Precious Odede – stage name P Star – released his new single My Baby in June 2021 and has seen the track gain popularity since it was played multiple times on BBC Radio Three Counties as part of the BBC Music Introducing platform, which seeks out ‘under-the-radar’ UK talent.

The 26-year-old came to Bedfordshire from Nigeria in 2013 to study Business Management, before remaining at the University to complete an MSc in International Tourism Planning and Management in 2020. A dedicated student determined to impress his family back home, Precious kept his passion for music burning throughout his studies and now has his sights firmly set on success as a saxophonist.

“I had the privilege to learn how to play a number of instruments, such as piano, drums and bass guitar, in my parents’ church back in Nigeria where they are both pastors,” Precious said. “I’d been in the choir from a young age and that’s where my love for music came from; since then I have always wanted to be a musician.

“I’ve been playing saxophone for 11 years now, and it’s definitely my favourite instrument. I want to take Afrobeat music and culture all over the world, so hearing my song on the radio made me beyond proud. It gave me more focus, drive and hunger to keep pushing towards my goals.”

Now graduated, Precious still lives in Luton working as a support worker in the healthcare sector. While My Baby is the saxophonist’s first single, he has been working the music circuit for a number of years performing at concerts, weddings and club events. Most notably, P Star hit the stage at the Indigo at the O2 in London, opening for the award-winning Teni Makanaki on her Billionaire tour.

Precious continued: “My Baby is my official debut record. I composed, sang and played the sax in the track. My advice for students who are trying to balance their studies and their passion for music is to take every chance that comes your way – you might not always have the time to do it again.

“I had lots of work to do and I didn’t want to let my parents down, so worked hard and didn’t pay much attention to my music for a while. Time management and forward planning are very important to being successful at both elements of your life as a student.”

The up-and-coming star’s dedication has proved fruitful. According to radio presenter and fellow Bedfordshire alumnus, Danny Fullbrook, who played My Baby multiple times as part of his BBC Music Introducing show, he is somebody music fans should have on their radar. Danny said:

“Music is most exciting when it manages to somehow achieve something you’ve never heard before. P Star’s blend of Afrobeat with a slick-jazz solo doesn’t seem like it should work, but it totally does!

“His eclectic blend of sounds makes him an artist everybody should be keeping an eye on.”

Dr Jayne Mitchell, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience, added:

“We are delighted that Precious has been able to fulfil his personal and professional ambitions while studying at the University of Bedfordshire. 

“A range of support is available to students to enable them to achieve academically and have a fulfilling experience as part of the Beds community. We will follow P Star’s musical career with interest and wish him every success in the future.”

As the summer of 2021 and beyond promises to offer creatives many more opportunities than the stop-start nature of 2020, Precious still likes to look back, as well as forward. He summarised:

“I cherish my memories at Beds – particularly fresher’s week and getting to meet a lot of people from all over the world. I’m delighted to have two excellent degrees from the University and now my next goal is clear – I want to become one of the best musicians in the world.”

To keep up to date with P Star, follow him on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

For further information about studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses – such as Business Management and International Tourism – with the University of Bedfordshire’s Business School, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/businessschool