Paul Okoye// ⓘ (born 18 November 1981), who is better known as Rudeboy, is a Nigerian singer.[1] He rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of the P-Square duo with his identical twin brother Peter Okoye.
Paul Okoye | |
|---|---|
 Paul Okoye during an interview on Accelerate TV | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Paul Nonso Okoye |
| Also known as | RudeBoy, Kingrudy |
| Born | 18 November 1981 Jos, Nigeria |
| Origin | Ifite Dunu, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Genres | R&B, hip hop, afrobeats, dancehall, reggae |
| Occupations | Singer, record producer |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels | Fire Department Inc |
Early life and education edit
Paul studied at St. Murumba secondary school in Jos, together with his brother, Peter also known as Mr P.[2] Paul joined a school of music and drama club where he started dancing and performing covers songs produced by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson with his brother Peter.[3]
Solo career edit
After the disbandment of P-Square in 2017, both band members sought separate musical careers. Rudeboy released his debut solo tracks titled 'Fire Fire' and 'Nkenji Keke' in 2017.[4] His song "Reason With Me" generated the highest views on YouTube in Africa in 2019.[5] He is the founder of Fire Department Inc, a record label he established in 2019.[6] He released his debut studio album Rudykillus in 2021.[7] One of his hit single “Reason with me” was released on 15 April 2019, with direction by Clarence Peters, the music video for “Reason With Me” currently boasts more than 189 million views on YouTube, making it Rudeboy’s most-viewed video.[8]
Personal life edit
On 22 March 2014 Okoye married Anita Isama, whom he met in 2004 during his studies at the University of Abuja.[9][10][11] In 2013, their son Andre was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.[12] The couple also have a set of twins who were delivered in Atlanta, USA.[13][14]
In August 2021, his wife filed for divorce due to irreconcilable differences with him.[15]
References edit
- ^ Aliyu, Adekunle (9 May 2008). "I Have Suffered – Paul Okoye Remembers His Days of Struggle". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ Okoye, Peter. "Mr P". Celebrity Profiles By NaijaBuzz300. Archived from the original on 22 February 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "P-SQUARE: BETTER TOGETHER OR GREATER APART? BY JAZMINE ROY". The Avalon Daily. 1 June 2019. Archived from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ Ochuwa, Akashat (16 November 2017). "Paul Okoye Releases First Solo Song Since Psquare Split". Concise News. Archived from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ Ayoola, Simbiat (12 December 2019). "Rudeboy celebrates as Reason With Me becomes 2019's most viewed African video on YouTube". Legit.ng. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "Rudeboy launches record label "Fire Department Inc"". PM News. 20 September 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ Alake, Motolani (9 August 2021). "On his debut solo album, Rudeboy [of P Square] failed to 'KillUs' [Pulse Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria.
- ^ TRYBE, City (17 October 2023). "Nigerian Music's Global Impact: The Top Ten Most-Viewed YouTube Music Videos". TRYBE City. Peace Esther.
- ^ ""Love's Testimony!" BellaNaija Weddings presents Paul Okoye of P-Square & Anita Isama's Traditional Wedding". Bella Naija. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
- ^ "P-square's Paul Okoye weds his longtime love (PHOTOS)". The Sowetan. 25 March 2014. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
- ^ ""Love's Testimony!" BellaNaija Weddings presents Paul Okoye of P-Square & Anita Isama's Traditional Wedding". Bella Naija. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
- ^ "Paul Okoye of P-Square & Girlfriend Anita Welcome Baby Boy Andre". 11 April 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "Paul Okoye pop singer welcomes twins". 9 September 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "Psquare's Paul Okoye welcomes twins". 10 September 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ "END OF THE ROAD: Rudeboy's Lawyer speaks as wife files for divorce". Vanguard News. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.