Kotrell is a preacher of love, and music is the vessel for his gospel. Since his debut in 2020, he has steadily released songs that capture the magnetic pull of love in all its beauty. His mission is simple: Kotrell wants you to feel love. My own introduction to the Afro–pop soul artist came through the stripped-down version of “Now and Always,” a standout from his debut EP Love Is… The heartfelt record opened Diane Russet’s Dear Diane web series, and from the first note, there was no mistaking the sincerity of his expression.

Music has always been his natural language. He began performing as a child in church, where he formed The Superstars of Jesus, a children’s music group that sharpened his confidence and performing skills. From there, he explored Christian rap before venturing into pop-driven sounds. His decision to become a professional artist was sealed after witnessing a solo musician captivate an audience for 55 minutes with nothing but an acoustic guitar. “The way he connected with the audience absolutely blew my mind,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘That’s the kind of music I want to make.’” Inspired, he wrote his first Christian record accompanied only by a guitar, performed it, and was met with feedback that confirmed his calling.

“In that moment, I knew I’d found my true path,” he says. “I wanted to create music that wasn’t about showcasing talent, but about serving a bigger purpose—music that moves people, resonates deeply, and inspires change.” That revelation became the seed of his signature sound: soulful songs, love anthems, and everything in between.

In this interview with Get Unruly, Kotrell opens up about why he makes music, the story behind “Now and Always,” and what lies ahead in his journey of love-filled artistry.

For our audience meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Kotrell, and my full name is Atonopriya Cotterell. I’m an artist from Rivers State, Nigeria, creating what I like to call real music for real people. My sound is soulful and emotionally evocative, rooted in my own human experiences. I believe that love is the greatest gift, and I use my music as a vessel to share and spread that message.

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From your early days with The Superstars of Jesus to rapping in military school and eventually shifting to soulful, purpose-driven music—how did each stage play a role in your musical journey?

Like you mentioned, the children’s music group I started with in Port Harcourt was called The Superstars of Jesus, and they just celebrated their 30th anniversary last month. That group played a vital role in shaping me because it gave me countless opportunities to perform in church, learn songs, choreograph routines, and excel at recitals. We even staged plays, all of which helped build my confidence and skills as a young performer. From there, as you noted, I became a Christian rapper when I moved to military school for secondary education. At the time, about 99% of my performances were still in church. In many ways, rap back then held the cultural space Afrobeats occupies today, it was the ‘cool kid’ thing to do. Most songwriters and artists you talk to now probably went through a rap phase. Even people with no real interest in church or gospel music would say things like, ‘Let’s just rap about Jesus.’ For us, it was the main stage outside of the occasional social event, so it felt exciting. It wasn’t until after secondary school that I began exploring soul and pop music.

I started experimenting with pop beats, backup dancers, and high-energy performances. But everything changed when I watched an artist perform a 55-minute set with nothing but an acoustic guitar. The way he connected with the audience absolutely blew my mind, and I thought, ‘That’s the kind of music I want to make.’ Soon after, I wrote my first Christian song—this time with no rap, no pop beats, no backup dancers, just a guitar. The response was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

As a kid performing in church with loud beats, the usual feedback was, “Oh my God, you’re so talented. God bless you,” which was great for a while. But after that guitar performance, people said things like, “This really touched me,” “This made me see myself,” and “This moved me to be better.” In that moment, I knew I’d found my true path. I wanted to create music that wasn’t about showcasing my talent, but about serving a bigger purpose, music that moves people, resonates deeply, and inspires change. That was the beginning of my journey into soulful songs, love songs, and everything in between.

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What are some of the primary influences on your music? Are there specific artists, genres, or experiences that inspire you?

When I started writing music, I used to listen to a lot of rap artists like Bone Thugs, 50 Cent, a little bit of Twista, Eminem and Drake, Akon was a big part of it amongst other artists. I used to listen to a lot of P-Square and Tuface. When I started exploring soulful music, the artists that inspired me in that direction were Ed Sheeran and so from that point on, I started listening to James Arthur, Chris Brown, Usher, Lewis Capaldi, Justin Bieber, and any artists that made good music because there is always something to learn from every piece of art.

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You delved into music professionally in 2020 and in that same year, you released “Now and Always” which is one of your biggest songs today. I’m curious, did you know the song was going to be this big when you recorded it?

No, not at all. When I made “Now and Always,” it was a simpler time for me as an artist. Releasing the song wasn’t about chasing a hit or changing my life, it was a statement piece. Before dropping the record in 2020, I had shared a handful of songs on platforms like NotJustOk and 360nobs, this was before streaming felt accessible to me. But putting out “Now and Always” was a leap of faith and a turning point. I had no music on Spotify or Apple Music, and I wanted that so badly.

At the time, I’d been working with someone on plans to start a label, but things kept stalling. Months turned into a year, then three, and I finally told myself, ‘I can’t call myself an artist if I don’t have music out.’ But every time I brought it up, the response was, “We need a budget and a plan.” Eventually, I decided to stop waiting. The inspiration for the song is a different story, but its release was my way of saying, ‘To be an artist, I need to release music, and this is the song I’m making now.’

So I called a friend who showed me how to record on FL Studio. I searched online for sounds, pieced them together, wrote and recorded the track, and worked closely with him as he added instruments and brought the vision to life. We invited a few friends to lay down backup vocals, mixed it as best we could, and within a couple of days, I submitted and released it.

“Now and Always” was never about feeding families or creating a hit. It was about proving to myself that I am an artist and starting my journey with a song I truly believed was beautiful.

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How does it feel to receive all the accolades from the record?

I feel blessed not just for the numbers or metrics, but for the way the music resonates with people around the world and becomes part of their stories in such beautiful ways. It’s humbling to perform at weddings and witness how passionately couples connect with the lyrics as they begin their journey of forever together. Even on social media, scrolling through posts and seeing the impact it’s making across the world is an experience that leaves me truly grateful.

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Your first EP, Love is was released in 2023. What was it like putting it together, writing these songs, and what was the inspiration behind the project?

When I released Love Is…, it felt like the right moment in my career to share a project that could present my music and storytelling in a more holistic way. I knew what I wanted to say, and I felt it was time to express it through a body of work. Still, I was aware that I wouldn’t be able to capture everything in one project—that’s why it’s called Love Is…. The title leaves space for the conversation to continue, both for me and for whoever is listening. Music often reflects personal experiences, so each listener’s interpretation becomes part of the story. On the project, I explored love from different angles: family love, romantic love, self-love, and heartbreak. By the end, listeners can fill in the blank for themselves—Love is… whatever they feel it to be.

I’ve always been a DIY artist, and much of this project carried that spirit. The final track, “Love Me,” was produced and mastered by me. But this time, I was also in a better position to collaborate with other talented creatives. The stripped-down version of “Now and Always” was made with DeeYasso, who also produced “Love You Tomorrow” and “Brother.” My good friend Shabba worked with me on “Smile For Me.” Even with these collaborations, I remained fully independent, which meant every step required effort and hands-on involvement.

The conversation that began with Love Is… naturally flowed into my next project, Forever, released last year. Together they form a journey —Love Is… Forever— and the next project will continue building off those evolving conversations.

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Your music feels deeply vulnerable and emotional. Walk me through your creative process when making a new song. Where does Kotrell start?

First off, I try not to make music under pressure, even though I can, and often do, especially when writing songs for other artists. For the songs I’ve released in my own career, the creative process has never been exactly the same. Since I play a bit of piano and guitar and also dabble in production, I sometimes start by laying down instrumental melodies. If something resonates with me, I build from there, letting the lyrics or vocal melodies follow.

Other times, it begins with an idea or a single line that keeps ringing in my head; from there, I figure out how to shape the melodies around it. And sometimes, it’s all about the beat. For example, with my song "Proud **of You,” my friend Nuel Beatz had posted a track on his Instagram Stories, and when I heard it, I thought, “Yo, this is crazy.” I’d been wanting to write a song about telling someone I was proud of them, and that beat became the perfect canvas. The process behind every song is always different. For “Smile For Me,” it started with just the simple but striking line: “Smile for me.”

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I would like to know the headspace you were in when you made “Safe”

Like I said earlier, when you make music, it often reflects your experiences. But for me as an artist, there will always be an unmistakable touch of my gift and inspiration. Sometimes, even beyond your own experiences as a listener, you can feel a glimpse of my source within the music. Take “Safe,” for instance. When I was writing it, my intention was to create a romantic piece. But because of my beliefs, my faith, and the source that drives me, those elements naturally seep into everything I do—how I dress, how I speak, how I treat people. So it’s only natural that they also show up in my music.

Most of my songs are romantic, but if I were to define love, it would always align with the standard set by the Bible. So even when I fantasize about love, it’s shaped by my faith. That’s why “Safe” carries a dual meaning. After we finished the record, I listened back and thought, ‘I could totally use this song in worship.’ Maybe not the second half, but the first half especially, because the lyrics are so powerful, there’s no love greater than that. When the record came out, people began asking if it was about God. I even saw a pastor comment, “Can a human being receive these words? This feels like a conversation with God.”

For me, the second half of the song captures what I imagine the highest form of love should feel like. It should feel safe*.* And depending on where you are in life, the song might sound like a romantic love to you, or like a love shared with a higher power, and that’s perfectly fine. It reaches you where it’s meant to, and I’m grateful that my music can hold that kind of meaning for people.

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Something I’ve noticed while researching you is that you take your listeners  very seriously. Whether it's through intimate shows like Kotrell Unplugged and The Kotyard to hosting a fun photo shoot and video premiere for “Misbehave,” you have a close-knit community. How important have they been for you on this journey?

When it comes to my music career, after the music itself and my support system—which includes my team, family, and friends—the next most important factor is the fans. As an independent artist, there’s no world where I could ever downplay their role in my journey. They’re literally my bosses. I make music for them, and they’re the ones who spread it to the world. They buy tickets, show up to my concerts, engage with my social media, and keep the engine running. Because of that, I take them very seriously. When I want to test or sample new music, they’re my first stop.

I also try to treat people the way I’d like to be treated, and that mindset guides how I interact with fans, whether I know them personally or not. I often imagine what it would feel like if I had a favorite artist who sent me voice notes every month or personally shared their new music. That would be incredible, so I try to give my supporters that same kind of connection, pulling in the people who believe in me the most and making them feel like they’re part of my journey.

Back in 2022, I made a deliberate decision to start building this community because I quickly realized I can’t play the big-budget industry game. I don’t have a label, an investor, or a sponsor. So I figured if I could keep the people who listen to my music close, keep feeding them music and consistently delivering, I’d be okay. For me, growth isn’t about Instagram likes or X trends; it’s about real people whose names I know, whose faces I can recognize.

This approach matters, especially as a performing artist. If I want to do a show in Lagos or Abuja, the question isn’t about trends, it’s about how many people we can reach directly. How many emails do we have? Who’s in the community? For example, when I went to Abuja to sample some new music, it was as simple as opening the fan community and asking who was around so we could link up. That direct, personal connection is everything to me.

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Speaking about live performance, I’d like to know if that’s your favourite part of being an artist and what’s your usual process for getting ready for live shows?

I don’t think performing live is my absolute favorite part of being an artist, but from a more personal perspective, making music definitely holds a special place in my heart. There’s this rush of excitement when you realize, “Oh my God, look at what we’ve created.” That initial spark of knowing you’ve made something truly special—something that could touch people around the world or move them in a way that leaves a positive impact—is unmatched. Still, my love for making music and performing live is almost equal. If I had to rank my favorite things about being an artist, those two would sit right at the top.

Creating music is thrilling because it’s the birth of something meaningful. But performing it—watching people connect to it in real time, is just as satisfying. Take my song “Now and Always” for example. I’ve performed it countless times. Do I sit at home listening to it, marveling at how amazing it is? Never. I’ve heard it, along with so many of my other songs, far too many times to simply play it for pleasure. But when I’m on stage—whether it’s at a wedding or a concert—and I see how people respond, how much the song means to them, it allows me to appreciate and enjoy it all over again. Performing live gives me the chance to fall in love with my own music from the audience’s perspective. That’s what makes it such a wonderful experience.

As for preparing for a live show, I don’t have a rigid process. I just rehearse as much as possible and make sure every detail is in place. I’m very particular about how I want each performance to feel because, beyond showcasing talent, a show is an opportunity to create a lasting memory for the audience. Once everything is set, I simply relax and let the moment happen.

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Across your songs, you worked with Dotti the Deity and Bridget Blue. What criteria do you look out for when choosing collaborators on your projects? Which other artistes would you like to work with?

When choosing collaborators, the first thing I consider is whether I genuinely appreciate the music you make. It’s not about whether the music is good but whether it resonates with me. Do I feel like we can create something great together? Because I’m very particular about the purpose my music is meant to serve, I also ask: as an artist, what do you represent? If your values are too far from mine, or if the market you’re selling doesn’t align with what I stand for, then it’s definitely a no. Beyond that, though, I stay open-minded about collaborations, because sometimes the most unexpected features are the greatest.

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In a post you made on Instagram, you mentioned that your project “And Everything Between” will be released this year. What should listeners expect from the project?

They should expect real music for real people. This project stays true to what my sound has always been—soulful, emotionally stirring, vulnerable, and soothing—while exploring a wider range of genres. At its core, it’s still everything I represent.

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As an independent artist in Nigeria, can you highlight some challenges you have faced?

Looking back at my journey and where I’m headed, it’s easy to see that the financial aspect has always been a key factor. But now, I realize one of the biggest challenges isn’t just financial; it’s finding the courage to do what needs to be done. Independent artists like myself face this daily. Music is a gamble. If you take a leap of faith and don’t land well, what happens? Do you play it safe to provide for your family and those who depend on you, or do you risk it all for the possibility of glory, or failure? It takes real courage to put yourself out there, to release the music you’ve created. Making real music for real people is one thing; sharing it with the world is another. That act of courage—the courage to do—is the hurdle we all must overcome.

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Five years from now, where do you see your art, and what do you want to feel or think when they see you on their timeline or when you come to mind?

Five years from now, I see myself successful on my own terms and truly happy. I want people to see someone who served a purpose greater than himself, someone who created the soundtrack to life’s priceless moments. Whether it’s the joy of weddings, anniversaries, proposals, and birthdays, or the bittersweet emotions of pain, loss, growth, and grief, I want them to recognize a person who captured it all through his work.

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You’ve been in the industry for close to 3 years. What are some of those insights you know now that you wished you knew when you first started? Is there any advice you’d want others to learn from?

Don’t be afraid to build and dream big. Avoid playing small, greatness demands boldness. Whether it’s your goals or the music you’re creating, think big, go big. One lesson I’d share with my younger self is to stay focused on my own path and purpose. That way, I can celebrate my wins fully and show myself more grace. Comparing my journey to another artist only diminishes my progress and can make me miss the lessons meant for me.

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