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Twin brothers Paul and Peter Okoye released Danger this September, the latest release from their rap group, P -Square.Courtesy CN Media
Twin brothers Paul and Peter Okoye released Danger this September, the latest release from their rap group, P -Square.
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Nigerian-based rap duo P-Square attain musical success in America

Paul and Peter Okoye are a musical duo comprised of identical twin brothers born in Lagos, Nigeria but originating from Ifite Dunu, Anambra State, Nigeria. The twins' interest in music began in the mid 90's when they joined their school's music and drama club. While attending St. Murumba College, a small Catholic school in Jos, Nigeria, they formed a singing group with ten other boys called The Smooth Criminals, inspired by their idol Michael Jackson. The Smooth Criminals performed American R&B and hip hop songs at school functions and events.

In 1997 they formed an acapella quartet known as MMPP. MMPP created political jingles and movie soundtracks. In 1999, the group split up in pursuit of academics, leading to the formation of P-Square.

In 2001, the brothers entered a music competition known as "Grab Da Mic" and won. After winning, they were sponsored by Benson & Hedges to release their debut album in 2003.

Paul Okoye wrote the songs and Peter Okoye choreographed the dance sequences in their videos and live stage performances.

Their debut album, "Last Nite," became an instant hit not only in Nigeria but also in countries such as South Africa and Ghana. Their second album "Get Squared" was released in July 2005 and instantly skyrocketed to the top of MTV Base charts for four straight weeks! However, their best selling album, "Game Over," was released in 2007. This album gained popularity in all African countries, with the most popular song being "Do Me."

Released in 2009 was the album "Danger." It featured 2face Idibia, one of Nigeria's most famous artists, Jay Martins ,and Frenzy. "Danger" has songs with a mixture of hip hop, R&B, and dancehall. The Album features the hits, "I love you," "Trowey!", "Break It," "Possibility (ft. 2face)", "Danger, " "E no easy" ft. Jay Martins, "Bye By,e" "Who Dey Here," "Gimme Dat, " "Super Fans," and a few instrumentals.

This latest album, compared to their first two, was disappointing. Their fourth album seems to lack the most originality. While some of the songs seemed to be samplings of other artists' music, many were reconstructions of music by American R&B artist.

For example, the first track "I Love You" sounds similar to "I'm So Special" by Mavado, a dancehall Jamaican artist. Similarly, "Who Dey Here" is ironically identical to Faze's "Originality" track.

Still this album's sales continue to rise; the fans seem to think that the few original songs are worth the price of $9.99.

Some songs that have been reconstructed by this Nigerian duo include: Marques Houston ft. Joe Budden's "Clubbin," Usher ft. Lil' Jon & Ludacris' "Yeah," R. Kelly's " I Wish," Sean Paul's " Gimme the Light," Craig David's "Rendezvous," Eminem's "Without Me," Usher's "I Can't Win" and Bobby Valentino's "Anonymous".

P-Square has won twelve musical awards and has been nominated for many more. They have also performed alongside artists like Usher, Wayne Wonder, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Ginuwine, Sean Paul, and Akon.

If you're looking for the freshest sounds coming out of the African music scene, look no further than the duo of P-Square, who's genre-blending skill will appeal to listeners of all musical preferences.

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Copyright: The Retriever Weekly

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