"I’m supposed to have retired from music" – Rudeboy

Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, recently reflected on his enduring music career and the challenges that come with longevity in the industry. At forty-five, Rudeboy candidly admitted that he and some of his peers might have considered retirement by now, given the traditional trajectory of musicians in the past. Speaking on the Adesope Live show, he highlighted how the "old ways" of doing music often saw artists bowing out much earlier.

"In the old ways of doing music, by now people like us suppose don retire," Rudeboy remarked, acknowledging the pressures of balancing a successful music career with the responsibilities of family life. He also pointed out the inevitable highs and lows of being in the public eye. "If you are a celebrity and you think people will always see you like an angel, trust me, you’re not going anywhere. There are times that something would be against you."

Rudeboy’s career, which skyrocketed in the 2000s as part of the iconic P-Square duo with his twin brother Peter Okoye, has been marked by both monumental success and personal challenges. The duo initially split in 2016, reuniting briefly in 2021, before parting ways again in 2024 after Peter accused Rudeboy and their elder brother, Jude Okoye, of diverting the group’s funds.

Despite these setbacks, Rudeboy’s reflections offer a glimpse into the resilience required to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music industry. He emphasized that every top artist, as well as those on the rise, will face their share of criticism and scandals. What ultimately matters, according to Rudeboy, is one’s character and ability to navigate these challenges.