P-Square, the Nigerian twin brother singers Paul and Peter Okoye have served as a bridge for other African musicians to take their skills to the international market. Their energetic dancing and singing, welcoming demeanour, and obvious rapport earned them fame in their home country as well as in other countries on the continent and beyond. However, the couple has been involved in a number of controversies, as well as in numerous breakups and reunions. The two startled their admirers once more in 2024 when they parted ways for the second time after reuniting in 2021. This page goes into detail about the conflict’s occurrences, the causes, and the consequences for their future.
The Rise of P-Square
Peter, born on November 18, 1981, in Jos, Nigeria, and his brother Paul entered the music industry in the early 2000s. P-Square was set to reach new heights in their musical careers with the release of their second studio album, Get Squared (2005), which featured the singles Bizzy Body and Temptation, which rapidly elevated P-Square to near-celebrity status in Nigeria’s music industry.
P-Square has released several albums, including Game Over (2007), Danger (2009), and Double Trouble (2014). They proceeded to create cross-over music, which earned them numerous prizes and collaborations with other musicians, even abroad. Nonetheless, the brothers’ relationship deteriorated, and various scandals involving them became public.
Timeline of the Rift
2003: Formation of P-Square
In 2003, Peter and Paul Okoye officially formed P-Square, quickly rising to fame in Nigeria and beyond with their unique blend of Afrobeat and pop music. Their debut album, Last Nite (2003), set the stage for their subsequent success, but it was their 2005 album, Get Squared, that solidified their place in the African music scene.
2004-2011: Successful Era
During this period, P-Square enjoyed unprecedented success, releasing hit albums and singles that dominated the charts. In 2011, they released The Invasion, which further cemented their status as one of Africa’s top music acts. Their success during this era was marked by numerous awards, sold-out concerts, and international recognition.
2015: Growing Tensions
Behind the scenes, tensions between Peter and Paul began to build as they disagreed on management and financial issues. Personal conflicts also began to emerge, affecting their working relationship. Rumours of a schism between the brothers surfaced, although they originally dismissed the speculation.
2016: Public Feud
In 2016, the tension between the brothers split into the public domain. Peter expressed dissatisfaction with their management, which was being handled by their elder brother, Jude Okoye. He felt sidelined in major decisions and accused Jude of favouring Paul. This led to Peter announcing his departure from P-Square in February 2016, although the split was short-lived as they reconciled later that year.
2013 I told Jude his no longer needed as our manager he agrees only for u to come to me that if he is not our manager then we should split!
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
Teampsquare ask my twin brother why today him and Jude owns squareville. And if that didn't happen Psquare would have bin over 4yrs ago
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
Teampsquare pls help me ask my twin why he insisted that everything we own must be shared equally with Jude . Otherwise Psquare should split
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
My bro I will still stand and fight for you because you and I started this journey b4 Jude came onboard as our manager
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
Pls who so ever makes any transaction with Northside Entertainment or Jude Okoye on Psquare's behalf does so at their on risk. #warning
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 16, 2016
And for those that will start saying Psquare is breaking up. We are not. Just that the management needs to go.
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
2017: Split and Solo Careers
In September 2017, Peter announced his decision to leave P-Square for good, citing irreconcilable differences with Paul and their management. The announcement was followed by a series of social media posts and interviews where both brothers aired their grievances. A viral video showed the brothers almost exchanging blows at their lawyer’s office while hurling insults at each other. During this time, Jude Okoye sided with Paul, further deepening the rift.
Following the split, Peter adopted the stage name Mr. P, while Paul performed under the name Rudeboy. Both brothers embarked on solo careers, releasing music independently and achieving varying degrees of success. They also put up the house they co-owned for sale, signalling the seriousness of their separation.
2018: Occasional Reunions
Despite their separation, Peter and Paul occasionally reunited for performances and public appearances. These moments fueled speculation that they were working on mending their relationship. However, the underlying tensions remained, and a full reconciliation seemed unlikely.
2019: Continued Solo Success
As the years passed, Peter and Paul continued to build their individual careers, releasing music that reflected their personal styles. While both enjoyed success as solo artists, the shadow of P-Square’s legacy loomed large, and fans continued to hope for a reunion.
2021: Reunion and Public Appearances
In November 2021, after years of animosity, Peter and Paul finally reconciled, much to the delight of their fans. They celebrated their 40th birthday together and performed at the “P-Square Reactivated” concert in December 2021. The reunion brought back the magic that made them famous, and they released tracks like Jaiye and Find Somebody ahead of a highly anticipated new album.
2023: Renewed Cooperation
In 2023, the brothers expressed a renewed desire to work together. Public statements suggested that they were actively trying to restore their relationship and potentially collaborate on new music. This period was marked by optimism among fans, who believed that P-Square was back for good.
2024: Second Breakup
In a surprising turn of events, just three years after their reunion, Peter and Paul Okoye split up again in 2024. The news came as a shock to their fans, who had only recently found solace in their reconciliation. In a recent interview with City FM, Paul Okoye revealed that Peter had told him he was no longer interested in the group. Paul expressed disappointment, stating that Peter had asked him not to make the split public, a request Paul found uncomfortable.
Paul further revealed that Peter had petitioned him and their elder brother Jude to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to an investigation. The tension between the brothers escalated when Peter, in response to Paul’s interview, posted an open letter on X.com (formerly Twitter) on August 13, 2024.
My dear brother Paul,
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) August 12, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/a3zMF6P3tI
In the letter, Peter expressed his disappointment with Paul’s constant discrediting of his contributions to P-Square. He listed several songs he had written, including Ejeajo, Get-Squared, Bizzy Body, and Personally, accusing Paul of always using “I” and “me” in interviews, making it seem like he was the sole talent behind P-Square.
The Impact of the Feud
The ongoing feud between Peter and Paul Okoye has had a profound impact on their careers and legacy. Their repeated breakups and public disputes have overshadowed their musical achievements, leaving fans disappointed and disillusioned. The constant tension has also highlighted the challenges of balancing family relationships with professional commitments, especially in the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry.
Despite the challenges, P-Square’s influence on African music cannot be understated. Their legacy as one of the continent’s most successful music acts remains intact, and their contributions to the global spread of Afrobeat will continue to be celebrated. However, the repeated rifts have tarnished their image, making it difficult for fans to fully embrace any future reunions.
Conclusion
The story of Peter and Paul Okoye, better known as P-Square, is one of talent, success, and resilience, but also of conflict, misunderstandings, and heartbreak. Their journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is inspiring, but their repeated fallouts serve as a reminder of the complexities of fame and family dynamics. While their music continues to resonate with fans, the ongoing feud between the brothers has left a lasting mark on their legacy. As they continue on their individual paths, the question remains: will P-Square ever find lasting peace, or is this the final chapter in the saga of one of Africa’s greatest music duos?
