Peter Okoye, one-half of the iconic Nigerian music duo P-Square, has sent a defiant message to critics demanding his retirement from the music scene. At 44 years old, the singer, popularly known as Mr P, is firmly shutting down ageist narratives surrounding his career in Afrobeats.
Michael Jackson as a Blueprint for Longevity
Speaking in a recent interview with The Beat FM Lagos, Okoye voiced his frustration over what he perceives as a coordinated attempt to pull successful artists down. He questioned the logic behind retirement in the creative arts, pointing to global legends who performed well into their golden years.
‘We should be careful of how people try to put others down. There’s no retirement in music. I don’t know why some people think there’s retirement in music,’ Okoye asserted. He went on to cite the King of Pop as a prime example: ‘Michael Jackson was over 50 and was still planning a world tour before he died.’
A Trend of Demoting Legends
Okoye expressed dismay at the tendency of some internet trolls to call for the premature exit of established stars. According to him, this targeted ageism is a trend particularly prevalent in Nigeria, noting that even younger megastars are not immune to similar unwarranted backlash.
‘It’s only in Nigeria that somebody would just wake up and start calling on musicians to retire. I have seen some people do the same thing to Wizkid,’ Mr P remarked, urging music lovers to celebrate and preserve the legacies of their veteran acts instead of trying to phase them out.
Rising Above the Noise
This latest defense of his career longevity comes amidst a turbulent period of media spotlight for the star, who has recently made headlines over ongoing sibling rivalries, solo career transitions, and social media feuds. Despite the noise, Mr P remains steadfast in his commitment to his craft, reinforcing that passion and musical genius do not have an expiration date.