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Tag: Paul Okoye

  • My experience performing solo now–Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy

    Looking beyond his dreadlocks and stage name, Rudeboy, one would notice that Paul Okoye, one half of singing duo, PSquare, has a calm demeanour. The singer whose career spans almost 20 years, speaks with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN on controversies surrounding the split of PSquare and how he has been coping with his solo career since the breakup. Excerpts…

    How have you been?

    I’m fine, everybody is fine, family is good but unfortunately they are not around. They travelled yesterday.

    How have you been coping without them around?

    It felt strange. Its either my son will come and wake me up or I will just hear the babies crying but there’s nothing like that.

    Are you working on any project right now?

    Yes, I have projects but it’s not like I’m bringing out an album. I’m just working on singles and dropping the videos about three weeks after the audio. I’ve also been doing concerts upon concert.

    Talking about concerts, are gigs still coming in since you went solo compared to when you were PSquare?

    It’s normal. There was a bit of a breakdown when it happened and everyone were in shock  because usually when things happen like that, I wait for almost nine months. But this time, I had to move on with my life and under two months, it became normal for me. It’s the same old thing. There’s nothing new. The only part I know is different is performing alone because at the early stage I wasn’t used to it but now, I am used to it.

    Are you saying you don’t miss the whole PSquare thing?

    Like I said, I don’t want to discuss anything about the past. You are a journalist fine but just know that there are some certain things you can ask me that will benefit both you and I. So the best thing is either I skip it or wave it unless it’s my personal family.

    But your fans want to know all these things…

    Yes, they are my fans and I know how to communicate with them and I tell them take heart!

    Are there chances of a PSquare come back?

    I never left and I don’t know why people keep asking me that. It might be the fourth time it’s happening but I always wait. But this time the difference is that I did not wait. So I don’t have issues on that.

    Do people still recognise you as the same Paul of Psquare since you adopted Rudeboy as your stage name?

    Right from time, people have always called me Rudeboy since the days of ‘Busy Body’. Even when I travel outside the country, people try to ask me about certain issues but I tell them same thing. It might be good for the journalist but it’s not good for me because I have so many things to protect. I did not work hard for almost twenty years to just throw it away like that.

    How has fatherhood been for you?

    It hasn’t been easy especially when you are in my position being an artiste, producer and writer. I was never in support of having a studio in the house because I still want to see myself going out like I’m going to work. Imagine living on the island and the studio is on the mainland. When I had my first child, I was still managing it. But when the twins came, there was no way I could manage it anymore. I have to be around so I had to build a studio in the house.

    How did your wife feel about the break up with your twin brother?

    I don’t know. Maybe when you see her you ask.

    Some people are of the opinion that you guys have gone back to being up and coming artistes since the break up. What can you say about that?

    Well, they know who they are referring to. Like I said, nothing changed. If you listen, it is the same thing you have been listening to almost twenty years so I cannot go and discover a new thing. We are in the internet generation so people can say whatever they want. I know people are angry but there are some things that you cannot say; that is why it is family. If somebody did not pull out what they pulled out, you won’t know about anything. That is not me, and like I said, I don’t want to say anything about it. You might be doing your job but I have to protect what I have to protect.

    You mentioned earlier that you are always in the studio writing songs and producing; does that mean you wrote all PSquare songs?

    Like I said, you can’t get those kind of things from my mouth. I don’t allow people to quote me wrong. The Nigerian media I know before is not the same that I know today. There had been certain issues that some people have tried to join my head and other celebs saying I said this and I said that because you can say something and people will edit it to what they want. Like someone will say you are best in this, you are best in that. In a group everybody have their work they are doing, there must be a leader.

    As a handsome man with a successful career and wealth; how do you cope with temptations. Is your wife not bothered about not losing you to your female fans?

    It depends on the type of woman you marry. Before we got married you knew I am in the music industry even when we dey date you don see tire, shay na you decide to marry abi you never see those things finish?

  • Signing artistes is not in my agenda, says Paul Okoye

    While people have been wondering about the sudden disappearance of Rudeboy Records signees, Muna and Lucy, the label owner and singer, Paul Okoye has come out to reveal reasons the artistes left his outfit.

    Paul told The Nation that education caused Lucy’s decision to leave while Muno left willingly early this year.

    “I am going to be honest with you, let me be the first person that owns a record label that will make such decision. I have two artistes Lucy and Muno. Lucy was in school for a long time and then her parents said they wanted her to finish school and it was taking my time for almost a year and they said they want her to be on her own and I said ok no problem. Like I always say, my own thing is stronger than any other thing. That’s one thing I understand so they best thing I did was accept and we prepared document to let her move. Also, early this year my male artiste came and said he wants to leave and I said no problem.

    “These are signs for me to know that some people don’t have patience. Look at what is going on between artistes and labels now. I don’t think I have time. Trust me, I no get energy. It’s going to be hard for me to sign an artiste now but I can assist or help,” he said.

    Continuing, he said that people have to understand that there’s what they call luck and there’s what they call patience at the same time.

    “If you are lucky one or two songs is enough to blow you but if you are patient you continues until you actually discover yourself.  Or you expect me to call people to put you in shows? No! Your music should draw people to call you themselves. For me, signing an artiste is not in my agenda,” he added.

  • Anita Okoye speaks on journey to motherhood

    Many do not understand the pains and agony behind some smiling faces that we see on the social media.

    This appears to be the case for Anita Okoye, wife of popular music star, Paul Okoye, of the P-square fame.

    The couple recently dedicated their twin babies Nathan and Nadia. Speaking on the journey to having the twins, the mother of three on her Instagram page revealed that she lost four pregnancies before their arrival.

    “Who would have thought after four miscarriages, I’d be dancing and singing and dedicating twins to God almighty? This God is too good o!!! God has really turned my mourning into dancing again and has lifted my sorrows.

    The couple, who had their first child, Andre in 2013, were said to have met in 2004 while attending the University of Abuja. They got married in March 2014 after courting for almost a decade.

  • Give us something better, fans urge Paul Okoye

    Give us something better, fans urge Paul Okoye

    PAUL Okoye, a member of the defunct duo, Psquare, has begun his solo career with the track, ‘Nkenji Keke’, and is said to be presently working on a new jam.

    However, it seems the new track does go down well with the singer’s fans as he has been asked to give them something hotter than the last.

    One of his fans poshmimi01Mylove, stated, “@rudeboypsquare please we need something hotter and better that the one you just came out with. Just try harder and shame the bad belle dem; try as much as you can to convert the unbelievers okay. One love man.”

    It is still held in some quarters that the artiste was the voice of the group. Notwithstanding Paul, who now goes by the name Rudeboy, and is co-producing with Lord Sky, is seen in the studio with his writing pad and is expected to nail it.

    His twin brother and former band mate, Peter Okoye’s new single, ‘Cool It Down’, is still getting accolades.

    The Music Producer has also revealed that they have recorded a couple of tunes with the artiste and is expected to be coming out soon.

    With argument still ongoing on the separation of the duo, a fan tries to explain the stand of Paul on the issue, saying he has assured them, that the group will not die, while others believe none of the duo can sound like P-Square individually.

    mercymessi9250@o.zon9 wrote; “But Paul never renounced P-Square na. It was Peter that left on his own, and Paul promise fans everything is going to be alright that P-Square will not die…so wat exactly are you talking about?

  • Peter Okoye, brother at war again?

    Peter Okoye, brother at war again?

    AT times, familiarity breeds communion. At other times, it breeds contempt. That, in a nutshell, is the picture of the relationship between the R&B duo called Psquare. Theirs have been periods of progress interrupted by those of strife. The latest gist in town is that the relationship between the enterprising double acts is once again headed for the rocks, following a sequence of exchanges on the social media which seemed to hint that all is not well between them.

    It will be recalled that Paul Okoye and Peter, his brother who burst onto the music scene as Psquare with their hit album, Get Squared, in 2005, fell out with each other in 2015, leading them to briefly embark on solo careers as “Rude Boy” and Mr P”. Mediation from their brother, Jude, as well as pressure from fans and good old common sense, however, prevailed and the two reunited.

    News that the two are once again at each other’s throat has spread like wildfire through the entertainment scene. Paul, whose wife recently gave birth to a set of twins in the USA, had posted a message directed at an unnamed woman to steer clear of the group, only for Peter to swiftly respond with what some consider an oblique defence of the said woman. It is no news that Peter’s wife, Lola Omotayo, was a factor in their earlier fallout.

    Psquare, whose best-selling album, Game Over, has sold eight million copies, have since cancelled their much-anticipated tour of Canada, fuelling speculations of a cold war between the two.

  • PSquare’s Paul Okoye loses in $300 gamble

    PSquare’s Paul Okoye loses in $300 gamble

    Paul Okoye of Nigeria’s music group Psquare, suffered a loss after gambling with 300 U.S dollars (N107, 522) at the Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas in the United State.

    Paul,who “won’’ $0.25 only (89.61Kobo) from the gamble on Tuesday, took to his instagram handle @rudeboypsquare to express his displeasure about the loss.

    He said, “after spending $300 on #gambling…I won 25cents ndioshi !!! Oloshi !!! Barawo !!! #yahoomachine #scam #yahooplus more.’’

    The Aria Resort and Casino is a luxury resort and Casino, part of the City Centre complex on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada is known for gambling of all sorts.

    However, while some of his fans and followers on instagram were not happy about the development stressing it was an unnecessary waste of resources; others sympathised with him on the lost.

    @luchitricia10 said “So you go there to gamble to win millions of dollars upon the one you have?ok na kontinu there is god in everything your doing @rudeboypsquaremore.’’

    Another , @preshzarah_, “U would have given me that money to do better things with it @rudeboypsquare wah a waste.’’

    @nature_amy wrote, “In my country that’s about 30k. These celebrities are so stupid, u can spend that much on gambling but can’t use it to change someone’s life out there… Son of a …’’

    While @temmybehi said, “No vex. If I say dash me now you no go gree. Kpele’’, @desperateisaac wrote, “Nah good for you @rudeboypsquare How I wish I beg u nah nkor?.’’

    Also, @ange_gabrielfr wrote, “Aria casino is dangerous for your money’’, @theoranking7065 said “Na ur desriny’’ and @see_babazi expressed sympathy with the star saying “I feel your pains.’’

    @slimsharon added, “This got me shaa.’’

    Another follower @richybobo1 advise peter to, “Use ur Igbo brain next time.’’

  • Two travel agents charged with N3m Turkish visa fraud

    Two travel agents charged with N3m Turkish visa fraud

    Two travel agents, who allegedly defrauded a man to the tune of N3million ,on the pretext of procuring Turkish visas for him, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    The defendants – Olumide Olubashusi and Paul Okoye, are facing a three-count charge of stealing, conspiracy and fraud.

    They, however, entered a not guilty plea.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Victor Eruada, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on June 14 at Diamond Bank, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

    According to him, the defendants conspired and collected N3million and nine international passports from the complainant, Mr Chinedu Raymond, with a promise to procure Turkish visas and flight tickets for him.

    “The accused persons collected the money and absconded, failed to get the visas nor flight tickets as promised, until he was sighted a month ago and was immediately arrested. ”

    The offences contravened Sections 287, 411 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Section 287 provides 14 years imprisonment for offenders, while Section 314 stipulates 15 years for obtaining credit by false pretences.

    The Magistrate, Mrs G. O. Anifowoshe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1.5m with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Aug. 8 for mention.

  • Psquare’s Paul Okoye welcomes twins

    Psquare’s Paul Okoye welcomes twins

    Paul Okoye, one of the identical twins and R&B Nigerian singers P-square, has announced that he is now a father to a set of twins.

    The elated singer took to his Instagram page to announce that his wife, Anita Okoye, on Sunday gave birth to a boy and a girl.

    He wrote:”God!! Na me be dis!!?

    “What else can I say. God we thank you; now the house is complete, full house soon.”

    The couple, who had their first child, Andre in 2013, named their twins Nathan and Nadia.

    Paul reportedly met Anita in 2004 while attending the University of Abuja, and they got married in March 2014, after courting for almost a decade.

  • Paul Okoye buys half of Triple MG

    Paul Okoye buys half of Triple MG

    It has been revealed that Paul Okoye, one half of the pop duo, P-Square, is half owner of popular record label, Made Men Music and Management Limited, known as Triple MG.
    This revelation was made by one of the in-house singer, Tekno, who posted the hint stating: “My people listen. I’m happy and excited about life. That’s all that matters despite this year being a crazy year. So, I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to Upfront and Personal. Thank you Paul O for becoming a part of my label, for buying into the company, owning 50% shares of the company.
    “This is really good. I’m excited because it really facilitated a lot of things.”
    Tekno also used the opportunity to thank his fans and team for supporting and believing in his brand.
    The artiste, who recently got three awards at the just concluded Soundcity MVP Awards, is also set to drop his debut album, this year.

  • Paul Okoye reaches out to Peter with new single

    Paul Okoye reaches out to Peter with new single

    •As fans react

    It seems that Peter Okoye of the P-Square fame has cemented his decision to go solo, if speculations are anything to go by.

    The artiste, on Tuesday, unveiled his new stage name and management and they have nothing to do with the P Square dynasty. He is now to be known as Mr. P, according to his Instagram handle.

    He also announced a new management and contact information. Not only that, Peter shared a photo of himself in the studio, with his new contact information, captioned; “Work Mood. Thanks for all the love, support and concern pls continue to remain blessed as always. For bookings and enquiries, please contact my new management on bookmrp2@gmail.com ||oyesng@yahoo.com. #MrP.”

    Reacting to his twin brother’s action, Paul has released a 1:42 minutes sob song titled Call Heaven, apparently a cry to their departed parents.

    “Cos if to say, una dey for everything wen dey happen today. E for be say una for intervene cos right now everything na play. See your children dey misbehave, see the fans all of dem dey shame,” an emotional Paul croons.

    He also went ahead to pay a glowing, albeit emotional tribute to his departed mother. “I wish you were around. Now I understand what these life is without having a mother. You’ve played your part. Thank you very much, mum. Miss you,” he captioned her photograph.

    Meanwhile, fans of the singing duo appear to be split three ways on the decision of Peter to leave the group. While some are for or against the latest development, there are others who could not be bothered with what the Okoye brothers do with their lives.

    One of Peter’s Instagram follower, ngozi91, captioned her thoughts; “This is very funny to me, so now Paul Okoye don release song crying to mama in heaven to intervene. When his twin brother @peterpsquare told him they should free his “greedy elder bro jude” so they can hustle together, wetin paul do? He went to post family picture and cut out his twin brother in place of a studio. Oya now Peter don harden him mind, and decided to go solo. If Paul was sensible enough he would have been the one to reconcile the issue rather than take sides. Now all man for himself! Well I wish them well…”

    Another fan, dr_emmee called on the brothers to come to a truce. “You made a promise before she died. You both made a promise at this day Dome Abuja on stage(Glo slide and bounce)yrs back. Go. And make up with your brodas Pls.I beg you.”

    For shessyma82, the end of the group means the loss a fan. “If u guyz spilt and I will Neva follow ur muzic anymore. or else u guyz settled the matter’s arising,” he posted on Instagram.

    Prior to the move, Peter had released a single, Look into My Eyes, which heightened rumours that the group was on the verge of a spilt. Not done, he went ahead to perform alone at a club in Abuja.