In a candid and revealing interview, Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, has shared that his most profound fear is not mortality, but the prospect of poverty and financial ruin. The artist, one-half of the legendary duo P-Square, opened up about the traumatic experiences from his childhood that shaped this lifelong anxiety.
A Childhood Marked by Hardship and Eviction
Speaking on The Nancy Isime Show, Mr P recounted the extreme hardships his family endured. He revealed that his family of eight, including his parents, six brothers, and two sisters, once lived crammed into a single one-bedroom apartment. The room was divided only by a curtain for privacy.
The situation reached a traumatic climax when the property was sold. While the Okoye family was still inside the building, pleading for more time to relocate, a bulldozer arrived and began demolishing their home. "I have been in our house with my parents and siblings and a bulldozer came and demolished it," he stated, describing the event that cemented his dread of destitution.
"I am not afraid of death," Mr P declared emphatically. "The only thing I am afraid of in this life is poverty, of being broke. I have tasted it [poverty] before."
Choosing Family Over the P-Square Business
During the same interview session, the conversation turned to the much-publicized split of the iconic music group P-Square, which consisted of Peter and his twin brother Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), managed by their elder brother Jude Okoye.
Mr P addressed the feud head-on, explaining the difficult personal choices he had to make. He stated unequivocally that he chose his wife and children over his brothers and the P-Square business empire. He emphasized that he would not betray his immediate family for the sake of the group's continuity.
The Legacy of P-Square
P-Square, launched into mainstream fame with their 2003 hit "Senorita," is regarded as one of Africa's most successful and influential music acts. Their 2005 album, Get Squared, earned them a nomination for Best African Act at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards. A decade later, in 2015, they were crowned Artistes of the Decade at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Following their split, both brothers have pursued solo careers under the names Rudeboy (Paul) and Mr. P (Peter), each finding considerable success on their own paths.
This revelation from Mr P provides a poignant look at the powerful motivators behind his drive for success and the personal sacrifices made in navigating both family and fame.
