Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has responded to recent calls from some fans urging him to retire from music, insisting that there is no retirement age in the industry.
The former member of the defunct music duo P-Square made the remarks during an interview with The Beat FM Lagos, where he addressed criticisms suggesting that, at 44, he should no longer be making Afrobeats music.
Rejecting the notion that musicians have an expiry date, Mr P argued that music is a lifelong profession and pointed to global icons who remained active well into their later years.
According to him, the entertainment industry thrives on creativity and relevance rather than age, making retirement an individual choice rather than an expectation imposed by the public.
“We should be careful of how people try to put others down. There’s no retirement in music. I don’t know why some people think there’s retirement in music.
“Michael Jackson was over 50 and was still planning a world tour before he died. It’s only in Nigeria that somebody would just wake up and start calling on musicians to retire. I have seen some people do the same thing to Wizkid,” Mr P remarked.
The singer suggested that some of the criticism stems from negativity and a desire to see successful individuals decline rather than continue to thrive. He maintained that artists should be allowed to evolve and remain active for as long as they are passionate about creating music and connecting with audiences.
Mr P’s comments add to a growing conversation within the Nigerian music industry about longevity, with many artists challenging the idea that musicians must step aside once they reach a certain age. Industry observers note that several international stars have continued recording, touring, and topping charts well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
His remarks also come amid similar debates involving fellow Afrobeats star Wizkid, whom he referenced as another artist who has faced public scrutiny despite maintaining a successful career.
For Mr P, however, the message is clear: as long as the passion remains and fans continue to listen, music remains a career without a retirement date.