Bracket’s Smash suggests P-Square’s longstanding rift has ‘spiritual’ roots

In a revelation that adds a new dimension to one of Nigeria’s most infamous celebrity fallouts, Obumneme Ali—better known as Smash, one half of the Nigerian music duo Bracket—has claimed that the estrangement between twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye of P-Square is spiritual in nature.

Speaking during a recent episode of the AFRIMMA Podcast, Smash alleged that even Paul Okoye himself acknowledges this unusual perspective.

The singer’s comments have reignited public interest in a feud that has perplexed fans and industry stakeholders for nearly a decade.

“I’m closer to Paul than Peter,” Smash explained. “But I always go to Peter’s house, and he listens to me whenever I speak to him. Unfortunately, if you ask me as an insider, I will say that the problem is spiritual.”

He recounted a conversation with Paul in which he confronted him with the idea.

“The last time I met Paul, I told him that his problem with his brother Peter wasn’t normal—that it’s spiritual—and he agreed,” Smash revealed.

A Brotherhood Torn Apart

Once hailed as Africa’s most successful pop duo, P-Square—comprising Peter and Paul Okoye—dominated the continent’s airwaves from the early 2000s through the mid-2010s.

Known for chart-topping hits like “Do Me,” “Personally,” and “No One Like You,” the twins earned accolades, global recognition, and an intensely loyal fanbase.

Their bond seemed unbreakable, both as blood brothers and creative collaborators.

Managed by their elder brother, Jude Okoye, the group was often seen as a model for African musical excellence and unity.

But by 2016, cracks began to appear. Rumours of internal disputes turned into public spats.

Accusations of mismanagement, disrespect, and egos clashing eventually led to the group’s official split in 2017.

The brothers went on to pursue solo careers under the names Mr. P (Peter) and Rudeboy (Paul), with varying degrees of success.

Despite sporadic calls for reconciliation from fans and even industry insiders, the tension persisted for years—until a brief reunion in 2021, only to later cool again into distance and professional separation.

The Spiritual Angle

While various reasons have been cited over the years for the P-Square fallout—ranging from managerial disagreements to personal grievances—Smash’s suggestion introduces a more esoteric explanation.

“If you know how close these guys were and how they worked, you will feel so bad looking at what is going on today,” Smash said, adding that their elder brother Jude was a core part of the group’s dynamic and success. “Paul and Peter, they loved that brand with so much passion.”

The idea that a spiritual force could be behind such a rift is not uncommon in West African cultural narratives, where unseen forces are often invoked to explain otherwise inexplicable breakdowns in relationships, fortunes, or health.

While the claim has not been officially responded to by either Peter or Paul, it is likely to stir public debate—especially among fans who have long struggled to understand why such a powerful musical partnership disintegrated so completely.

The Bigger Picture

In recent years, there have been efforts toward healing within the Okoye family.

In 2021, the brothers surprised fans by performing together for the first time in four years during a reunion concert. Their social media pages briefly reflected a restored bond, showing the brothers laughing and spending time with family.

But those moments have since dwindled, and there has been no collaborative music released since.