For most people, the greatest fear is death. But for Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, famously known as Mr. P, it’s something very different: the thought of returning to the poverty he once knew.
Speaking candidly on the Nancy Isime Show, the award-winning singer reflected on a past that left an indelible mark. “I’ve seen what it’s like to struggle,” he said, “and that’s the one thing I never want to experience again.”
Growing up, Mr. P’s family lived in extremely cramped conditions. Eight children and their parents shared a single bedroom, divided only by a thin curtain.
Life became even harsher when the landlord sold the property, demolishing their home while the family was still inside. The sudden loss of shelter and security, he revealed, is a memory that has stayed with him all his life.
“It wasn’t death I feared back then,” he admitted. “It was losing everything, having nothing to hold onto.”
Today, Mr P has reached the pinnacle of Nigerian entertainment, yet he says the shadow of his past continues to shape his drive.
The struggles he endured are more than memories; they are the fuel that keeps him working relentlessly, ensuring that neither he nor his family ever return to those difficult days.
For Mr P, success isn’t just about fame or awards—it’s about creating a life where poverty is no longer a threat.
“I am not afraid of death. The only thing I am afraid of in this life is poverty.”
– Peter Okoye a.k.a Mr. P pic.twitter.com/xx43HMnfPm
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 3, 2025