Psquare - Reconciliation shouldn't be the end of the recovery

The problems are over. Peter, Paul and Jude Okoye have come together to apologize for all the drama that has happened over the past month and tendered apologies.

The trio who are all shareholders in the Psquare business took to Instagram to release a photo which shows a hand releasing a dove (the global symbol of peace and gentility), with the caption “That it took our stupidity to realize that FAMILY comes first, We are VERY SORRY.”

That’s warm, nice, and all shades of emotional. I just want to hug all the brothers, give them affectionate back pats, and pinch their cheeks in happiness. Most likely tears will stream down my face while I’m at it.

A Psquare reconciliation is good for everyone, even beyond the ideal of the music business. Beyond everything and the complications of business, they are brothers who share the bond of blood, which far greater than the loyalty of partners. That’s why this emotional and a step in the right path.

Psquare brothers are back again, and even Jude Okoye is in the mix this time.

But, while the celebrations and happiness would seem too overwhelming and occupying, there are more issues to tackle. The underlying reason why the rot attacked their bond would have to be dealt with. Issues concerning business, the efficiency of their management structure, recording patterns, ego fights, and many more. These need to be tackled.

Psquare ought to go solo.

They go solo.

Peter and Paul have been recording and performing exclusively together for over 15 years. They have hit the height of African entertainment, conquered different markets and become financially successful. But now they have plateaued. It’s normal for people who have conquered every stage of their career and experienced success to plateau. Plateaus have always existed – The Plateau Effect is a force of nature as real and fundamental as gravity. Plateaus, such as the force of acclimation, can be healthy and helpful. But career
plateau has a devastating effect.
Peter Okoye wants more for himself and the team, hence his search for new ways of business. Competition is stiff already, and only those who adapt can stand the test of time.

Psquare ought to split, sign different managers for their individual careers, and take their life in the direction they want as individuals. Paul Okoye can choose to remain with Jude, as Peter clearly wants none of that. Both acts can choose to return as a group and record Psquare songs, but should also have the freedom to pursue solo careers and engagements.

New legally-binding contracts need to be signed, with strict profit sharing percentages should be drafted and made law. We have seen this happen to groups worldwide. Even in Africa, a good example is the Ghanaian group R2bees comprising of Mugeez and Paedae (Omar Sterling). Both acts have different artistic directions, hence they record as individual acts, but also do come together to record and release songs as a group.

Also, Peter and Paul also need to transition from kings of Africa, into kingmakers. They need to set up their record labels, identify acts, and groom them into superstars. Only then can they directly leave behind a legacy for posterity.

The drama is needless and a solution is clear, but when egos and family bond are thrown into business, things get muddled up, and productive outcomes aren’t pursued by teams.