Africa’s and Nigerian superstar duo, P-Square, is at it once again. A few years ago, they had broken up as a group and each launched a solo career. It is nearly three years since their reunion. The music group, which consists of Rudeboy (Paul Okoy and his twin brother, Mr P (Peter Okoye), first split in 2016 but reunited in 2021.
Mr. P, in a long letter on social media platforms, has sensationally accused his brother Paul, of disrespecting and discrediting him. He also accused their elder brother, Jude Okoye, of working in collaboration with Paul to sabotage him and his career.
In a lengthy statement explaining their recent fallout, Peter did not mince his words:
“Not In a Competition With You”
“Just like I have told you several times, I am not in any competition with you or anybody else. However, seeing you grant countless interviews where you constantly discredit my efforts in the group that we both created and built together really speaks volumes.”
“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 T. I “EjeaJo,” which I wrote, was a failure. You went as far as using the YouTube views to discredit me once again. 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?” Peter asked.
Respect me, brother
He accused Paul of failing to respect and recognize him during interviews.
“It’s always “I” and “me,” even when I’m standing right beside you. It’s as if I never existed. My brother, neither of us is the most talented artist in the world, but you fail to understand that God gave us this talent and even granted us another chance to excel after our last breakup. Instead, you chose to turn the most awarded and decorated music group in Africa into a laughing stock again,” Peter continued.
The whole fracas started, in an interview last month, where Rudebwoy confirmed that the group had split up again. He was mum about the reasons for yet another breakup.
Rudebwoy maintained that the success of the group was due to his efforts, something that did not sit well with Peter. Paul kept stressing that he wrote most of their hit songs. Peter, in the lengthy post, brought receipts where he tagged songs he’d written as well that were wavy including Ejeajo, Personally, Bizzy Body, and Get Squared which Paul doesn’t mention in interviews.
“We Have Failed Our Fans”
“My brother, neither of us is the most talented artist in the world, but you fail to understand that God gave us this talent and even granted us another chance to excel after our last breakup. Instead, you chose to turn the most awarded and decorated music group in Africa into a laughingstock again.”
“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. We both have talent, no doubt, and I have often praised you in our interviews for your songwriting ability. I have also praised anyone who has ever written a song for us or even for me as Mr. P. But instead of showing gratitude for my kind words, you seem to find satisfaction in rubbing it in my face, forgetting that it is by God’s grace that we have come this far.”
“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.”
“As for the EFCC matter, I will address it before the end of today. Stay tuned! Peace”.
End Of An Era?
The two were not seeing eye to eye following a nasty breakup in 2016 that saw them tear each other up. Peter, as he claims, has always been the secluded one as their big brother & their former manager, Jude Okoye, sided with Paul. They buried the hatched and even did a joint tour but it seems the issues resurfaced once again. It’s not clear what the family’s position is on the matter but Paul has also promised to reply to the open letter. Jude has not publicly commented on the issue.
P-Square is one of the most iconic groups in Africa who are credited as one of the pioneers of Afrobeat. They have worked with international artists like Rick Ross, Busy Signal, T.I Akon, and Drake. Globally, they are known for their unique blend of Afro-pop and RnB laced with MJ-like dance moves. They were first signed under Square Records, owned by their big brother Jude Okoye.
