Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P, has publicly responded to allegations made by rising artist Darkoo, who accused him of sabotaging her music video. The singer had earlier claimed that Mr. P ordered the removal of her “Focus on Me” video from YouTube for six days, a move she interpreted as an intentional attempt to undermine her career.
However, in a scathing response released by his management team, One Management, Mr. P strongly denied the accusations, attributing the situation to an unresolved clearance issue regarding the use of a sample from P-Square’s hit track, “Gimme Dat.”
“I didn’t sabotage her video”
Mr. P’s response paints a picture of a misunderstanding rooted in the formalities of music clearance rather than any personal or malicious intent. “I’ve always been supportive of young artists, and I’ve never engaged in underhanded tactics to hurt anyone’s career,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The controversy began when Darkoo claimed that her video had been taken down from YouTube for six days, allegedly due to Mr. P’s actions. She suggested that this was a deliberate move to harm her growing fanbase and limit her exposure. Darkoo did not shy away from voicing her frustration, calling the situation “unfair” and “unprofessional.”
However, Mr. P, in his explanation, emphasized that his only concern was ensuring that the correct procedures were followed when using the sample from his P-Square track. “I guided her on the correct steps to clear the sample. I shared my own experiences with situations like this, which is standard practice in the industry. I wasn’t trying to block her progress,” he explained in the statement.
Proper clearance ignored
According to the details provided by Mr. P’s management, the issue arose when Darkoo failed to respond to multiple attempts by his team to confirm whether the necessary clearance had been obtained for the use of the sample in her song. “We tried reaching out to her. We sent messages and placed calls to confirm if everything was in order, but we received no reply. The video was released without the proper clearance, and that led to its removal from YouTube,” the statement further clarified.
The statement added that the matter was eventually settled when Darkoo and her team signed the required agreements with all the relevant parties involved. Once the proper documentation was in place, the video was promptly reinstated on YouTube, resolving the issue.
A publicity stunt?
While Mr. P’s team insists that the allegations were completely unfounded, they also took issue with the timing of Darkoo’s public outcry. They noted that Darkoo did not voice her complaints about the video’s removal until after it had been reinstated, which they described as “suspicious.”
“It seems like the outburst was an attempt to get attention and make a publicity stunt out of a situation that was purely administrative,” Mr. P’s management concluded. They labeled Darkoo’s claims as “malicious,” accusing her of trying to tarnish Mr. P’s reputation for personal gain.
Background on the controversy
This drama follows a series of contentious moments in the Nigerian music industry, where rising stars often face hurdles in navigating industry regulations. The use of samples, in particular, has long been a hot topic, with many artists navigating complicated legal channels to ensure they clear rights to incorporate older tracks into their music.
Mr. P, who rose to fame as part of the legendary duo P-Square, is no stranger to controversies. His separation from his brother Paul Okoye and his subsequent solo career have often placed him at the center of media attention. Despite this, Mr. P has consistently presented himself as a mentor for younger artists, offering advice and guidance in the cutthroat industry.
In Darkoo’s case, the 22-year-old British-Nigerian singer has been carving a name for herself with her Afrobeat-influenced music. Her song “Focus on Me” had been garnering attention and praise before the dispute with Mr. P took the spotlight.
Industry support for Mr. P
Following Mr. P’s statement, several figures in the Nigerian music industry have come forward to express their support for him, citing his role as a pioneer and mentor to younger talent. Industry insiders argue that the use of samples without proper clearance is a frequent problem, and Mr. P was simply adhering to legal standards.
“If you’re going to use someone’s work, you need to get permission first,” one music industry expert explained. “What Mr. P did was totally within reason. If you don’t clear the sample, your work will be taken down. That’s how it works. It’s not sabotage, it’s business.”
Darkoo responds to backlash
In response to the backlash against her allegations, Darkoo has yet to provide a direct comment regarding Mr. P’s accusations. However, some of her fans have rallied behind her, arguing that she was simply expressing her frustration at the situation. “It’s hard for an up-and-coming artist when you’re constantly fighting against the system,” one fan wrote on social media.
Yet, Darkoo’s silence on the matter since Mr. P’s statement has fueled further speculation about her motivations. Many wonder if her initial accusations were indeed a strategy to generate buzz or whether she genuinely felt wronged by the music icon.
What lies ahead for both artists?
For now, the issue appears to be resolved, with Darkoo’s video back on YouTube and the proper agreements in place. However, the drama has cast a shadow over both artists. Mr. P, who has long been admired for his success as part of P-Square, now finds himself facing unwanted attention, while Darkoo, whose star was rising rapidly, risks damaging her reputation with accusations that many feel were unfounded.
In the unpredictable world of music, this episode may serve as a cautionary tale for both established artists and newcomers alike. Clear communication, proper legal procedures, and a focus on professionalism are key to avoiding such public disputes in the future.
As for Mr. P, he has already moved on from the incident, focusing on his solo career and his commitment to mentoring young talent in the industry. His management concluded, “We are focused on moving forward, and we’ll continue to guide new artists the right way. That’s what Mr. P stands for.”
