Afrobeats artist Peter Okoye, one half of the now-defunct Nigerian music duo P-Square, has pointed fingers at fans as the primary reason behind the group’s infamous 2017 breakup.
Speaking candidly during his performance at the recent AYLIVE show, Peter expressed frustration over how public comparisons and favoritism from fans created tension and discord between him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye.
During the emotional revelation, Peter noted that constant comparisons between him and his brother by fans contributed significantly to internal conflicts within the group. According to him, the practice of elevating one twin over the other inflated egos and bred unhealthy competition, leading to the eventual collapse of the iconic group.
“Fans are the reason P-Square no dey together today,” Peter stated bluntly. “Two brothers dey do one thing, ona dey talk say one better pass one, e con enter one head, he begin misbehave. If ona like make ona dey go house, I no send una.”
The comments sparked fresh debate among fans and industry watchers about the pressures of fame and how public perception can impact artists’ personal and professional relationships.
The group, formed in the early 2000s, rose to become one of Africa’s most successful music duos, delivering hit songs and electrifying performances across the continent. Their energetic dance routines and powerful vocals made them a household name, and they consistently sold out arenas in countries across Africa and beyond.
However, despite their massive success, tensions brewed behind the scenes. Disputes over management, finances, and creative control were long rumored, and in 2017, P-Square officially split. The duo’s elder brother, Jude Okoye, who managed the group and co-owned their company PClassic Label, was also caught in the crossfire during the acrimonious fallout.
Peter’s recent comments mark one of the few times he has publicly spoken about the group’s breakup with such raw honesty, directly holding fans accountable for exacerbating internal divisions. His statement has since gone viral, reigniting conversations around the breakup and the complex dynamics of celebrity relationships, especially within family-led acts.
Despite their separation, both Peter and Paul have continued their solo careers under the names Mr. P and Rudeboy respectively, with each artist releasing successful singles and maintaining a loyal fan base. In recent years, there have also been glimpses of reconciliation, with the brothers occasionally appearing together in public.
Peter’s remarks at AYLIVE offer a stark reminder of how external influences, including fan behavior, can significantly affect artist dynamics. Whether this statement will mend fences or stir further controversy remains to be seen, but it certainly brings renewed attention to one of Africa’s most celebrated music groups and the realities behind their split.
