P-Square

P-Square
(P Square) on stage performing in Canada 2010
Background information
Birth name	Peter Okoye Paul Okoye
Also known as	Paul & Peter
Born	(1981-11-18) 18 November 1981 (age 35) Jos, Nigeria
Origin	Ifite Dunu, Anambra State, Nigeria
Genres	R&B, African hip hop
Occupation(s)	Recording artist, performer, dancer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Square records, Konvict Muzik, Universal Music Group (SA)
Associated acts	Jude Engees Okoye Akon J. Martins Waje 2 Face Idibia Matt Houston Tiwa Savage Naeto C LKT Bracket Lagbaja Rick Ross, T.I., Dave Scott Fliptyce May D
Website	Official site

P-Square are a Nigerian R&B duo of identical twin brothers Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye. They produce and release their albums through Square Records. In December 2011, they signed a record deal with Akon's Konvict Muzik label. In May 2012, they signed a record distribution deal with Universal Music South Africa.

P-Square began in St. Murumba secondary school, a small Catholic school in Jos, Nigeria. Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing, and mimicking songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson.

They later formed an a cappella quartet called "MMMPP" (M Clef a.k.a. Itemoh, Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, formed the group called "Smooth Criminals" in 1997. They dropped M Clef from the group "MMMPP" which later was changed to "MMPP". Their artistic talent and precise dance routine soon made them household names in the city of Jos, where they performed at school functions and other occasions.

Later in 1999, Peter and Paul returned to music school to develop their skills on the keyboard, drums, bass and rhythm guitar. Their work includes the soundtracks for a number of films like Tobi, Mama Sunday, Moment of Bitterness and Evas River.

Later in 1999, they applied to the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. The Smooth Criminals disbanded when its members left to various other universities. Subsequently, Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called "Double P", "P&P", and "Da Pees", until they eventually settled on "P Square". They are managed by Bayo Odusami aka Howie T, a seasoned concert promoter and the CEO of Adrot Nigeria Limited.

In 2001, "P-Square" won the "Grab Da Mic" competition, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album, titled Last Nite, which was released under Timbuk2 music label. P-Square was also nominated as "Most Promising African Group" in the Kora Awards three months after the release of their debut album. They eventually won the 2003 Amen Award for "Best R&B Group".