P-Square
{{short description|Nigerian R&B and hip hop duo}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = P-Square
| image = P Square US Canada Tour 2010.jpg
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = P-Square on stage performing in Canada, 2010
| birth_name = Peter Okoye
Paul Okoye
| alias = Peter & Paul
| birth_place = Jos, Nigeria
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|11|18|df=y}}
| origin = Ifite Dunu, Anambra State, Nigeria
| genre = {{hlist|Afropop|R&B|hip hop|dance-pop{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p-square-mn0002322756|title = P-Square |website = AllMusic}}}}
| occupations = Recording artist, performer, dancer, Producer.
| years_active = 1997–2017;{{cite web | url=https://punchng.com/a-few-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-psquare/?amp | title=A few things you probably didn't know about PSquare | date=18 March 2016 }} 2021{{ndash}}2023
| label = Square records,{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/05/square-records-expands-p-square-signs-singer-mayd-to-label/ | title=Square Records Expands! – P-Square Signs Singer, MayD, to Label | date=13 May 2011 }} Konvict Muzik, Universal Music SA, Square Root Entertainment
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
- Jude Engees Okoye
- Akon
- J. Martins
- Waje
- 2 Face Idibia
- Matt Houston
- Tiwa Savage
- Naeto C
- LKT
- Bracket
- Lagbaja
- Rick Ross,
- Diamond Platnumz
- T.I.,
- Dave Scott
- Fliptyce
- May D
}}
| website =
}}
P-Square are a Nigerian music duo composed of the twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, who co-write and co-produce most of their songs.{{Cite web |last=Akan |first=Joey |date=2022-06-07 |title=Paul Okoye: Family, Legacy, Rudeboy |url=https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com/p/paul-okoye-family-legacy-rudeboy |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Afrobeats Intelligence}}{{Cite web |last=Tayo |first=Ayomide O. |date=2017-09-28 |title=The ranking of Psquare's 6 albums |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/pulse-list-the-ranking-of-psquares-6-albums/dneyt0h |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Haliwud |date=2015-04-13 |title=Paul Okoye Claims He Singlehandedly Wrote And Produced Most Of The P-Square's Hit Songs |url=https://www.informationng.com/2015/04/paul-okoye-claims-he-singlehandedly-wrote-and-produced-most-of-the-p-squares-hit-songs.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Information Nigeria |language=en-US}} Noted for their artistic reinvention, musical versatility, and visual presentation, they are widely regarded as one of the most influential African acts of all time and one of the most successful music groups from Africa.{{Cite web |title=P-Square, 29, Nigerian, Musicians |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/eedh45fmfmm/p-square-29-nigerian/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Overo |first=Naomi |date=2022-07-22 |title=Africa's Biggest Pop Duo P-Square Return With "Jaiye (Ihe Geme)" |url=https://culturecustodian.com/africas-biggest-pop-duo-p-square-return-with-jaiye-ihe-geme/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |language=en-GB}} They were integral to the evolution of the 2000s and 2010s African popular music.{{Cite web |last=Native |first=The |date=2020-04-02 |title=A look at P-Square's impact on Afropop over the years |url=https://thenativemag.com/p-square-impact-afropop-over-the-years/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=The NATIVE |language=en-US}} The duo was launched into the mainstream recognition following the release of the song "Senorita" in 2003,{{Citation |title=P-Square – Senorita |url=https://genius.com/P-square-senorita-lyrics |access-date=2024-01-09}} and later gain recognition after releasing their sophomore album Get Squared in 2005. The success of the album earned them a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2006. A prominent figure in the Africa popular culture of the 21st Century, P-Square was awarded Artistes of the Decade at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015.{{Cite web |date=2015-07-21 |title=MAMA 2015 - 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards Winners! |url=http://mama.mtv.com/news/2015-mtv-africa-music-awards-winners/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721001010/http://mama.mtv.com/news/2015-mtv-africa-music-awards-winners/ |archive-date=21 July 2015 }}{{Cite web |last=Ade-Unuigbe |first=Adesola |date=2015-07-18 |title=#MTVMAMA2015! P-Square, Yemi Alade, Davido, D'banj & More Emerge Winners at 2015 MAMA {{!}} Full List of Winners |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/mtvmama2015-yemi-alade-davido-dbanj-more-emerge-winners-at-2015-mama-full-list-of-winner/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=African |first=New |date=2013-11-25 |title=100 Most Influential Africans - Arts & Culture |url=https://newafricanmagazine.com/4061/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=New African Magazine |language=en-GB}}
After the disbandment of the dancing and singing group they formed in the late 1990s, Peter and Paul subsequently founded 'P-Square'. In 2001, they won a talent show and signed a record deal with Timbuk2 Label where they released their debut album in 2003. They later founded their own label and released the following albums: Get Squared, Gameover, Danger, Invasion and Double Trouble. "Gameover" album which explored multiple societal themes such as Love, Regret, Assurance and Political Criticism, reportedly sold over 8 Million copies worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Native |first=The |date=2017-05-23 |title=The Shuffle: Revisit the title track from P-Square's platinum-selling album, 'Game Over' |url=https://thenativemag.com/shuffle-revisit-title-track-p-squares-platinum-selling-album-game/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=The NATIVE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=I am not gonna get married – Paul of PSquare {{!}} Nigeria News and Views |url=http://new.nigeriang.com/uncategorized/i-am-not-gonna-get-married-paul-of-psquare/2085/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en-US}} It is the only 2000s project from Nigeria to have surpassed 30M streams on Spotify, and has been considered a timeless body of work by music critics.{{Cite web |last=Martins |first=T. J. |date=2022-10-20 |title=Asa's 'Asha' Is An Introspective Odyssey of Humanity {{!}} Retro Series |url=https://albumtalks.com/asas-asha-is-an-introspective-odyssey-of-humanity/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Album Talks |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=.@psquare's "Game Over (Deluxe)" surpasses 30 MILLION streams on Spotify. |url=https://x.com/albumtalkshq/status/1624161344235659288?s=46 |access-date=2024-01-09}} Some of P-Square songs include "Personally," "Chop My Money," "Beautiful Onyinye," "Alingo," “E no easy" "Shekini," "Do Me," "Temptation," "Bring it On," "Testimony," "Bizzy Body," and "Gimme Dat."
In 2011, they signed a record deal with Akon’s Konvict Music. P-Square has allegedly sold more than 40M Album records as of 2011.{{Cite web |last=Slim |first=Sheyi |date=2013-09-04 |title=Don Jazzy, P-Square and D'banj are Nigeria's Richest Music Stars – Forbes |url=https://articles.connectnigeria.com/don-jazzy-p-square-and-dbanj-are-nigerias-richest-music-stars-forbes/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=Connectnigeria Articles |language=en-GB}} The duo was nominated for BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, MTV Europe Music Award, MOBO Awards and they have won KORA Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Channel O Music Video Awards . They were also the first Nigerian to peak at top 5 on SNEP - French official chart and top 10 on Ultratop - Belgium official chart in 2012 with the French Version of "E no easy" featuring Matt Houston. The song was the First Afrobeats Summer hit in France.
They have been referred to as the "Best African Group" by Forbes Africa consecutively. They have appeared on the Forbes Lists of the 40 most powerful celebrities in Africa.{{Cite web |last=Aiki |first=Damilare |date=2013-09-02 |title=Meet Forbes Africa & Channel O's Top 10 Most Bankable African Urban Music Artistes – Akon, Don Jazzy, Wizkid, D'banj & More |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/09/meet-the-top-10-most-bankable-african-urban-music-artistes-akon-don-jazzy-wizkid-dbanj-more/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}} In 2021, the duo reunited after their disbandment in 2017. They returned with the single 'Jaiye' and have announced their Reunion Tour and their forthcoming album.{{Cite web |title=P-Square reunite in Jaiye, Find Somebody |url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/p-square-reunite-in-jaiye-find-somebody/ |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=guardian.ng |date=23 July 2022 |language=en-US}}
History
=1981–1999: Childhood and career beginnings=
The twins Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye, though originally from Anambra, were born on 18 November 1981 in Jos, to Josephine Okoye - a pastor, and Pa Moses Okoye - a businessman. Peter and Paul, together with their siblings: Jude, Mary, Tony, Lilian and Ifeanyi Okoye, were raised Catholics, with Christian values.{{cite web | url=https://childhoodbiography.com/psquare-childhood-story-plus-untold-biography-facts/ | title=PSquare Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts | date=25 November 2023 }}
They became interested in performing arts while attending St. Murumba College, a Catholic School in Jos. They were involved in the school music and drama club and began singing and dancing, while drawing inspiration from artists like Bobby Brown, Michael Jackson, and MC Hammer.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/08/how-i-made-p-square/ | title=How I made P-Square | date=12 August 2011 }} Also while in school, they formed an A cappella quartet that eventually morphed into a more pop-oriented dance crew in which they developed choreographed routines. Their artistic talent and precise dance routine soon made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.
Inspired by the success of Nigeria's team at the 1996 Summer Olympic in Atlanta, they dabbled in an unsuccessful footballing career at ‘Pepsi Football academy,' in Jos. They played alongside Mikel John Obi at the academy, who was in the junior team then.{{cite web | url=https://guardian.ng/news/amp-lauds-clark-gbagi-oritsejafor-for-backing-okowa/ | title=" We Played with Mikel Obi" P-Square | date=12 January 2019 }}{{cite web | url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/10/why-we-gave-up-on-our-football-careers-p-square/# | title=Why we gave up on our football careers - P-Square | date=10 May 2023 }} They would later form a music and dancing group called ‘smooth criminal’ in 1997. By 1999, they had added keyboards, bass, drum, and guitar to their skills. Their works include the soundtracks for a number of films like Tobi, Mama Sunday, Moment of Bitterness and Evas River. Despite their parents hope for them to aim for a career in academics, Peter and Paul remained committed to their musical journey.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/01/p-square-nigerias-export-to-the-world/ | title=P-Square: Nigeria's export to the world | date=12 January 2022 }}
They later went to do their diploma programs at the University of Jos. After which they proceeded to University of Abuja for their degree program in 1999 to study Business Administration.{{cite web | url=https://culturecustodian.com/video-the-truth-with-p-square/ | title=Video: The Truth with P Square | date=18 September 2014 }}
=2000–2004: Breakthrough with Last Nite=
‘The Smooth Criminals’ group disbanded when its members left to various other universities. Subsequently, Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called "Double P", "P&P", and "Da Pees", until they eventually settled on "P Square", a name given to them by a friend of theirs called Richard. They later signed a management deal with Bayo Odusami, a seasoned concert promoter. Around the same time, P-Square won a Nigerian talent competition "Grab Da Mic" in 2001, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album. Peter stated, " I think it was one hell of an opportunity for us then. We were still in our first year at the University of Abuja in 2001 when we were informed about the competition in Jos. We were already popular in Abuja and bought the form. We came tops out of 38 artistes that participated. We took the first position and eventually represented the Northern Zone in the Abuja final where we won again out of the 22 artistes that took part in that show. At the finals in Lagos, we became the overall winners which made Benson and Hedges offer to launch our album." The album titled "Last Nite" was released under Timbuk2 music label in 2003. Though with a modest success, the album, garnered the duo a nomination for ‘The Most Promising African Group’ at the KORA Awards 2003 and won the 2003 Amen Award for Best R&B Group.
=2005–2006: Mainstream success with Get Squared=
In May 2005, the duo returned with their sophomore album, Get Squared, released on their own Record label "Square Records".{{cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p-square-mn0002322756/biography | title=P-Square | website=AllMusic }} A breakthrough success, the album spawned several hit singles, which includes, "Bizzy Body," "Temptation,” “Omoge Mi,” and “Say Your Love.” Get Squared album was the start of real commercial success for the twins and it became one of highest-selling albums of 2005.{{cite web | url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/1865/p-square-sets-another-record.html | title=P-Square Sets Another Record | date=4 January 2008 }} Bangers such as “Bizzy Body” and “Get Squared” became nationwide hits. “Oga Police”, spoke about police brutality from the viewpoint of a young Nigerian. “Temptation”, was about a ladies' man. The album's opener “Story” reenacts the traditional African storytelling setting where children gather around an elder and listened intently. The success of the album earned them a nomination at the 2006 MTV EMA awards for the Best African Act. P-Square won 5 awards in a night at the maiden edition of the Headies Awards in 2006, then known as the Hip Hop World Award in the following categories: "Best R&B/Pop Album," "Album of the year," "Best Music Video," "Song of the year," "Artistes of the year."{{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/who-wins-big-at-the-headies-2012/ | title=Who wins big at the Headies 2012? | date=15 October 2012 }}{{cite web | url=https://notjustok.com/article/nigerian-musicians-with-most-number-of-awards/ | title=Music Awards: 10 Nigerian Musicians with the Most Number of Awards | date=29 April 2021 }}
=2007–2008: Continent-wide success with Gameover=
In May 2007, P-Square released their third studio album, "Gameover". In the album, P-Square embraced a stylistic shifts and a new musical direction that was very remarkable, due to the album's usage of Nigerian rhythms and melodies. It received the most critical commercial reception in comparison to their debut and sophomore albums. The album sold over 8million copies Worldwide. Gameover boasts of several hits like "No one like you," "Roll it," "Ifunanya," and the lead single "Do Me" - which featured vocals from Sultry Soul singer Waje. "Do Me" became a massive pop anthem few days after release that clubs, music shows, parties and other fun places won't be lit without it. In the publication of the Red Bull's Editor, Jessica Kariisa, She wrote, "The album's bright and bouncy single 'No One Like You' would go on to service many a wedding reception dancefloor across the continent and diaspora, but it was the sleek bop 'Do Me' that solidified the twins as Afropop stars."{{Cite web | title=Archived copy | website=Red Bull | url=https://www.redbull.com/ng-en/the-evolution-of-afropop | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004093426/https://www.redbull.com/ng-en/the-evolution-of-afropop | archive-date=2023-10-04}} Riding a wave of their widespread reception, the duo released an accompanying 'game over' video album in 2008. The first of its kind in the industry.{{cite web | url=https://www.afrocrafters.com/products/p-square-take-over-video-cd | title=P Square Take over Video CD }} The success of the album won them the "Best Group" at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2008, and were nominated for the "Artiste of the year," "Best Video," "Best Live Performer," and "Best R&B" in the same awards. They also won the "Best Group" at the 2007 Channel O Music Video award and ‘Do Me’ won the "Best Video" at the same award. They were also nominated at MOBO Awards for the "Best African Act," in 2008.
=2009–2010: Evolution with Danger Album=
In the 2009 CNN documentary on Nigerian Music, Christian Purefoy, revealed how P-Square have sold multiple arenas across Africa in late 2000s. He said "...Having conquered Africa, P-Square are now planning a tour in America and Europe. Building on their success in Africa, the Nigerian Artistes are hoping the stage is set to take on the rest of the world" {{cite web | url=https://trendyafrica.com/superstar-entertainers-p-square-set-to-tour-north-america/ | title=P SQUARE begins North American tour with sensational Houston Show | date=22 June 2010 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2018/01/nigeria-oyinbo-eyes-watch-funmi-iyandas-interview-christian-purefoy-ask-funmi/ | title=Nigeria through Oyinbo Eyes! WATCH Funmi Iyanda's Interview with Christian Purefoy on "Ask Funmi" | date=24 January 2018 }}
In September 2009, P-Square released their fourth studio album "Danger." It was supported by Hits like "E No Easy," - featuring J martins, "Gimme dat" "Danger," - which interpolated Eminem's "Without Me" and "Possibility" - featuring 2face. In an interview with Busola Afolabi, P-Square talked about the album, they said "For the first time, P-Square did an experiment which is bringing a kind of song that doesn't exist in Africa and we were happy when we heard it was number two in the African top 10 countdown. Also for the first time, we did a ‘Collabo’ with 2Face. Africans demanded for it, so we decided to give it to them. We are now matured, it is not like the "Do me I do you" song, this is more of facing the real life. We tried to portray the African side of women and their pride. So it is the maturity in it that stands it out."{{cite web | url=https://www.nigeriafilms.com/girl-forced-us-to-stay-in-hospital-for-four-hours-p-square/ | title=Girl forced us to stay in hospital for four hours-P-Square | date=21 November 2009 }}
The album earned the duo some international accolades, include being the first Nigerian artiste to be nominated at the BET Awards for 2010 Best International act.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2010/06/they-didnt-win-but-they-did-us-proud-mi-p-square-at-the-2010-bet-awards/ | title=They didn't win but they did us PROUD! MI & P-Square at the 2010 BET Awards | date=28 June 2010 }} They also won the 2010 KORA Awards "artistes of the year," becoming the second Nigerian Artiste to win the category Since Femi Kuti in 1999.{{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/psquare-receive-kora-top-prize/ | title=Psquare Receives KORA Top Prize | date=7 April 2010 }} P-Square missed the event due to their tour in London. However, the KORA's award plaque and its cash reward of $1M were received by the President of Burkina Faso at the event, he would later present the award to P-Square at his presidential villa.{{cite news | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/04/p-square-is-kora-africa%E2%80%99s-best/ | title=P- Square is KORA Africa's best | newspaper=Vanguard News | date=9 April 2010 | last1=Eribake | first1=Akintayo }}
In 2010, P-Square embarked on their first American tour.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/p-square-makes-first-american-tour/ | title=P-Square makes first American tour | date=2 July 2010 }} While on the tour they had an international media tour with an American talk host - Wendy Williams. They were asked who they would like to collaborate in America, Peter stated, "...we would love to work with Michael Jackson, we wish he was still alive". They also cited Bobby Brown and MC Hammer as musical inspirations.
=2011–2012: The Invasion and international success=
On 29 July 2011, P-Square released their fifth studio album "Invasion". The album's theme which focuses on love, wealth, success, and nightlife, is composed of R&B, reggae, hip hop, Europop and contemporary highlife sounds. The album featured guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, Naeto C, Waje, May D, Eva Alordiah, and Muna.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/07/all-for-p-square-invasion-album-drops-concert-this-weekend-also-check-out-silverbird-tvs-e-weekly-video-interview-with-the-dynamic-duo/ | title=All for P-Square: "Invasion" Album Drops & Concert This Weekend! Also Check Out Silverbird TV's E-Weekly Video Interview with the Dynamic Duo | date=25 July 2011 }}
In other to celebrate the launch of their new album and their illustrious career so far, P-Square hosted the Invasion concert, in collaboration with Flytime Entertainment. The show which held in Lagos was graced by some Notable Nigerian Personalities. The Red Carpet at the event include: Lagos state first lady -Abimbola Fashola, Jay Jay Okocha, Kate Henshaw, 9ice, Sound Sultan, Tiwa Savage, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ikechukwu, Segun Bucknor, Stephanie Coker, AY, Nse Ikpe Etim, Uti Nwachukwu, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Seyi Shay, J martins, Waje, Daddy Freeze, Darey, Toolz, Weird MC, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, Davido, Munachi Abi and Bovi.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/08/bn-red-carpet-fab-p-square-invasion-concert/ | title=BN Red Carpet Fab: P-Square Invasion Concert | date=8 August 2011 }}{{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/we-are-live-blogging-psquare-invasion-album-concert/ | title=We Are Live Blogging!: Psquare Invasion Album Concert | date=30 July 2011 }}
In August 2011, P-Square headlined 'Afrobeats Festival' at the Apollo Hammersmith in London. The event was organized by Cokobar, Phoenix Media and Smade in association with Choice FM. According to Bella Naija, "It was the first African event in the UK to sellout a 5,000+ capacity venue with over 3,000 people attempting to get last minute tickets at the venue." PM Entertainment gathered that P-Square was used to headline the concert by the organisers due to popular demand for the twin brothers in the UK.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2011/09/p-square-wizkid-basketmouth-ice-prince-bring-the-house-down-in-london-exclusive-photos-from-the-2011-afrobeats-festival/#:~:text=What%20are%20we%20talking%20about,was%20hosted%20by%20DJ%20Abrantee | title=P-Square, Wizkid, Basketmouth & Ice Prince "bring the house down" in London! Exclusive Photos from the 2011 Afrobeats Festival | date=4 September 2011 }}{{cite web | url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2011/08/12/p-square-warms-up-for-afro-beats-festival/?amp=1 | title=P-Square Warms up for Afro Beats Festival }}
In December 2011, they signed a record deal with Akon's Konvict Muzik label.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/akons-label-konvict-signs-wizkid-psquare-tuface/ | title=Akon's label, Konvict signs Wizkid Psquare, Tuface! | date=19 December 2011 }} The affiliation with the label, coupled with their subsequent distribution deal in 2012 with Universal Music SA added to the international success of the ‘Invasion’ Album.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/06/p-square-signs-business-pact-with-south-african-music-group/ | title=P-square signs business pact with South African music group | date=June 2012 }} The lead singles ‘Chop My Money’ and ‘Beautiful Onyinye’ later gained international attention in 2012 following the remixes of Akon and Rick Ross respectively.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/06/bn-video-premiere-p-square-feat-rick-ross-beautiful-onyinye-remix/ | title=BN Video Premiere: P-Square Feat. Rick Ross – Beautiful Onyinye Remix | date=12 June 2012 }} Henhouse Prowlers, American bluegrass band, covered the single ‘Chop My Money’ in their album.{{cite web | url=https://theworld.org/stories/2014-08-27/how-chicago-bluegrass-band-rocked-nigerias-music-scene | title=How a Chicago bluegrass band rocked Nigeria's music scene | date=27 August 2014 }}
In the same year, P-Square was featured in the Forbes List of ‘The 40 Most Powerful Celebrities In Africa’, among those who have exerted the highest degree of influence in contemporary African pop culture.{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/54f4e71eda47a54de8245c10/the-40-most-powerful-cele/ | title=Chinua Achebe, 80, Nigerian, Novelist - 2011-10-11 - the 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa | website=Forbes }}
In April 2012, they collaborated with the French singer, Matt Houston in a French version of their 2009 hit song ‘E no easy’ retitled ‘Positif.’ The song spent 29 weeks at top 5 on SNEP - French official chart and 16 weeks at top 7 Ultratop - Belgium official chart respectively.{{cite web | url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/song/fa6d8/Matt-Houston-feat.-P-Square-positif | title=Matt Houston feat. P-Square - Positif - ultratop.be | website=Ultratop }} The song was the first Afrobeats summer hit in France 2012. The success of the song boosted P-Square's visibility in the Francophone Countries.{{Cite web |url=http://rapadonf.fr/blog/2011/11/el-matador-feat-p-square-e-no-easy-son/ |title=El Matador feat P Square – e No Easy (SON) |access-date=11 October 2023 |archive-date=17 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817093502/http://rapadonf.fr/blog/2011/11/el-matador-feat-p-square-e-no-easy-son/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/05/bn-bytes-p-squares-paris-invasion-watch-p-square-matt-houston-e-no-easy-remix-french-version-watch-trace-urbans-exclusive-interview-with-p-sqaure/ | title=BN Bytes: P-Square's French Invasion | Watch P-Square & Matt Houston – e No Easy Remix (French Version) | Watch Trace Urban's Exclusive Interview with P-Sqaure | date=7 May 2012 }} The English version was played in Paris during a celebration by the 2012 French Olympic team.{{cite web | url=https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,130406.0.html | title=Big Things! France Olympic Team Dancing to Psqaure's "E No Easy O" [Video] | date=21 August 2012 }}
In August 2012, P-Square returned with ‘Alingo’, it was produced by pappy J and was directed by Jude Okoye and Clarence Peters. It won ‘Channel O’ and ‘Headies’ Best Music Video of the year in 2013.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/12/wizkid-p-square-mafikizolo-khaya-mthethwa-banky-w-win-big-at-the-2013-channel-o-africa-music-video-awards/ | title=Wizkid, P-Square, Mafikizolo, Khaya Mthethwa & Banky W Win BIG at the 2013 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards | date=2 December 2013 }}
=2013–2014: Double Trouble groundbreaking=
In 2013, P-Square paid homage to their musical idol in ‘Personally’ video. The song was produced by Vtek. The video featured cameo appearance from Nollywood Veteran, Osita Iheme.{{cite web | url=https://www.okayafrica.com/p-square-personally-video-michael-jackson/ | title=P-Square 'Personally' - Okayplayer }} Three days after the music video dropped, they got a call from the Jackson's Family, who sent them an appreciation video through Jermaine Jackson . In his speech of compliments, he said, "It's not everyday that a phenomenal band comes along...P-Square, they are absolutely sensational, with their singing and dancing it kind of remind me of being in the Jackson 5..."
"Personally" earned P-Square a nomination for Best International Performance at the 2013 Soul Train Music Awards, becoming the first Nigerian Artiste to be nominated at the Soul Train Awards.{{cite web | url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/6c6qe8/and-the-nominees-are/euavll | title=And the Nominees Are | website=BET }}{{cite web | url=https://www.modernghana.com/entertainment/22393/thank-you-p-square-for-incredible-michael-jackson-tribute-so.html | title=Thank you P-Square for incredible Michael Jackson tribute song - Jermaine Jackson | date=25 July 2013 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/07/american-music-star-jermaine-jackson-personally-thanks-p-square-for-their-tribute-to-his-brother-michael-jackson/ | title=American Music Star Jermaine Jackson 'Personally' Thanks P-Square for their Tribute to his Brother Michael Jackson | date=25 July 2013 }}
In March 2013, P-Square collaborated with Nigerian Veteran Musician Lagbaja in a song titled ‘Unlimited’, to create the theme song for one of Nigeria's leading telecommunication giant, Glo.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/03/new-music-p-square-feat-lagbaja-unlimited/ | title=New Music: P-Square Feat. Lagbaja – Unlimited | date=21 March 2013 }}
In February 2014, P-Square launched a family-oriented animated series – "The Alingo's". The name was inspired by their song "Alingo". In description of the series, Vanguard News wrote, "It is a project from P-Classic Entertainment, a company aimed at producing television contents and animation. It is creatively driven by Peter Okoye. The show aims to be the first high quality animated series from Nigeria."{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/02/p-square-launches-alingo-animated-series/ | title=P Square launches Alingo Animated series | date=26 February 2014 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2014/02/p-square-present-the-alingos-animated-series/ | title=P-Square present "The Alingo's" Animated Series | date=26 February 2014 }}
On 7 September 2014, P-Square unveiled the release date for their sixth studio album.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/p-square-drops-double-trouble/ | title=P-square drops Double Trouble | date=7 September 2014 }} The album which was scheduled to be released on 12 September 2014 was titled ‘Double Trouble‘ and had already 3 released singles; "Ejeajo" which featured the Sensational American rapper, T.I., "Shekini" and "Bring it on." Double Trouble featured bonus tracks of Testimony, Personally and Alingo with guest appearance from Don Jazzy, T.I, Dave Scott, Awilo Longomba, and Jermaine Jackson.
The captivating tune "Bring it on" portrayed how one should not give up, even in difficult times. The catchy single ‘Shekini’ which dominated the airwaves in Middle East and North Africa, had some of Arab acts like Black Cats and Arash sampling the song. "Shekini" provided the catalyst that helped the duo to break into Arab world market.{{Cite web|date=2016-09-02|title=How Psquare became a big brand in Morocco — Omar Es Saidi, Moroccan radio personality|url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/psquare-became-big-brand-morocco-omar-es-saidi-moroccan-radio-personality/|website=Tribune Online|language=en-GB}}{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/we-love-you-p-square-thank-you-crowds-shout-at-morocco-music-festival/ | title=We love you, P-Square, thank you, crowds shout at Morocco music festival | date=June 2015 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.whosampled.com/P-Square/?sp=2 | title=P-Square - Samples, Covers and Remixes | website=WhoSampled }}
In September 2014, they kicked off their double trouble world tour.{{Cite web|last=Okoye|first=Chinenye|date=2014-09-25|title=P-Square set for world tour despite visa denial reports|url=https://www.thecable.ng/p-square-set-world-tour-despite-visa-denial-reports/|website=TheCable|language=en-US}}
=2015–2016: Mawazine Festival and Artiste of the decade=
Omar Es Saidi, a Moroccan Radio personality, who spoke exclusively to Saturday Tribune during the All African Music Awards acknowledged P-Square. He said, "Moroccans, four-five years ago, did not know about Nigerian music. But we decided to introduce Nigerian music with Psquare, Dbanj and others. I don't know how else to tell you, but Nigerian music is a big success in Morocco. Psquare is a big star in Morocco. Festival Mawazine is one of the biggest festivals in Morocco. Psquare was booked to perform at the festival in 2015. It was a huge success."
In March 2015, it was announced that P-Square would co-headline the annual Mawazine International Music Festival in Morocco, Alongside Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell Williams, Akon, Usher, Maroon 5, and Placebo. This would make P-Square the first Afrobeats artistes to perform to over 100,000 spectators at the event since it was founded in 2001.{{cite web | url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/05/158106/sting-to-perform-at-mawazine-festival | title=Sting to Perform at Mawazine Festival }}{{cite web | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/psquare-duo-to-headline-14th-mawazine-festival-in-morocco/51b6569.amp | title=Duo to headline 14th Mawazine Festival in Morocco | date=3 March 2015 }}
In July 2015, P-Square was awarded the honorary "Artistes of the Decade" at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2015, for their cultural impacts in the music industry.{{Cite web | url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/186935-davido-psquare-dbanj-win-mtv-2015-awards.html?tztc=1 | title=}}
In August 2015, GLO partnered with Peter of P-Square on a TV competition dance show called #DanceWithPeter, which was broadcast on Africa Magic Urban, AIT, TV3, ORTB & MTV-Base Africa. It was intended to bring dancers and entertainers from around the world to showcase their talents for prizes. Kelvin Ayanruoh emerged the winner taking home the following rewards: Toyota RAV 4 SUV, N3million cash, and an opportunity of featuring in P-Square's next music video.{{Cite web|title=Dance with Peter|url=https://dancewithpeter.com/}}{{cite web | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/dance-with-peter-watch-how-kelvin-ayanruoh-emerged-winner-of-reality-show/ce1t17k#:~:text=After%20over%203%20months%20of,then%20catch%20up%20with%20video | title=Watch how Kelvin Ayanruoh emerged winner of reality show | date=31 December 2015 }}
In the same year, P-Square announced their 2015 summer tour in USA/Canada, during the tour they met with the ROC Nations boss, Jay Z and his cousin Bee-High in their Tidal's New York Office for a business deal.{{cite web | url=https://www.36ng.ng/2015/09/26/p-square-jude-okoye-their-choreographer-nonso-meet-jay-z-at-tidals-new-york-office/ | title=P-Square, Jude Okoye & Their Choreographer, Nonso Meet Jay-Z at Tidal's New York Office | date=26 September 2015 }}
In March 2016, Psquare co-headlined the main statge at the Pal Mundo world festival - the biggest Caribbean and Latin Music Festival in Netherlands, alongside the "Suavenmente" Crooner, Elvis Crespo.{{cite web | url=https://www.latinmagazine.eu/pal-mundo-2016-ahoy-rotterdam.html | title=Pal Mundo 2016 Ahoy Rotterdam - LatinMagazine }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/03/the-reunion-watch-p-square-perform-at-festival-pal-mundo-in-netherlands/ | title=The Reunion! Watch P-Square perform at Festival Pal Mundo in Netherlands | date=28 March 2016 }}
In the same year, there was rumors of the Twin Brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye going their separate ways. However Peter's Personal manager refuted the rumors that the twin brothers are still together, he said, "Peter is still very much with his brother, Changing his name to Mr.P has nothing to do with breaking up with his twin brother or going solo."{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/peter-okoyes-manager-denies-p-squares-break/ | title=Peter Okoye's manager denies P-Square's break up | date=17 March 2016 }} The Duo's Publicist, Bayo Adetu, also maintained that there is no official statement regarding the viral rumors from the public.
In September 2016, P-Square later made a comeback with a catchy song titled ‘Bank Alert.’ It features cameo appearances from Veteran Musician Onyeka Onwenu and Nollywood Veteran, Mr. Ibu.{{cite web | url=https://www.okayafrica.com/p-square-new-single-bank-alert/ | title=P-Square Return with New Single 'Bank Alert' }}
=2017: The split=
In February 2017, P-Square released the sensational song titled ‘Away,’ with its accompanying music video.
In September 2017, they cancelled their ‘USA/Canada tour 2017’ amidst of rumors of another rift between them.{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/09/psquare-tour-america-not-happening/ | title=P-Square tour of America/Canada "not happening" – Rudeboy | date=19 September 2017 }}
In the same period, Peter of P-Square indicated his intention to cancel his contract with the ‘P-Square Brand’ He stated in his letter to their lawyer, "What I am about to do has been a very difficult decision to make. I have decided to use this medium to terminate the agreement between Psquare."{{cite web | url=https://saharareporters.com/2017/09/26/double-trouble-p-square-splits#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20letter%20by,Square%2C%20have%20finally%20split%20up. | title=Double Trouble: P Square Splits | Sahara Reporters }}
=2018–2021: Solo careers=
The group later disbanded to pursue solo music careers behind their pseudonyms RudeBoy (Paul) and Mr. P.(Peter). The duo, undeniably, had bankable solo careers.{{cite web | url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/24/africa/p-square-reunite-new-album-nigeria-afrobeats-spc/index.html | title='We're humans': P-Square on their breakup, reuniting and a new album in the works | website=CNN | date=24 May 2023 }}
Mr.P ( Peter) had successful singles like ‘Ebeano,’ "Look into my eyes," "Just Like that," and "One more night." He also dabbled in acting in the 2018 drama, Genevieve Nnaji's "Lionheart," and more recently in the Netflix original "Shanty Town."
Rudeboy ( Paul) also had a desirous musical solo career. He had successful singles like "Reason With Me," "Woman," "Together," "Ayoyo," "Double Double," and "Audio Money."
In 2021, they released their solo debut album titled "Prodigal," by Mr. P and "RudyKillUs," by Rudeboy.
In November 2021, the duo put an end to their years-long falling-out. In a viral video, their elder brother and manager Jude, could be seen warmly celebrating his twin brothers.{{cite web | url=https://guardian.ng/news/amp-lauds-clark-gbagi-oritsejafor-for-backing-okowa/ | title=Afrobeats Twins "P-Square" Reconcile After Years of Feuding | date=19 November 2021 }}
=2022–present: Reunion Tour and Fourthcoming album=
In May 2022, the duo announced their reunion world tour, which is scheduled to kick off on 5 August 2022 and come to an end on 10 December 2022. They toured several cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia (Dubai).{{cite web | url=https://punchng.com/p-square-to-storm-100-cities-in-2022-world-tour/?amp | title=P-Square to storm 100 cities in 2022 world tour | date=10 May 2022 }}
In September 2022, P-Square made a fiery debut at the Royal Albert Hall, London, with Dbanj, Awilo Longomba, Alaye, Weird MC as guest artistes.{{Cite web | title=Archived copy | url=https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2022/p-square/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711191857/https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2022/p-square/ | archive-date=2022-07-11}}
In May 2023, P-Square disclosed to the CNN Reporter Larry Madowo, in an interview of their forthcoming album.
Artistry
{{quote box
| quote = “It's not everyday that a phenomenal band comes along…P-Square, they are absolutely sensational, with their singing and dancing it kind of remind me of being in the Jackson 5…”
| source = — Jermaine Jackson (2013)
| width = 20em
| align = right
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}}
=Vocal style=
P-Square possesses Tenor and Contra-alto voice type, with a range spanning from G#2 - D5.
"Beautiful Onyinye," "No one like you," "I Love you," "Forever," "Omoge Mi," and "Bring it on", e.t.c, are some of the songs P-Square have demonstrated their vocal dexterity.{{cite web | url=https://thenativemag.com/the-shuffle-p-square-rick-ross/ | title=The Shuffle: Revisiting P-Sqaure's "Beautiful Onyinye Remix" with Rick Ross | date=14 April 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/peter-okoye-mr-p-does-not-have-the-psquare-voice-that-we-recognise-and-love/4y98zsc | title=Mr P does not have the 'Psquare' voice that we recognise and love | date=19 October 2017 }}
=Influences=
[[File:Michael Jackson 1984.jpg | thumb | 300x200px | right | alt= MJ |
Michael Jackson in 1984. He is cited as P-Square's major musical inspiration.]]
P-Square has cited Bobby brown, Michael Jackson, and MC Hammer as musical inspirations. Peter stated, "...We were like a group; Paul, my elder brother Tony and I, we found ourselves miming the songs of MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and others but the main singer to push us a lot was Michael Jackson."{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/08/p-squarethe-incredible-lives-two-amazing-performers/ | title=P-Square:The incredible lives of two amazing performers | date=29 August 2014 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.westafricanpilotnews.com/2021/01/30/p-square-was-never-a-group-of-two-singers-but-one-dancer-and-singer-rudeboy/ |title=P-Square Was Never A Group of Two Singers, But One Dancer and Singer |website=westafricanpilotnews.com |date=2021-01-30 |access-date=2023-10-16}}
=Musical style=
P-Square music is a fusion of R&B, Hip Hop, Afropop & Dance Pop. Their musical style is generalily characterized by big budget videos, love focused lyrics, relaxed rhythms, evocative and dance-floor ready music. In an interview with Wendy Williams, Paul stated, " P-Square's most dance and club songs come from Peter, and I am into mid tempo and love songs. While the concept for our Video directions comes from Jude."{{cite web | url=https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,65659.0.html | title=Psquare Interview on Wendy Williams Show | date=22 April 2011 }}
=Stage and videos=
P-Square's Stage Performances have been receiving praises and accolades by spectators and critics. Besides incorporating singing and dancing into a stage presence, they also thrill audiences with their mastery of playing multiple musical instruments.{{cite news | url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201212170224.html | title=Rwanda: P-Square, Chameleon Rock Kigali | newspaper=Allafrica.com }}{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/excitement-fanfare-as-p-square-thrill-at-trace-live-concert/ | title=Excitement, fanfare as P-Square thrill at Trace Live concert | date=11 July 2022 }}
P-Square has received accolades for their big budget and game-changing videos such as "Temptation remix (2006)" and "Do Me (2008)".{{Cite web |last=jonathan |date=2018-02-22 |title=The Full Story of How Psquare recorded 'Temptation', and what happened to "Boom Boom in your zoom zoom" Alaye |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/psquare-the-full-story-of-how-psquare-recorded-temptation-and-what-happened-to-boom/xb54z42 |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Pulse Nigeria |language=en}} They always maintained that shooting quality videos have been an advantage to their career transformation.{{cite web | url=https://nairametrics.com/2015/10/02/why-nigerian-music-videos-cost-so-much/?amp=1 | title=Why Nigerian Music Videos Cost So Much | date=2 October 2015 }}
Endorsement
In August 2010, P-Square signed a multi-million naira endorsement deal with Glo as the Ambassadors for the telecom company.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/08/p-square-are-new-glo-ambassadors/ | title=P-Square are new Glo Ambassadors | date=20 August 2010 }}
P-Square would later collaborate with the Nigerian Veteran Musician, Lagbaja in 2013 to create a theme song titled 'Unlimited' for the Telecommunication giant.
Legacy
The duo, having debuted in 2003, has made a profound impact on African Popular culture and beyond, with their Music, Visuals, Performances, and tours. Forbes included P-Square on its 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa in 2011, acknowledging their commercial dominance.P-Square was awarded the honorary "Artiste of the Decade" at the MTV Africa Music Award 2015, for their cultural impacts in the music industry between 2005 and 2015.New African magazine included P-Square on its 2013 rankings of 100 most influential African, they added, "Psquare have defined and set a benchmark for a new generation of Nigerian and African artists to follow with their energetic and infectious sound…Hit after hit, the twin brothers have become apt at giving audiences songs that cut across age, gender and geographical boundaries" Keisha Gitari on BBC, noted, "As a duo they dominated the Nigerian music scene for years in and were one of the first groups to export Afrobeats to other parts of the continent."P-Square was honored as KORA LEGEND on 17 November 2023. They noted, "From their captivating debut to their energetic stage performances, P-Square has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Their catchy melodies, unrivalled creativity and dedication to the art of music have elevated them to the status of true industry legends."{{Cite web |date=2021-11-18 |title=Afrobeats twins P-Square make up after bitter feud |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59333191 |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}
= Commercial influence =
Referred to as the "Best African Group" by Forbes Africa and various media outlets, P-Square has sold over 40M albums records as of 2011. They remained one of the best selling African acts of all time in the CD era. CNN reporter, Christian Purefoy, in his 2009 documentary on Nigeria Music, revealed how P-Square sold millions of album copies in a week. From the "Get squared" Album, Psquare would go on to have a trifecta projects with "Gameover" and "Danger." Their commercial power is evenly distributed across CD albums sales and digital streaming sales.
= Visual album =
In a culture of consumption of art and entertainment, music can often be forgotten or lost in a sea of content. The rise of Psquare's Visual Albums in mid 2000s cemented the status of Albums and music videos as an ‘Art.’ {{cite web | url=https://www.afrocrafters.com/products/p-square-da-videos-video-cd?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=701c53df7&pr_rec_pid=6834132287565&pr_ref_pid=6834130550861&pr_seq=uniform | title=P Square da Videos Video CD }}
With the video albums of "Get squared" and " Gameover", they have been referred to as the primary innovators of Nigeria's modern music videos.{{cite web | url=https://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/talk-zone/do-you-agree-p-square-paved-the-way-for-afrobeat-not-dbanj-or-2face | title=DO YOU AGREE?? P-Square Paved the Way for Afrobeat Not d'Banj or 2face | date=25 April 2023 }} Their music videos were regularly featured on MTV Base, a music channel that catered to audiences across Africa and Europe.{{cite web | url=https://www.afrocrafters.com/products/p-square-tempted2watch-video-cd?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=1204422a0&pr_rec_pid=6834130550861&pr_ref_pid=6834132287565&pr_seq=uniform | title=P Square Tempted2Watch Video CD }}{{Cite web | url=http://iroking.com/artist/5/p-square | title=P Square | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805051319/http://iroking.com/artist/5/p-square |archive-date=5 August 2017 }}
= Musical diversity =
P-Square's ability to fuse different genres of music in a way that is both innovative and accessible is unparalleled.
P-Square has ventured into diverse genres like R&B, Pop, EDM, Reggaeton, Dance pop, Reggae, Disco, Rock, Gospel pop, Bongo Flava and Soukous.
Their albums and collaborations are the attestation to their artistic reinvention.
= North America =
P-Square was cited among the acts that made the Afrobeats genre popular on the international stage, through their series of tours and features with Foreign Acts like Rick Ross, T.I, Akon. They had attracted Busta Rhymes to Nigeria at an event in 2008, to promote peace in the Niger delta part of Nigeria.{{cite web | url=https://www.modernghana.com/nollywood/3049/busta-rhymes-show-we-held-on-to-our-credibility-psquare.html | title=Busta Rhymes Show: We held on to our credibility —P.Square | date=10 October 2008 }} P-Square has also attracted the Jackson's Family to Nigeria in 2013.{{cite web | url=https://www.peacefmonline.com/pages/showbiz/music/201407/208068.php | title=Working with Michael Jackson's Brother is Dream Come True - P-Square }}
= Middle East and North Africa =
"Shekini" off the "Double Trouble" Album provided the catalyst that boosted Afrobeats Visibility in Middle East and North Africa. The song played a role in the recordings of some biggest Arab Acts like Arash and Black Cats.
In 2015, P-Square was invited to perform at the international music festival in Morocco, alongside Jennifer Lopez, Pharrell Williams, Sean Paul, Avicii, Akon, Usher and Maroon 5. They became the first afrobeats artistes that have had that kind of success in the Arab world.
= Europe =
When Afrobeats was never mainstream in Europe, P-Square headlined the first afrobeats concert tagged 'Afrobeats Festival' in London at Apollo Theatre. According to BellaNaija, it was the first African Event in the UK to attract close to 8000 people.
In 2012, they became the first Afrobeats artistes to peak at top 5 on SNEP - French official chart and top 10 on Ultratop - Belgium Official chart. The song was the first Afrobeats summer hit song in France and in turn boosted Afrobeats visibility in the francophone music market.
P-Square co-headlined the main stage at the Pal Mundo world festival in 2016 - the biggest Caribbean and Latin Music Festival in Netherlands, alongside the "Suavemente" crooner, Elvis Crespo.
= Films =
P-Square songs have been featured in a lot Hollywood movies in the form soundtrack and dramatic scenes.
In 2016, ‘Shekini’ was among the soundtrack for the American Biological drama feature film - The Queen of Katwe.{{cite web | url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9923227/ | title=P-Square | Actor, Music Department, Soundtrack | website=IMDb }}
= Diplomacy =
P-Square has been part of important events and celebrations in Africa notably: Rwanda's Patriotic Front Silver Jubilee, Liberia's Bicentennial Celebration events, South Sudan's "Together for Peace Concert."
= Politics =
They have also used their position to play some important political roles in Nigeria. They endorsed the Labour Party Candidate Peter Obi in 2023 Nigeria Presidential election, though some have cited their patriotism to be performative, because they rapport with capitalists and have had other presidential guests. They performed at the inauguration of President Buhari in 2015.
= Influence on other artistes =
Some Artists have cited P-Square as a their major musical inspiration, notably Davido, Wizkid, Rema, among others.{{cite web | url=https://thenationonlineng.net/p-square-dbanj-wizkid-inspired-me-says-davido/ | title=P Square, Dbanj, Wizkid inspired me, says Davido | date=12 June 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/02/18/davido-cover-story-interview/amp | title=How Davido Became African Pop Music's Fortunate Son }}
=Tributes=
Darey's Song ‘Pray For Me’ ft Soweto Gospel Choir, was inspired by the story of P-Square; how they move from the city of Jos to Lagos.[https://www.channelstv.com/2016/12/02/psquares-split-inspired-dareys-pray/ How Psquare’s Split Inspired Darey’s ‘Pray For Me’]
Controversy
P-Square attracted headlines because they reportedly turned irate when they were notified by organisers in the middle of their performance at the Guinness Show about some change in plans which would affect the length of their performance, and that of the next act, Sean Paul. DJ Jimmy Jatt explained that - "According to the production plan, the live broadcast was planned to have Sean Paul perform at the same time of Psquare's performance. They needed to show the reggae star to the waiting viewers across the globe so as to balance the simultaneous transmission of the concert across specified countries" They were said to have immediately left the premises of the show, but after intervention of the show organisers, they returned with 2face to perform "possibility", but later on received apology.{{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/09/arthur-guinness-concert/ | title=Arthur Guinness concert | date=26 September 2009 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/movie/7536/how-p-square-almost-marred-guinness-250-anniversary.html | title=How P-Square almost marred Guinness 250 Anniversary }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2009/09/dbanj-wande-coal-mi-p-square-sean-paul-and-other-top-artistes-raise-a-glass-to-guinness-at-250-tonight/ | title=D'Banj, Wande Coal, MI, P-Square, Sean Paul and other top artistes raise a glass to Guinness at 250 tonight | date=24 September 2009 }}
Even though the history and evolution of Nigerian Hip hop has its influence from the fusion of American hip hop and Afrobeat, the P-Square group has been faced with controversies for their slight sampling of western songs in their records. In an interview with the host of the 'truth show' Olisa Adibua, they maintained that as a record producer and songwriter, one can build on any record using an existing or non-existing artistic techniques.{{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/video-psquare-speaks-the-truth-with-olisa-adibua/ | title=VIDEO: Psquare speaks 'The Truth' with Olisa Adibua | date=20 September 2014 }}{{cite web | url=https://ynaija.com/p-square-open-new-episode-truth-olisa-adibua-video/ | title=P-square open up on new episode of "The Truth" with Olisa Adibua (VIDEO) » YNaija | date=19 September 2014 }}
The duo had a difference in opinion regarding what Peter perceived as a lopsidedness in individual input of songs which was getting featured on their joint albums with Paul getting a lion share of his songs selected. This led to Peter refusing to do anything associated with the name "P-Square" for weeks. He later relocated with his wife and kids from the mansion they shared. A lawyer was involved to help split their fortune as they were both involved in joint ventures over the prior years.{{cite web | url=http://www.360nobs.com/2014/04/the-unbelievable-seperation-in-squareville-full-details-of-the-psquare-split/ |title=The Unbelievable {{sic|Sep|eration|nolink=y}} In SquareVille. Full Details of the Psquare Split |publisher=360 nobs |date= April 2014}}
The brothers ultimately reconciled publicly on 17 November 2021, when they both hugged and shook hands at Peter Okoye's home in Lagos. Peter's wife and the duo's older brother, Jude Okoye were also present and hugged each other as well.{{cite web | url=https://www.gistmania.com/talk/topic,523350.0.html |title=Blood is Thicker Than Money -Emotional Moment Peter & Paul Okoye Reunite & Hug Each Other |publisher=Gistmania |date= November 2021}}
Personal lives
After dating for seven years, Peter Okoye got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Titilola Loretta Omotayo.{{cite web | url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/08/psquares-peter-okoye-lola-omotayo-engaged | title=PSquare's Peter Okoye, Lola Omotayo engaged! | publisher=Vanguard | date=7 August 2013 | access-date=8 February 2014 | author=Mgbolu, Charles}} Omotayo is a marketing representative. The couple are already parents to son Cameron and daughter Aliona.{{cite web | url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/09/24/bn-bytes-four-hearty-cheers-for-cameron-music-star-peter-okoye-lola-omotayo-celebrate-sons-birthday-with-j-martins/ |title = BN Bytes: Four Hearty Cheers for Cameron! Music Star, Peter Okoye & Lola Omotayo Celebrate Son's Birthday with J Martins|date = 24 September 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/01/22/proud-papa-peter-okoye-is-all-smiles-with-daughter-aliona-at-1 | title=Aliona Okoye Turns 1|publisher=Bella Naija| date= 2014| access-date=26 March 2014 | author=BellaNaija}}{{cite web | url=http://instagram.com/p/jfKJg4ysLu/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/jfKJg4ysLu |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title = Mr P on Instagram: "#birthday #family #atlanta"}}{{cbignore}} On 17 November 2013, the two held their traditional wedding at The Ark in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. Public figures who attended the wedding include Aliko Dangote, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kate Henshaw, Genevieve Nnaji, Rukky Sanda, Folorunsho Alakija, May D, Toke Makinwa, Dr SID, Don Jazzy, and Karen Igho among others.{{cite web|title=Lola Omotayo weds Peter Okoye of P-Square! First Photos From the Traditional Engagement|date=17 November 2013|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/11/17/lola-omotayo-weds-peter-okoye-of-p-square-first-photos-from-traditional-engagement/|publisher=Bellanaija|access-date=18 November 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://encomium.ng/p-squares-peter-okoye-speaks-on-spectacular-n150m-wedding-4/ | title=P-Square's Peter Okoye speaks on spectacular N150m wedding (4) | publisher=Encomium | date=29 November 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421195225/http://encomium.ng/p-squares-peter-okoye-speaks-on-spectacular-n150m-wedding-4/ | archive-date=21 April 2014 | access-date=10 November 2023 | url-status=dead }}
Paul Okoye met Anita Isama in 2004 while attending the University of Abuja.{{cite web|last=Filani |first=Omotola |url=http://dailypost.ng/2014/03/24/dbanj-omotola-funke-akindele-others-storm-port-harcourt-paul-okoyes-wedding-photos/ |title=D'banj, Omotola, Funke Akindele, others storm Port Harcourt for Paul Okoye's wedding [PHOTOS] – DailyPost Nigeria |publisher=Dailypost.ng |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=28 March 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/9370/3/p-squares-dad-visits-sons-in-lagos-for-the-first-t.html |title = Nollywood/ Nigeria No.1 movies/ Films resources online}} Their son Andre was born 11 April 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.mjemagazine.com/photos-psquare-paul-wife-anita-okoye-mark-sons-1st-birthday/ |title=Photos: Psquare Paul & wife Anita Okoye mark son's 1st birthday {{!}} MJ Celebrity Magazine |website=www.mjemagazine.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619233802/http://www.mjemagazine.com/photos-psquare-paul-wife-anita-okoye-mark-sons-1st-birthday/ |archive-date=19 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/24/loves-testimony-bellanaija-weddings-presents-paul-okoye-of-p-square-anita-isamas-traditional-wedding |title="Love's Testimony!" BellaNaija Weddings presents Paul Okoye of P-Square & Anita Isama's Traditional Wedding |publisher=Bella Naija |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=28 March 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2014/03/25/p-square-s-paul-okoye-weds-his-longtime-love-photos | title=P-square's Paul Okoye weds his longtime love (PHOTOS) | publisher=The Sowetan | date=25 March 2014 | access-date=25 March 2014 | archive-date=20 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620052628/http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2014/03/25/p-square-s-paul-okoye-weds-his-longtime-love-photos | url-status=dead }} The couple married on Saturday, 22 March 2014 at the Aztech Arcum Events Centre in Port Harcourt.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/03/24/loves-testimony-bellanaija-weddings-presents-paul-okoye-of-p-square-anita-isamas-traditional-wedding/ |title="Love's Testimony!" BellaNaija Weddings presents Paul Okoye of P-Square & Anita Isama's Traditional Wedding |publisher=Bella Naija |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=28 March 2014}}
In January 2014, the Okoye brothers bought mansions next door to one another in Atlanta.{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/01/psquare-buys-2-homes-atlanta-georgia/ |title=PSquare buys 2 homes in Atlanta Georgia – Vanguard News |publisher=Vanguardngr.com |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=28 March 2014}}
On 27 June 2020, Peter Okoye opened up in a video on his Instagram page how he and his wife contracted COVID-19. He then urged people to adhere to safety precautions highlighted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to be safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discography
{{Main|P-Square discography|List of songs recorded by P-Square}}
= Studio albums =
- Last Nite (2003)
- Get Squared (2005)
- Game Over (2007)
- Danger (2009)
- The Invasion (2011)
- Double Trouble (2014)
= Compilation albums =
- Greatest Hits (2013)
= International singles =
class="wikitable sortable" | ||
Title | Year | Album |
---|---|---|
"E No Easy" (P-Square featuring J. Martins) | 2009 | Danger |
"Positif" (Matt Houston feat. P-Square) | rowspan=3 | 2013 | Racines |
"Chop My Money" (P-Square featuring Akon & May D) | rowspan=2 | The Invasion | |
"Beautiful Onyinye" (P-Square featuring Rick Ross) | ||
"Personally" (P-Square) | 2013 | rowspan=3 | Double Trouble |
"Ejeajo" (P-Square featuring T.I) | 2014 | |
"Bring It On" (P-Square featuring Dave Scott) | 2014 | |
"Getting Down" (Mokobé featuring P-Square) | 2015 |
Filmography
=Video albums=
class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
scope= "col" style="width:18em;"| Title
! scope= "col" style="width:18em;"| Album details ! Certifications |
---|
scope="row" | P-Square Da Videos
|
| |
scope="row" | P-Square Tempted2Watch
|
| |
scope="row" | P-Square Take Over Video CD
|
| |
=Television=
class="wikitable" |
Year
! Reality Show ! Roles ! Notes |
---|
2014
! The Alingos | Themselves | An Animated Series, inspired by "the need to create unique content for children and fill the vacuum in the media sphere". |
2015
! Dance with Peter | Judge (Peter P-Square) | A Dance Reality Show, brought into existence a novel dimension to dancing, its rudiments, the intrigues of competitiveness and an exciting display of talents. {{cite web | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/dance-with-peter-watch-how-kelvin-ayanruoh-emerged-winner-of-reality-show/ce1t17k | title=Watch how Kelvin Ayanruoh emerged winner of reality show | date=31 December 2015 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/12/the-grand-finale-watch-episode-13-of-dance-with-peter-on-bn/ | title=The Grand Finale! Watch Episode 13 of "Dance with Peter" on BN | date=30 December 2015 }} |
=Films=
Awards and nominations
{{Infobox musician awards
| name = P-Square
| image =
| image_size = 220px
| alt =
| caption = P-Square's Invasion Concert
| wins = 51
| nominations = 94
| award1 = The Headies
| award1W = 9
| award1N = 27
| award2 = City Mag 9th Awards Show 4
| award2W = 1
| award2N = 5
| award3 = Nigerian Music Awards (NMA)
| award3W = 7
| award3N = 7
| award4 = Channel O Music Video Awards
| award4W = 5
| award4N = 6
| award5 = MTV Africa Music Awards
| award5W = 5
| award5N = 16
| award17 = KORA Awards
| award17W = 5
| award17N = 6
| award7 = Lil Perry Productions
| award7W = 1
| award7N = 1
| award8 = BET Awards
| award8W = 0
| award8N = 1
| award9 = MOBO Awards
| award9W = 0
| award9N = 4
| award10 = Ghana Music Awards
| award10W = 6
| award10N = 2
| award16 = MTV Europe Music Awards
| award16W = 0
| award16N = 4
| award12 = Soul Train Music Awards
| award12W = 0
| award12N = 1
| award13 = AEAUSA Awards
| award13W = 1
| award13N = 2
| award14 = AFRIMA
| award14W = 1
| award14N = 1
| award6 = AFRIMMA
| award6W = 1
| award6N = 2
| award15 = NEA Awards
| award15W = 2
| award15N = 2
| award11 = 4Syte TV MVA
| award11W = 1
| award11N = 1
| award18 = Future Awards
| award18W = 1
| award18N = 2
| award19 = Soundcity MVA
| award19W = 5
| award19N = 6
}}{{dynamic list}}
;MTV Europe Music Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
||2006
||P-Square
|"Best African Act"
|{{nom}}
|-
||2013
||P-Square
|"Best African Act"
|-
||2015
||P-Square
|"Artist of the Decade"
|{{nom}}
|-
||2015
||P-Square
|"Best Group"
|{{nom}}
|-
{{end}}
;Soul Train Music Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
||2013
||"Personally"
|"Best International Performance"
{{end}}
;The Headies
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="5" | 2006
| rowspan="2" |Get Squared
| "Best R&B/Pop Album"
|-
| "Album of the Year"
|-
||"Get Squared"
| "Best Music Video"
|-
||"Bizzy Body"
|"Song of the Year"
|-
||P-Square
|-
{{end}}
;City Mag 9th Awards Show
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2006
| rowspan="2" |P-Square
| "Best Hip Hop Group"
{{end}}
;Nigerian Music Awards (NMA)
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2006
||Get Squared
| "Album of the Year"
|-
||"Get Squared"
| "Music Video of the Year"
{{end}}
;Channel O Music Video Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|| 2007
||P-Square
| "Best Duo or Group"
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2008
||P-Square
| "Best Duo or Group"
|-
||"Do Me"
| "Video of the Year"
|-
|| 2012
||P-Square
| "Most Gifted Group of the Year"
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013
| rowspan="2" |"Alingo"
| "Most Gifted African (West) Video"
|-
| "Most Gifted Video of the Year"
{{end}}
;MTV Africa Music Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2008
||P-Square
| "Best Group"
|-
||P-Square
| "Artist of the Year"
|-
||P-Square
| "Best R&B"
|-
||"Roll It"
| "Best Video"
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2009
||P-Square
| "Best Group"
|-
||P-Square
| "Best Live Performer"
|-
|rowspan="3"|2014
|rowspan="2"|P-Square
|Best Group
|-
|Artist of the Year
|-
|"Personally"
|Song of the Year
|-
|2015
|"P-Square"
|Artiste of the decade
{{end}}
;Lil Perry Productions
{{awards table}}
|-
|| 2010
||P-Square
| "Producer of the Year"
| {{won}}
{{end}}
;MOBO Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|| 2006
||P-Square
| "Best African Act"
|-
|| 2008
||P-Square
| "Best African Act"
|-
|| 2010
||P-Square
| "Best African Act"
|-
||2012
||P-Square
| "Best African Act"
{{end}}
;KORA Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|| 2003
||P-Square
| "Most Promising African Group"
|-
|| 2010
||P-Square
| "Artiste of the Year"
{{end}}
;BET Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|| 2010
||P-Square
| "Best International Act"
{{end}}
;Ghana Music Awards
{{awards table}}
|-
|2014
|rowspan="2"|P-Square
|rowspan="2"|"African Artiste of the Year"
|-
|2013
{{end}}
Concert tours
- P-Square North American tour (2010) {{cite web | url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/08/06/p-square-back-from-successful-us-tour/?amp=1 | title=P-Square Back from Successful US Tour }}{{cite web | url=https://mshale.com/2010/07/15/the-magic-that-is-p-square/ | title=The magic that is P-Square | date=15 July 2010 }}
- USA/Canada tour (2013) {{cite web | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/psquare-ends-uscanada-tour-heads-to-addis-ababa/ | title=PSquare ends US/Canada tour, heads to Addis Ababa | date=17 September 2013 }}
- Double Trouble World tour (2014) {{cite web | url=https://thenet.ng/p-square-kicks-off-world-tour-in-congo-and-dubai/ | title=P-Square kicks off world tour in Congo and Dubai | date=24 September 2014 }}
- 100 cities world tour (2022) {{cite web | url=https://dailypost.ng/2022/09/23/psquare-speaks-on-retirement-amid-100-cities-world-tour/ | title=Psquare speaks on retirement amid 100 cities world tour | date=23 September 2022 }}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Konvict Muzik}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Nigerian hip-hop singers
Category:Nigerian contemporary R&B musical groups
Category:Igbo-language singers
Category:Musical groups established in 2003
Category:21st-century Nigerian male singers
Category:Nigerian music industry executives