Paul Okoye (Rudeboy): The P-Square Hitmaker Who Reinvented Himself as a Solo Star

Paul Nonso Okoye

P-Square (Paul Okoye), popularly known as Rudeboy (and also called KingRudy), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame as one half of the iconic twin duo P-Square. With P-Square, Paul helped define the golden era of Nigerian pop and Afropop through hit records, high-energy performances, and a sound that dominated Africa in the 2000s and 2010s. After the group’s split, he rebuilt his brand as a successful solo artist and label owner.

Early Life and Background

Paul Nonso Okoye was born on November 18, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, alongside his identical twin brother Peter Okoye (Mr P). The twins are originally from Ifite Dunu, Anambra State.

Education and Early Talent

Paul attended St. Murumba College in Jos with his brother. While in school, they joined music and drama activities, and their early influences included global pop and R&B stars—an influence that later showed in their choreography, stage confidence, and performance-driven identity.

P-Square Breakthrough and Stardom

As P-Square, Paul co-created a sound that blended Afropop, R&B, hip hop, and dance-pop, backed by strong choreography and music video storytelling. The duo became one of Africa’s most successful music groups, known for hit-heavy albums, international touring, and a brand that raised the standard for pop performance in Nigeria.

Split, Reunion, and Latest Breakup

In 2017, P-Square split and both brothers went solo—Paul as Rudeboy and Peter as Mr P.
They reunited in 2021 and performed/released as P-Square again for a period.
In August 2024, Paul confirmed another breakup, stating there is no more P-Square, and later explained why he believed reunion might not happen again.

Solo Career as Rudeboy

After going solo, Rudeboy released songs including “Fire Fire” and “Nkenji Keke” (2017). He later scored a major solo hit with “Reason With Me” (2019), which became his most-viewed YouTube video, and he released his debut solo album Rudykillus in 2021.
He also founded his own label, Fire Department Inc, as part of building a long-term solo brand beyond the duo era.

Personal Life

Public profiles note that Paul married Anita Isama in 2014 and they have children together.

Legacy

Paul Okoye’s legacy is tied to two major eras: the P-Square years that helped set the blueprint for modern Nigerian pop performance, and his solo Rudeboy era, where he proved he could still deliver hits and maintain a strong fanbase independently.