signed creatives. He continues to release new material that integrates global stylistic influences with the evolving Nigerian market.