Singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, has said the breakup of Psquare made his music career less stressful because he had already handled much of the group’s songwriting and production.
He made this known during an interview with Luna Lifestyle TV, where he was asked whether working as a solo artiste was easier than performing as part of the music duo.
Rudeboy explained that he had been responsible for producing songs, writing lyrics and providing vocals for the group, making the transition to a solo career relatively seamless.
“Less stressful. It’s the same me that was doing it in the group, with due respect. The same me that was doing it,” he said.
“I’m the producer, I’m the writer, I’m the singer. So moving out of the group, it’s still the same thing. Like I said, less stress.”
The singer acknowledged that other members of the group and their team had contributed to Psquare’s success. However, he said working independently gave him greater creative freedom.
“We have a team, everybody has their own contribution, but I’m not saying the team I have doesn’t contribute. But what I mean, in the act of creating that music and whatever, I feel nobody is going to question me,” he added.
Psquare, comprising twin brothers Paul and Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, rose to prominence in the 2000s and 2010s, becoming one of Nigeria’s most successful music groups.
The duo recorded several hit songs, including Personally, Do Me, Chop My Money and Beautiful Onyinye.
The brothers first split in 2017 following disagreements over the group’s management and the involvement of their elder brother, Jude Okoye.
They reunited in November 2021 after years of estrangement and held their first headline concert following the reconciliation in December of that year.
However, the reunion collapsed in 2024, with the brothers subsequently exchanging public accusations.
Paul later alleged that Peter was involved in his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Peter, in turn, accused Paul of attempting to damage his reputation.
In April, Peter also announced that he had officially changed his birth date to November 30.