Afrobeats singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has come under fire after making remarks that many social media users interpreted as dismissive of Nigeria’s indigenous languages.
The controversy began after the singer shared a post from Paris, where he is currently on vacation with his family. In the post on X, Mr P expressed pride in his children’s ability to speak French fluently, saying it had inspired him to consider buying a home in the French capital.
“Still in Paris! Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris,” he wrote.
A follower then asked whether his children could also speak Igbo.
Responding to the question, the singer wrote:”And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.”
The comment quickly ignited reactions online, with many users accusing the former P-Square star of undermining the importance of indigenous languages and cultural identity.
Critics also pointed out that Mr P and the defunct P-Square duo built much of their musical success by incorporating Igbo, Yoruba and other Nigerian languages into their songs, arguing that those languages contributed significantly to their commercial appeal and global recognition.
The exchange has since generated widespread debate on social media, with users divided over the role of indigenous languages in preserving culture and creating opportunities in an increasingly globalised world.
