Beloved Nigerian twins and musical duo, P-Square have fallen out again and this time it seems their musical partnership permanently over.
For more than ten years, Peter and Paul Okoye have been a force to reckon with in the music industry and fans have remained captivated by their great talent and electrifying performances. However, it is sad that beyond all the success displayed, the P-Square brothers have underlying tensions and beef with each other.
They have consistently been engaged in word battle, throwing shades at each other and calling each other out on social media.
In this article, NotJustOk provide you with information on everything you need to know about the P-Square fall out, the attempts at reconciliation, and the recent drama that threatens to end their musical partnership permanently.
1. The rise of P-Square
Firstly, it is important to note that the P-Square duo was formed in 2003 by the Okoye brothers. They rose to fame with hit songs like No One Like You, Senorita, Bizzy Body and a few others. Also, their blend of Afrobeat, R&B, dancehall and in fact, their dance moves captivated fans locally and internationally. This earned them several awards, recognitions, a dedicated fanbase and brilliant endorsement deals.
2. The beginning of the end: 2015
Meanwhile, trouble began creeping in in 2015. This was following an interview granted by Paul where he revealed that he wrote 99% of P-Square songs. Although, this did not seat well with Peter because he felt his contributions were not acknowledged. However, what seemed like a minor issue was the beginning of tension that became huge.
3. The first signs of trouble: 2016
Notwithstanding, in 2016, Peter and Paul Okoye showed their first signs of discord. This was majorly attributed to creative differences and disagreements over management. Their elder brother and manager, Jude Okoye as at the centre of the disagreement. Also in the same year, Peter publicly announced that he had fired Jude as their manager. He revealed his reasons were mismanagement and lack of respect. This created a rift between them and surprisingly, Paul sided with Jude, leading to a major fall out.
4. The first fallout: 2017
I have regretted a lot of things in my life… But trust me this is not one of them. #NoMoreFamilyBusiness
— Mr Psquare (@PeterPsquare) February 17, 2016
Furthermore, the tension in 2016 continued until 2017. In 2017, Peter publicly announced that he was taking a break from the P-Square group. He revealed this as due to “personal reasons.” Clearly, fans and the entire public were certain Peter’s decision was due to the issues in the duo. Later in September 2017, a video circulated where the Okoye brothers were engaged in a heated argument in their lawyer’s office. According to reports, the altercation was from disagreements over their manager. Peter and accused him of mismanaging finances and favouring Paul which Paul denied. This marked the first official fall out of P-Square. With this, Peter and Paul pursued solo careers as “Mr P” and “Rudeboy,” respectively.
5. Attempts at amends: 2018-2019
Consequently, the brothers seemed to be working toward reconciliation after a year of separation. They performed together at a concert in December 2018. This sparked hopes of a reunion. Also, fans were excited thinking that their favourite duo was ready to make music together again putting their differences aside. However, their hopes were short-lived because the Okoye brothers returned to their individual careers after the concert. Once more, the dream of a P-Square duo faded away.
6. The recent fallout: 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and the brother are at loggerheads again. According to reports online on Saturday, June 8, 2024, a business proposal had sparked the latest rift. This recent rift may permanently end the P-Square music partnership. A company offered to acquire P-Square’s music catalogue and requested back-end access to their royalties since 2007. However, it was discovered that Jude Okoye reportedly used an alleged shell company to embezzle funds from the group’s joint-owned firm.
Also, Peter quickly invited the EFCC and this led to Jude’s arrest. No wonder Jude and Peter were absent at Paul Okoye’s recent wedding.
Meanwhile, in 2024, Paul addressed his case with EFCC and how they called him for questioning. However, he did not provide details about the reason for his arrest. This led fans to speculate on the true nature of the financial dealings under investigation.
7. Peter’s open letter: A scathing attack
Peter Okoye sent an open letter to Paul on Instagram on August 12, 2024. In the letter, Peter, accused Paul of constantly disrespecting him and attempting to turn fans against him. Also, he expressed displeasure at Paul’s recent interviews, where Paul claimed to have written and sung 99% of P-Square’s songs, discrediting his contributions to the group.
Additionally, Peter expressed his disappointment with Paul’s actions. He noted that while P-Square is a group, Paul addresses it as himself. Also, he accused Paul of humiliating him. He then questioned if their individual careers as solo artists has the same level of success as P-Square.
8. Peter’s letter: The EFCC address
P-Square’s Peter Okoye denies allegations by twin brother Paul Okoye that he was involved in Paul’s EFCC detention. Peter claims his issue is with their elder brother Jude Okoye, who allegedly operated a secret company and diverted funds from their management company, leading to Jude’s EFCC detention. This is the latest development in the ongoing P-Square fallout.
9. The impact on their legacy
Nevertheless, it is evident to say that the repeated P-Square fall outs have affected their legacy as one of Africa’s greatest music duos. While Peter and Paul have pursued their individual careers as solo artists, one can see that their efforts have not matched their achievements as P-Square. Also, their ongoing disputes and repeated fall out have deemed their contributions to the music industry. Lastly, fans have been talking about the chemistry and spirit that made P-Square a global sensation.
