Veteran Nigerian galala singer John “Daddy Showkey” Asiemo has expressed disappointment over the long-running feud between P-Square singers Peter and Paul Okoye and their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye. In a viral interview with Goldmyne TV, Daddy Showkey said the brothers’ feud had destroyed what he described as “Africa’s biggest music group.”
A Legacy Destroyed
Daddy Showkey, who turned 56 recently, lamented that the infighting has tarnished the legacy of P-Square, a duo that once dominated African music charts. He emphasized that the brand was bigger than the individuals, stating, “I will tell them this, they destroyed the biggest brand that Africa has ever produced. They destroyed the biggest brand that Africa produced. You see, P-Square is not for them alone. As an entertainer, you are not for yourself anymore.”
The “Fire Fire” crooner drew from his own experience, noting that entertainers owe their success to their fans. “Today I’m celebrating 56 years. I would have locked myself in my room to celebrate it. I’m celebrating because it is the people who made me Daddy Showkey. You understand? So if the people have made you, you are not considering the people. You are thinking about what you people are making or what,” he added.
Call for Reconciliation
The singer urged the brothers to stop dragging each other and consider their future, as well as the impact on their children. “Dragging yourselves like this, the future will tell. No matter what, you guys are brothers. No matter what, you should look for a place to resolve this thing because you have children. Tomorrow you will carry this beef to your children,” Daddy Showkey said.
He also advised them to settle their differences amicably, citing his own personal experience. “I’ve gone through almost the same thing they are going through. And I just decided that I’m not quarrelling with anybody because I don’t quarrel with people. You understand? So they should look for a way to address that issue and settle it as brothers. Because if the time comes, they will say, one time we were. God will not let it be like that for them. God will not let it. So they should try to resolve it,” he said.
Background of the Feud
Peter and Paul formed P-Square in the early 2000s and went on to become one of Africa’s most successful music duos, with hits like “Do Me” and “Personally.” Their first split came in 2017, but they reconciled in 2021. However, in 2024, they parted ways again after fresh disagreements over the group’s finances and management.
The dispute escalated into legal and financial investigations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched a probe, and a court case involved Jude, who has denied any wrongdoing. Jude has since responded publicly to Peter’s allegations, rejecting claims of financial misconduct and accusing his younger brother of distorting the facts surrounding P-Square’s finances and their family disagreements.
The feud took another turn on Saturday when their eldest brother, Henry, accused Jude of fuelling the prolonged dispute. This latest development has kept the family in the news for days, with fans and fellow artists weighing in on the matter.
Impact on the Music Industry
The ongoing feud has not only affected the Okoye family but also sent ripples through the Nigerian music industry. Many fans have expressed sadness over the dissolution of a group that was a staple in African pop music. Industry analysts note that the internal conflicts have overshadowed the group’s musical achievements, with the brothers spending more time airing their grievances publicly than creating music.
As the saga continues, Daddy Showkey’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and the broader responsibility that comes with fame. His plea for reconciliation underscores the need for the brothers to prioritize family over personal grievances, a message that resonates with many who have followed the group’s journey.
