Peter Okoye hits back at Paul for discrediting contributions
In a dramatic and emotional turn of events, Peter Okoye, one-half of the famed Nigerian music duo P-Square, has publicly addressed his brother Paul’s recent claims that he was the primary creative force behind their success. Paul Okoye, known as Rudeboy, has stated in multiple interviews that he wrote and sang 99% of P-Square’s songs, a claim that Peter, also known as Mr. P, vehemently disputes.
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In an open letter posted on Instagram on Monday, Peter expressed his profound disappointment and hurt over Paul’s repeated attempts to downplay his contributions to the group. “In your recent interviews, you claimed that you wrote and sang 99% of all P-Square songs and discredited me by saying that our song with TI, ‘Ejeajo,’ which I wrote, was a failure. You went as far as using the YouTube views to discredit me once again,” Peter wrote.
Peter highlighted several hit songs he had written, including “Ejeajo,” “Get-Squared,” “Bizzy Body,” and “Personally,” among others, which Paul had failed to acknowledge. “You never acknowledged the other songs like ‘Get-Squared,’ ‘Bizzy Body,’ ‘Personally,’ ‘Roll It,’ ‘Temptation,’ ‘Alingo,’ ‘More than a Friend,’ ‘Shekini,’ ‘Say Your Love,’ ‘Gimme Dat,’ ‘Senorita,’ ‘IGBEdu,’ and a few others. Were these songs also considered failures as well?” he questioned.
Peter accused Paul of consistently using “I” and “me” in interviews, making it seem as though he was the sole talent behind P-Square. He contrasted this with his own habit of referring to their work as a team effort. “Every time I have spoken in interviews about P-Square, I have always used ‘we’ and ‘us’ because I saw us as a team. But whenever you speak, it’s always ‘I’ and ‘me,’ even when I’m standing right beside you. It’s as if I never existed.”
Peter’s letter was a heartfelt plea for recognition and unity, emphasizing that their success was due to their combined efforts and the unique magic they created together. “One thing you need to understand clearly is that the fans didn’t fall in love with P-Square because of who sang or danced the most. What made us special was the magic that came from our combined effort – us two! P-Square was a force, and the fans fell in love with P-Square because of our uniqueness and unity.”
Peter also pointed out the irony in Paul’s actions, stating that despite their talents, they were not topping charts or selling out arenas as solo artists. “So, my brother, let me ask you: Is Rudeboy or Mr. P bigger and more successful than P-Square today? Are we individually selling out arenas and stadiums like P-Square used to? Are we topping world music charts with our songs as solo artistes? Do we command crowds and entertain massive audiences like P-Square?”
He also addressed the issue of their family dynamics, accusing Paul of disrespecting him and his family and aligning with their older brother Jude, who has been a controversial figure in their disputes. “I often find myself wondering, what do you truly gain by constantly disrespecting and belittling me all the time. You have disrespected my wife, disrespected my family, disrespected my talent, disrespected my ideas, and even sided with Jude when he was clearly trying to oppress me.”
Peter’s letter also touched on his frustration over not responding earlier to Paul’s claims, which he felt were false. “I blame myself for not responding to your tweet claims in April 2015 that you wrote and sang all of P-Square’s songs. I didn’t respond to these false claims for the sake of peace, as advised by family and friends, and now I am paying dearly for it.”
Despite the bitterness, Peter concluded his letter with a note of reconciliation and hope. He urged Paul to work with him to reclaim their position in the music industry rather than focusing on individual achievements. “Rather than joining forces with me to reclaim our number 1 spot in the music industry, you chose to team up with Jude to claim the number 1 spot in the P-Square group, always looking for opportunities to marginalize and humiliate me.”
Peter also addressed their fans, reassuring them of his commitment to his music and asking for their continued support. “I hope you are happy now. I genuinely wish you nothing but the best, bro! As for those who believe these lies and false narratives and come to my page to drop negative comments, I understand because you have been fed the wrong narrative for a long time. Please allow me to focus and do my music in peace.”
The feud between the Okoye brothers, which has been ongoing since their last breakup, has been a source of much public interest and speculation. Both brothers have since pursued solo careers, with Peter performing as Mr. P and Paul as Rudeboy. While both have found some success individually, neither has matched the heights they achieved together as P-Square.
In a final plea for unity, Peter wrote, “One thing you need to understand clearly is that the fans didn’t fall in love with P-Square because of who sang or danced the most. What made us special was the magic that came from our combined effort – us two! P-Square was a force, and the fans fell in love with P-Square because of our uniqueness and unity.”
As the public awaits Paul’s response, it remains to be seen whether this heartfelt appeal will pave the way for reconciliation or further deepen the rift between the once-unbreakable duo. For now, fans can only hope that the brothers will find a way to mend their relationship and recapture the magic that made P-Square a household name across Africa and beyond.
