Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has responded to social media criticism after a user suggested he should retire from music due to his age.
The comment came from an X user who argued that the 44-year-old artist, popularly known as Mr P, was “almost 50” and should step away from performing Afrobeats music, sparking debate online about age and relevance in the music industry.
The user questioned why the singer was still active, suggesting that retirement would be more appropriate at his stage in life.
The post quickly drew reactions, including from media personality Do2dtun, who pushed back against the claim, describing it as ageist and pointing out that several globally recognised performers remain active well beyond their 40s.
He referenced international stars such as Beyoncé, Usher, Chris Brown, and the Backstreet Boys, noting that age has not limited their continued success and performances.
Reacting to the debate, Mr P dismissed the criticism, suggesting that such narratives often come from disgruntled fans of the former P-Square duo. He argued that it was inconsistent for people to celebrate older international artists while urging him to retire.
He further described the backlash as hypocritical, insisting that longevity in music should not be judged by age but by relevance, creativity, and performance.
The conversation has since fueled broader discussions online about ageism in the entertainment industry and how African artists are perceived compared to their international counterparts.
