Nigerian music icon Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, has firmly rejected calls for him to retire from the music industry due to his age, responding with a powerful statement that reaffirms his commitment to his solo career. The controversy began after a fan on social media platform X, using the handle @OloriOfOloris, publicly suggested that the 49-year-old singer should step back from the spotlight, writing, “I don’t get why an almost 50-year-old man is still singing like this. It’s okay to retire ❤️.” The comment sparked widespread debate online, with many fans and industry insiders weighing in on the issue of age and relevance in the music world.
Media personality Do2dtun quickly defended Mr P, arguing that age should never be a barrier to artistic expression. He cited global music legends like Beyoncé, Shakira, Lionel Richie, and Bruce Springsteen, all of whom continue to perform and influence the industry well into their later years. Do2dtun’s intervention highlighted a broader conversation about how society perceives aging artists, especially in Nigeria’s fast-moving entertainment landscape.
In response, Mr P took to his social media to address the criticism head-on. He dismissed the comments as rooted in lingering resentment from fans of the now-defunct P-Square duo, suggesting that some people still hold onto outdated narratives about his abilities. Quoting Do2dtun’s post, Mr P wrote, “No be me increase fuel price for Naija. Frustration dey everywhere, but somehow na Mr P dem wan blame… After dem realise say all those narratives no hold water, dem come with another one: ‘Now he is too old to be singing and dancing.’ Meanwhile, na the same people go celebrate and hype Usher, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown for doing exactly the same thing.”
Mr P also shared exciting news about his professional trajectory, revealing that he has signed a multi-million-dollar, five-year deal with an international distribution company. The agreement will cover the release of three new albums, marking a significant milestone in his solo journey. He emphasized that this phase of his career is one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life, stating, “As for this solo journey? It’s one of the best things that has ever happened in my life, and I honestly don’t care what anyone thinks. Nobody can stop this movement. The train has left the station. It’s Mr P Forever! OG FOREVER drops this year, and we’re just getting started!”
His defiant yet confident message underscores his determination to remain a dominant force in Nigerian and global music. With new projects on the horizon and a strong stance against age-based criticism, Mr P is signaling that his influence in the industry is far from fading. The ongoing conversation around age and relevance in music continues, but Mr P’s response sets a clear precedent: talent, legacy, and passion transcend years.
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