Channel O's announced that Nigerian R&B duo P-Square will be hitting South Africa in October to join the line-up of live performers for the Channel O 2008 Music Video Awards.
Identical twins from Lagos, P-Square's Peter and Paul Okoye have earned themselves a large following with their R&B/African hip hop sound that incorporates elements of their heritage.
The duo first appeared on the scene with their debut album Last Nite, which was released in 2003 and turned their sound into a popular name.
They followed this up with the independent 2005 release of Get Squared which produced several radio and television hits - including the track Bizzy Body 2 featuring Weird MC. This cemented their reputation outside of Nigeria.
In November 2007, they released their third album entitled Game Over which is currently making waves in Nigeria and Africa. The single Do Me, has received two nominations at this year’s Music Video Awards.
The twins’ entry into the music industry started during their school days. Inspired by Michael Jackson, M.C. Hammer and Bobby Brown, they formed the dance group Smooth Criminals and the group existed for about five years. Peter, Paul and two other friends (Michael and Melvin) later formed an acapella group called MMPP. The group disbanded, leaving behind the two Ps - Peter and Paul.
Paul has always had an avid interest in songwriting and this led to his solo career after MMPP broke up, while Peter, who was more fanatical about dance and choreography, later joined him and soon after P-Square was formed.
Peter choreographs the dance sequences in the group's routines. He also plays the acoustic and bass guitar as well as the drums, while Paul plays the keyboard and handles the production of their songs.
In 2007 the combo won the Channel O award for Best Duo or Group and this year they're nominated in the same category, alongside SA’s Jozi and Bleksem; Ghana’s Irene and Jane; and Tanzania’s Witness.
They're also nominated in the category Video of the Year - alongside fellow Nigerian Ikechukwu, Mozambique’s Ziqo and SA's Freshlyground and HHP.
Other performers coming up on the night include Rythmic Elements, Bleksem, Dance Africa season two winner Stanley, Irene and Jane, Witness, D’Banj, Don Jazzy and Ikechukwu.
The Channel O Music Video Awards, hosted by KB Ngakane and Nonhle Thema, will take place on Thursday 9 October 2008 in Johannesburg at the Big Top Arena in Carnival City and will be broadcast Thursday 23 October on Channel O (DStv Channel 320).
-----
Related links:The 2008 Nominees Channel O Awards Hosts Announced