One of the most sensational pop groups out of Nigeria, P-Square, made up of twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, has ended the feud between them and is back on good terms.
Recall that the group broke up in 2017 after over a decade of being together and releasing several hits such as ‘Chop my Money’, ‘Alingo’, ‘Personally’, ‘Temptation’ and ‘Beautiful Onyinye’.
In an interview in January 2021, Paul had stated that the issues that led to the breakup of the group had been around for a long time before they eventually went their separate ways.
According to him, Peter was not comfortable working with certain people and he wanted the group to do away with them but Paul felt otherwise.
In 2016, Peter had taken to his Twitter page to announce that the group had sacked their elder brother, Jude, as their manager. He wrote, “Please, who so ever makes (sic) any transaction with Northside Entertainment or Jude Okoye on Psquare’s behalf does so at their own risk. #warning,”
He wrote in other tweets, “I have regretted a lot of things in my life. But, trust me, this is not one of them. #NoMoreFamilyBusiness.”
“Been nurturing and managing these problems for over four years now. Don’t take my silence as a weakness. #Done.”
Though both brothers enjoyed a level of acceptance with their solo careers, fans are of the opinion that it does not come close to the acclaim they enjoyed as P-Square. But, in an earlier interview, Mr P maintained that he enjoyed his solo career better.Both brothers went on to have solo careers with Paul going by the name, ‘Rudeboy’, and Peter adopting the name, ‘Mr P’. Some of Rudeboy’s solo songs are ‘Ayoyo’, ‘Reason With Me’ and ‘Woman’. On the other hand, Mr P released his debut solo album, ‘The Prodigal’ in April 2021 and it contained songs such as ‘Just Like That’, ‘Follow my Lead’, ‘Paloma’ and ‘Smooth Criminal’.
However, many were pleasantly surprised when it came to light last weekend that the brothers had resumed following each other on social media. On their 40th birthday on November 18, 2021, videos emerged of the brothers performing together at a party. Guests at the party, including comedian and activist, Debo Adedayo, aka Mr Macaroni, and singer, Obumneme Ali, aka Smash. Other guests at the party also jubilated with the brothers as they sang some of the defunct group’s hit songs.
Fans on social media also expressed excitement at the brother’s reunion.
It was gathered that the reunion was made possible by the efforts of family members, other celebs and distinguished personalities who are fans of the singers.
A cousin to the brothers, Martins Justice, aka J Martins, is said to be one of the people who worked assiduously behind the scenes to settle the rift between the brothers.
Speaking through his manager, Desmond Ike-Chima, he told said, “J-Martins is part of the P-Square family and the story of the group is not complete without mentioning him. He played a huge role in their reconciliation and at a time, it seemed like it won’t work. He feels very great that it is happening in his lifetime, especially as we approach the end of the year. It is good to have one great story to wrap up the year.
“When I say that P-Square is back together, it is not compulsory they come back as a group. The most important thing to note here is that family is key. Whether they are coming back as Mr. P or as Rudeboy, they have ‘tasted life’ in their individual capacities. What matters most is that there can be a P-Square album or concert without bad blood. If they will come back together as P-Square, it is a decision left for the brothers to make.”
Expectedly, their reunion has continued to generate mostly positive reactions from celebs and fans alike.
Peter’s wife, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, who had been fingered by some as being partly responsible for the feud between the brothers, wrote on Instagram, “To my favourite twins, today is such an emotional day for me. I am so happy that you have finally put your differences aside and allowed love guide you.
“Happy birthday, Peter and Paul. You are one, not two! More blessings, more love! Family for life. We bring it back again! Good health, long life and prosperity is (sic) your portion. Amen.”
Paul’s wife, Anita, also bared her mind on Instagram. She wrote, “They are one, not two. Happy Birthday Ejima (twins). This is best birthday present either of you could receive.
“Thank you for letting me have such a great relationship with both of you independent of your rift. I am delighted I didn’t let your coconut heads let me choose sides.
“There’s a lesson here: Do not ever involve yourself in a tiff that doesn’t concern you and don’t let social media and the opinions of those who do not matter define your situation. Let God guide you. Love wins.”
Popular producer, Olumide Ogunade, aka ID Cabasa, posted a picture of the late singer, Sound Sultan, on his Instagram page and added the caption, “Hey Lanre, P-Square are back (sic).”
However, Paul stated that they had been advised not to make comments to the media.
He said, “We were advised not to talk to the media for now. We will talk at the right time, please.’’ – Punch.
