Singer Peter Okoye, known as Mr P, has shared how late American pop star Michael Jackson influenced his journey in entertainment.
Speaking in an interview with Nile Entertainment to promote an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Peter said his admiration for the global icon started when he was very young.
The 44-year-old said he first heard Jackson’s music at a cousin’s birthday party. He recalled dancing enthusiastically while trying to get drinks and rice, but said it was Jackson’s stage presence and performance style that left a lasting impression on him.
Peter said he and his twin brother Paul Okoye were working on the project ‘E No Easy’ when Michael Jackson died in 2009.
To honour him, they included elements of Jackson’s signature style in the music video.
“I like everything about him,” Peter said. “I still have little pictures of myself at 13, 14, 15 years old performing as Michael Jackson.”
“Before ‘E No Easy’, I had always looked for someone who would showcase Michael. When we finished the album, that was when we lost him.”
Peter also said members of Michael Jackson’s family reached out to acknowledge their tribute.
“Michael Jackson’s family contacted me to say I’m doing the right thing,” he said.
He described Jackson’s impact on music and performance.
“He left a good stamp,” Peter said. “He is king of everything king of the stage and king of music. That guy’s legacy lives forever. I guarantee you, forever.”
He added that Jackson’s influence remains part of his career.
“Whether we like it or not, even if I wanted to deny it, it’s there,” he said.
Peter also said he still uses some of Jackson’s dance moves in his performances.
“I can do the back slide, I can do the circle, and I can still do the front. I have done the lean before to showcase Michael Jackson,” he said.
Jackson died in June 2009 after suffering cardiac arrest linked to a drug overdose.
The late singer was recently named Forbes highest paid dead celebrity for the third consecutive year and for the 13th time overall.
Peter Okoye began his career alongside his twin brother Paul as the music duo P-Square, one of Nigeria’s most successful pop groups. After the group split, he continued his career as Mr P, releasing solo music, performing internationally, and building his own record label imprint, P Classic Records.
