Multi-hyphenate artist, selector, and creative director Queen Petite is ushering in a bold, uninhibited era for global African music with the release of her brand-new single and self-engineered genre movement, “Ikapiano Pop.” Marking her second major genre innovation following her pioneering creation of Dembowpiano, the Nigeria-London based powerhouse continues to push global dancefloors into uncharted territory off the momentum of her standout projects PETITENESS and REBEL BLACK SHEEP.
Guided by her background behind the decks, Queen Petite’s work is driven by an instinctual command of room energy, seamless transitions, and dancefloor mechanics. Ikapiano Pop stands as a textured, high-octane fusion that layers trunk-rattling Miami basslines and crisp hip-hop drums over the hypnotic, swinging log-drums of Afropiano. Grounding this international production is her native heritage: the vocals are written and performed entirely in the Ika dialect, native to the South-South region of Nigeria, proving that raw, local storytelling holds universal cross-border appeal.
“Creating new sounds is second nature to me—first with Dembowpiano, and now stepping into my second genre creation with IKAPIANO POP,” states Queen Petite. “I didn’t start with an existing box and add my name to it; I built the blueprint from scratch. Being a DJ taught me how to read energy, and I wanted to construct something that feels incredible whether you’re listening in headphones or in a packed arena. It brings together my African identity, global influences, and pop accessibility so people feel free, confident, and unstoppable.”
Captured during an intense burst of inspiration, the track was recorded at London’s Hot Money Studios alongside engineer Patrick, with Queen Petite personally directing her Nigerian producer over the phone to execute the exact rhythmic blueprint in her mind. More than just a single release, Ikapiano Pop represents a long-term global movement set to anchor her upcoming DJ sets and live performances across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Described in three words as Free, Vibrant, and Unstoppable, “Ikapiano Pop” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Ikapiano Pop”
