Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has paid tribute to Nigerian music duo P-Square, recalling the impact their success had on his musical ambitions and his perception of African music.
Davido described the twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, as an important source of inspiration for artists of his generation. He noted that watching P-Square achieve success beyond Nigeria gave him greater confidence in the potential of African musicians.
“P-Square inspired me, made me proud to be African,” Davido said.
The singer’s comments highlight the influence of earlier Nigerian music stars on the generation that later helped take Afrobeats to a wider international audience.
P-Square rose to prominence in the 2000s, becoming known for their energetic performances, dance-oriented songs and high-profile music videos. Their popularity extended beyond Nigeria, with the duo building a strong following across Africa and among African communities internationally.
For many emerging Nigerian artists, the group’s achievements demonstrated that musicians from the continent could build successful careers without abandoning their African identity.
Davido would later become one of the leading figures in the international expansion of Afrobeats. Since releasing his breakthrough music, he has collaborated with artists from different countries and performed on major international stages.
His career has coincided with a period of rapid growth for Nigerian music, driven by streaming platforms, social media and international collaborations.
The singer’s tribute is particularly notable because it reflects the connection between different generations of African musicians. While today’s Afrobeats stars have achieved unprecedented international visibility, many were influenced by artists who established Nigerian pop music as a major force across the continent.
P-Square’s legacy has continued despite the brothers’ well-documented personal and professional disagreements. Peter and Paul have pursued individual projects during periods of separation, while their earlier catalogue remains popular among fans.
Davido’s remarks therefore place P-Square’s contribution within the broader evolution of African popular music.
As Nigerian music continues to gain recognition globally, the influence of artists who paved the way remains an important part of the industry’s story. For Davido, P-Square’s success was not only musical inspiration but also evidence that African artists could compete confidently on the international stage.
