Nigerian languages don’t have any benefits – Peter Okoye claims

Peter Okoye Sparks Controversy Over Remarks on Indigenous Languages

Afrobeats singer Peter Okoye, known as Mr. P and one half of the now-defunct musical duo P-Square, has ignited a debate regarding the value of Nigeria’s indigenous languages. His comments came in response to a fan’s inquiry about his children’s proficiency in Igbo, after he highlighted their fluency in French.

Currently vacationing in Paris, Okoye expressed pride in his children’s linguistic abilities on social media. He stated, “Watching my kids speak French so effortlessly makes me think… maybe it’s time to own a crib here in Paris.”

When a fan questioned whether his children could also speak Igbo, Okoye replied, “And who naija language help? Make I hear word abeg.” This response drew criticism from various quarters, as many pointed out the apparent contradiction between his remarks and his continued incorporation of Igbo and other Nigerian languages, such as Yoruba, in his music.

The backlash underscores ongoing discussions about the cultural significance and commercial appeal of Nigeria’s native languages in a globalized music industry.

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