Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has responded after a social media user suggested that he should retire from music because of his age.
The former member of the iconic P-Square became the subject of online debate after a fan argued that he was getting too old to continue making Afrobeats music.
The controversy began when an X user, identified as OloriOfOloris, reacted to a video clip from one of Peter’s music projects.
According to the user, the singer, Peter Okoye who is currently 44 years old, should consider stepping away from music as he approaches his 50s.
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The post quickly gained attention and sparked mixed reactions from music lovers and entertainment followers.
The fan wrote that it was time for the singer to retire, suggesting that his age no longer aligned with the style of music he performs.
The comment immediately triggered discussions about age, creativity, and longevity in the entertainment industry.
Many social media users disagreed with the suggestion, arguing that talent and artistic expression should not be restricted by age.
Among those who defended the singer was media personality Do2dtun, who criticized what he described as age-based discrimination in the music industry.
Do2dtun pointed out that several globally celebrated artists are significantly older than Mr P and continue to release music, perform on stage, and attract large audiences worldwide.
He referenced international stars such as Celine Dion, Shakira, Beyoncé, and the Backstreet Boys as examples of performers who remain active despite being older.
According to him, age should not be used as a measure of whether an artist should continue pursuing their passion.
Responding to the criticism, Mr P dismissed calls for his retirement and suggested that some of the comments were coming from people still unhappy about the breakup of P-Square.
The singer argued that critics often apply different standards to Nigerian artists compared to international stars.
He noted that many of the same people demanding his retirement continue to celebrate older global entertainers who are still performing and releasing music.
Peter Okoye questioned why age becomes an issue only when discussing local artists while international musicians receive praise for maintaining long careers.
His response resonated with many fans who agreed that music should be judged by quality and audience reception rather than the artist’s age.
The debate has also reignited conversations about longevity in the entertainment industry, particularly within Afrobeats.
As the genre continues to gain international recognition, several Nigerian artists are proving that successful music careers can extend well beyond youth.
Many fans pointed out that experience, stage presence, and artistic growth often improve with age, allowing musicians to remain relevant for decades.
Peter Okoye remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable entertainers, having achieved massive success alongside his twin brother, Paul Okoye, during their years as P-Square.
The duo dominated African music charts for years and built a loyal fan base across the continent and beyond.
Even after pursuing solo careers, both artists have continued to release music and perform for audiences worldwide.
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As reactions continue online, the discussion highlights a broader conversation about ageism in entertainment and whether artists should face expectations to retire simply because they grow older.
For Peter Okoye and many of his supporters, the answer appears clear: as long as fans are listening and the passion remains, age should never be a barrier to making music.
Quoting a clip of Peter’s music video, she wrote, “I don’t get why an almost 50 year old man is still singing like this. It’s okay to retire❤️.”
However, popular media personality Do2dtun countered her argument, stressing that
Some active international musicians such as Celine Dion, Shakira, Beyoncé, and Backstreet Boys are older than Mr P.
“Peter is 44 but you dimwits are so ageist that you don’t even know what you bring down in the name of clicks,” Do2dtun added.
Quoting Do2dtun’s post, Mr P claimed that those asking him to retire due to age are heartbroken fans of the defunct P-Square.
He described his critics as hypocrites who celebrate older musicians like Usher, Beyoncé, and Chris Brown but demanded for his retirement despite being younger than them.
“After dem realize 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,” his post read partly.
