Comedian and actress Helen Paul has revealed that she was the voice behind the famous introduction to P-Square’s hit song Story. She said she was never paid for her contribution to one of Nigeria’s most memorable music intros.

The voice behind a classic song

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 2000s, the opening line, “Uncle, please tell us a story,” remains unforgettable. However, few people knew the voice belonged to Helen Paul.

Speaking during an interview, Helen Paul disclosed that she recorded not only the opening line but also several of the children’s responses heard throughout the song.

“I did the ‘Uncle, please tell us a story.’ Then I also did the ‘Thank you’ parts using different voices,” she recalled. “They matched all the different children’s voices, so it sounded full.”

At the time, she worked as a receptionist at a recording studio. P-Square had come to the studio to record songs and were expecting children to perform the voice parts.

When that did not happen, someone suggested that Helen Paul could imitate children’s voices instead.

“I didn’t even know what range was,” she said. “I was just very good at imitating voices.”

No payment and no expectations

Helen Paul said she gladly accepted the opportunity. She was told there was little money involved and was simply excited to be part of a recording session.

She also explained that she had no idea the group would later become one of Africa’s biggest music acts.

“I didn’t know P-Square. I didn’t even know they were going to blow,” she said.

When Story became a hit, she admitted she did not know voice actors could negotiate payment or seek recognition for their work.

“I didn’t fight for it. I’m quiet about myself,” she said.

A career breakthrough followed

Despite missing out on payment, Helen Paul said other opportunities soon came her way.

While still working at the studio, she stepped in for a child who could not record a commercial because of school exams. Her performance led to more voice-over jobs.

The opportunities transformed her finances. She moved from earning ₦9,500 monthly as a receptionist to receiving cheques worth between ₦400,000 and ₦450,000 a month from voice-over work around 2014 and 2015.

Today, Helen Paul is one of Nigeria’s most recognised entertainers. She has built successful careers in comedy, broadcasting, acting and academia.

Her revelation has reignited conversations about how creative professionals were treated in the early days of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many contributors worked without formal contracts, royalties or proper recognition. Her story offers a rare glimpse into the making of one of Nigeria’s most iconic songs.