Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has revealed that despite fame, success, and global recognition, one thing that still terrifies him is poverty.
Speaking during a recent appearance on The Nancy Isime Show, the award-winning singer said he has “tasted poverty before” and never wants to return to that phase of life.
In his words:
“I am not afraid of death. The only thing I am afraid of in this life is poverty, of being broke.”
Mr P went on to recount one of the most traumatic experiences from his childhood; a moment that shaped his mindset, discipline, and drive for financial stability.
The singer described how his family’s rented one-room boys’ quarters was demolished while they were still inside, after the landlord sold the property without giving them enough time to relocate.
“I have tasted it [poverty] before. I have been in our house with my parents and siblings and a bulldozer came and demolished it.”
He painted a vivid picture of the living conditions he and his seven siblings endured while growing up.
“We were living in a boys’ quarter, me, my mum, my dad, all of us. The whole family; six boys and two girls, living in a one-bedroom apartment. They had to divide the room with a curtain.”
According to him, his parents pleaded for more time, but the demolition happened abruptly and violently.
“So, the landlord had sold the compound. We were trying to plead to get some time to plan our relocation and then a bulldozer came and started demolishing the house while we were still in the building.”
Peter Okoye said moments like this fuel his determination to work harder, stay focused, and never return to a life of lack.
His revelation has since sparked massive reactions online, with many praising him for his honesty and for highlighting the realities many Nigerian families still face today.