{{short description|English music artist}} {{for-multi|the Metal Church album|Masterpeace|the TV series|Masterpeace (TV series)|the Kodak Black song|When I Was Dead}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians --> | name = Master Peace | image = Master Peace at Valkhof Festival 2025 (Q124439685) - 2.jpg | caption = Master Peace performing at Valkhof Festival in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 2025 | birth_name = Peace Okezie | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} | birth_place = London, England | origin = | death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} | genre = {{hlist||Indie sleaze<ref name=":1" />||Indie rock| Indie pop<ref>{{cite web | title=Master Peace: 'There's more to this than ''Black guy making indie music''{{'}} | date=4 March 2024 | url=https://whynow.co.uk/read/master-peace-theres-more-to-this-than-black-guy-making-indie-music }}</ref>|punk rock<ref name=":6" /> | Post-punk revival<ref>{{cite web | title=Master Peace: 'There's more to this than ''Black guy making indie music''{{'}}| date=4 March 2024 | url=https://whynow.co.uk/read/master-peace-theres-more-to-this-than-black-guy-making-indie-music }}</ref> |Dance-punk <ref name=":2" />|nu rave<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2024-03-05 |title=Master Peace: "I wanted to make an album that's a cultural reset for Gen Z" |url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-interviews/master-peace-debut-album-3596379 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>}} Indie dance<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Rishi |date=2024-03-01 |title=Master Peace – 'How To Make A Master Peace' review: indie's new party boy has arrived |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/master-peace-how-to-make-a-master-peace-album-review-radar-3593082 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> | occupation = Singer | instrument = | years_active = 2018–present | label = PMR | website = {{URL|https://www.masterpeaceofficial.com/}} | current_members = | past_members = }} '''Peace Okezie''', known as '''Master Peace''', is a British musician. Initially collaborating with Jme and the Streets and releasing three EPs, in 2024 he released his debut album ''How To Make A Master Peace'' which received high praise from critics and won him a Rising Star Ivor Novello Award. He followed this with a fourth EP ''How To Make A(nuva) Master Peace. ''
== Early life == Okezie was born in London,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2023-12-12 |title=Master Peace: the singer leading the way for a new generation of indie stars |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/master-peace-peace-okezie-interview-indie-music-35701/ |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB}}</ref> to a Nigerian family,<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Jolley |first=Ben |date=2021-07-09 |title=Notion 89: Master Peace |url=https://notion.online/notion-89-master-peace-interview-ep/ |website=Notion}}</ref> and moved from South East London as a child to Morden,<ref name=":7" /> and then to Surrey where he grew up.<ref name=":16" /> Having said that he "grew up around people involved in crime",<ref name=":4" /> he has also noted that he went to "quite a posh school".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wickes |first=Jade |date=2023-03-03 |title=Master Peace on Phil Collins and making Black indie music |url=https://theface.com/music/master-peace-interview-veronica-black-indie-music-phil-collins |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Face |language=en-gb}}</ref>
He had a childhood interest in UK rap,<ref name=":4" /> but has also stated that his favourite song growing up was "Don’t Speak" by No Doubt;<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Hobbs |first=Thomas |date=2019-09-09 |title="I'm what a rock star looks like" – Master Peace is the chaotic British punk rapper tired of lethargic music |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/master-peace-london-rapper-punk-interview-2546064 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> he often listened to rap with friends and played music by indie rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party at home.<ref name=":17" /> Okezie was first inspired to become a musician after seeing the bands Busted and McFly on television.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Elly |date=2019-11-13 |title=Change of Heart: Master Peace |url=https://diymag.com/interview/change-of-heart-master-peace-neu-interview-november-2019 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=DIY |language=en}}</ref>
==Career==
=== 2018–2023: Early career and EPs === Okezie initially was part of a rap group, which he left before it became successful.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Shutler |first=Ali |date=2024-03-04 |title=Master Peace: "There's more to this than 'Black guy making indie music'" |url=https://whynow.co.uk/read/master-peace-theres-more-to-this-than-black-guy-making-indie-music |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Whynow |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2018, Okezie released "The Lift", which involved him rapping over a-ha’s "Take On Me".<ref name=":6" /> On a BBC Radio 1Xtra session, he was noted for singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".<ref name=":13" /> In 2019 he released "Night Time",<ref name=":2" /> which featured Jme.<ref name=":6" /> The song was praised by Skepta.<ref name=":12" />
His debut EP ''Love Bites'' was released 6 November 2020, largely inspired by his childhood; ''NME'' called it "unfiltered".<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2020-11-06 |title=Master Peace - 'Love Bites' EP review: Londoner sitting pretty on the indie-pop throne |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/master-peace-love-bites-ep-review-radar-2809755 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> ''Public Display Of Affection'', his second EP, was released 2 July 2021. Its track "Boyfriend", featuring Mae Muller, was released alongside a music video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-02 |title=Master Peace links up with Mae Muller for 'Boyfriend' |url=https://diymag.com/news/master-peace-mae-muller-boyfriend |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=DIY |language=en}}</ref> The Streets released a single featuring Okezie, "Wrong Answers Only", on 14 January 2022. He was due to support the group on a 2022 tour which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krol |first=Charlotte |date=2022-01-14 |title=The Streets share new song 'Wrong Answers Only' featuring Master Peace |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/the-streets-and-master-peace-share-new-song-wrong-answers-only-9496/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lavin |first=Will |date=2022-01-13 |title=The Streets team up with Master Peace on new track 'Wrong Answers Only' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-streets-team-up-with-master-peace-on-new-track-wrong-answers-only-3137291 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> In January 2023, Okezie released "Veronica", about young love, in the run-up to his EP ''Peace Of Mind''.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Aubrey |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-01-15 |title=Master Peace releases new single 'Veronica' from upcoming EP 'Peace Of Mind' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/master-peace-releases-new-single-veronica-from-upcoming-ep-peace-of-mind-3380828 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== 2024–2025: ''How To Make A Master Peace'' and ''A(nuva) Master Peace'' === thumb|Master Peace performing with drummer Hattie Steel at Valkhof Festival in Nijmegen, the Netherlands in 2025 On 1 March 2024,<ref name=":2" /> Okezie released his debut album, ''How To Make A Master Peace'', stating that he wanted the album to be a "cultural reset for Gen Z kids of the current day and age".<ref name=":4" /> He worked with producers Julian Brunetta<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tyler Damara |date=2023-10-10 |title=Master Peace announces his debut album, How To Make A Master Peace |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/master-peace-announces-his-debut-album-how-to-make-a-master-peace |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> and Matt Schwartz on the album,<ref name=":1" /> which featured Georgia on the song "I Might Be Fake",<ref name=":2" /> one of multiple singles which also included "LOO SONG",<ref name=":11" /> "Start You Up" and "LOS NARCOS", the latter of which Okezie stated was "probably the best song I’ve ever made."<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Shahzaib |date=2024-02-09 |title=Master Peace Reclaims His Agency On 'LOS NARCOS' {{!}} News |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/master-peace-reclaims-his-agency-on-los-narcos/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Clash |language=en-GB}}</ref> The music video for "I Might Be Fake" was later nominated for Best Independent Video at the AIM Independent Music Awards 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tibbits |first=Ben |date=2024-10-16 |title=Master Peace & George Riley On AIM Independent Awards 2024 |url=https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2024/10/16/master-peace-george-riley-aim-awards-2024/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Wonderland |language=en-GB}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone UK'' stated that Okezie was "leading the way for a new generation of indie stars" with the album, comparing it to Bloc Party, LCD Soundsystem, the Rapture, Pete Doherty, M.I.A. and the Smiths,<ref name=":1" /> later listing it as one of the 24 best albums of 2024,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Reilly |first1=Nick |last2=Richards |first2=Will |date=2024-12-16 |title=Rolling Stone UK's albums of the year 2024 |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/rolling-stone-uk-albums-of-the-year-2024-46109/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-GB}}</ref> whereas ''NME'' compared specific songs to the Hives,<ref name=":2" /> also stating it was "an early contender for the best British debut album of 2024".<ref name=":4" />
A remix of "I Might Be Fake" with Princess Superstar, titled "I Might Be Fake-Arrr", was released in March 2024.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Ackroyd |first=Stephen |date=2024-03-29 |title=Master Peace has teamed up with Princess Superstar for a new remix |url=https://readdork.com/news/master-peace-princess-superstar-remix/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> In May Okezie won the Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tyler Damara |date=2024-05-27 |title=Master Peace wins Ivor Novello Rising Star Award |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/master-peace-wins-ivor-novello-rising-star-award |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}}</ref> and stated that he was working on a deluxe version of ''How To Make A Master Peace'' to be followed by a second album, which would be "sleazier" and "poppier".<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-25 |title=Master Peace is "going crazy" with indie sleaze on "wild" second album |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/master-peace-is-going-crazy-with-indie-sleaze-on-wild-second-album-3759478 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> He performed "Wrong Answers Only" with The Streets at Glastonbury Festival 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Poppy |date=2024-07-02 |title=Watch The Streets mix Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man' with 'Has It Come To This' at Glastonbury 2024 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-the-streets-mix-black-sabbaths-iron-man-with-has-it-come-to-this-at-glastonbury-2024-3771505 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Okezie released the single "Home" featuring Wale in July 2024,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Felicity |date=2024-07-15 |title=Master Peace has teamed up with Wale for a new single, 'Home' |url=https://readdork.com/news/master-peace-wale-single-home/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> and announced his second EP ''How To Make A(nuva) Master Peace''.<ref name=":3" /> In August, Okezie released his single "Save Me",<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Sam |date=2024-08-09 |title=Master Peace has released a new single about moving on, 'Save Me' |url=https://readdork.com/news/master-peace-returns-save-me/ |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> and singer TSHA released her single "Can't Dance" which featured Okezie.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coney |first=Brian |date=2024-08-14 |title=TSHA shares new single, 'Can't Dance', featuring Master Peace: Listen |url=https://djmag.com/news/tsha-shares-new-single-cant-dance-featuring-master-peace-listen |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=DJ Mag |language=en}}</ref> His 9 September single "Dancing With A(nuva) Man" was called "one of his poppiest offerings yet" by ''DIY'',<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Daisy |date=2024-09-09 |title=Master Peace drops bouncing pop anthem 'Dancing With A(nuva) Man' |url=https://diymag.com/news/master-peace-dancing-with-anuva-man |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=DIY |language=en}}</ref> and his final single for the EP, "This Time", was released 2 October.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Sam |date=2024-10-02 |title=Master Peace has unveiled new single 'This Time' ahead of his upcoming EP |url=https://readdork.com/news/master-peace-single-time/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Dork |language=en-US}}</ref> ''How To Make A(nuva) Master Peace'' released on 4 October through PMR Records.<ref name=":3" /> Following the EP, he embarked on a European tour called How To Make A World Tour.<ref name=":15" /> At the ''Rolling Stone UK'' Awards in November, Okezie was nominated for the Play Next Award, for acts they believed would "enter 2025 as firm ones to watch."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2024-11-13 |title=Here's the nominees for The Play Next Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards 2024 |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/the-play-next-award-rolling-stone-uk-awards-2024-nominees-44636/ |access-date=2025-01-06 |magazine=Rolling Stone UK |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He performed at South by Southwest in March 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |last=England |first=Adam |date=2024-12-12 |title=Big Special and Master Peace among 160 new acts added to SXSW 2025 line-up |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/big-special-master-peace-among-160-new-acts-added-sxsw-2025-line-up-3821731 |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> and supported Franz Ferdinand on the band's 2025 U.K.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=2025-06-24 |title=Franz Ferdinand release new versions of "Build It Up" (ft. Johnny Marr) and "Hooked" (ft. Master Peace Live) |url=https://www.dominomusic.com/news/us/franz-ferdinand-release-new-versions-of-build-it-up-ft-johnny-marr-and-hooked-ft-master-peace-live |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=DominoMusic.com |language=en}}</ref> and U.S. tours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holzer |first=Megan |date=2025-08-29 |title=Franz Ferdinand US Fall Tour Kicks off in September |url=https://breakingscenemedia.com/franz-ferdinand-us-fall-tour-kicks-off-in-september/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Breaking Scene Media |language=en-US}}</ref> Okezie performed the song "Hooked" live on stage with Franz Ferdinand at Barrowland in Glasgow, a performance that was subsequently released on a single.<ref name=":18" />
In January 2026, he released the single "Fuck It Up", a collaboration featuring Declan McKenna, with Okezie saying the song is about “me embracing my flaws and wanting to let kids know they don’t need to feel ashamed or embarrassed about messing up and that we’re all in it together. We’re all fuck-ups in one way or another. This idea that everyone has to be perfect, that we’re not allowed to grow and learn, just isn’t human to me."<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=19 January 2026 |title=Master Peace, Declan McKenna Combine On Raucous New Single |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/master-peace-declan-mckenna-combine-on-raucous-new-single/ |access-date=21 January 2026 |website=Clash Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Artistry == Okezie has cited M.I.A., Blood Orange,<ref name=":1" /> Santigold, the Strokes, LCD Soundsystem,<ref name=":5" /> Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys,<ref name=":6" /> Bodyrox, Princess Superstar, Friendly Fires, Justice, early Calvin Harris,<ref name=":11" /> the Veronicas, Paramore, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, the Notorious B.I.G., and Big L<ref name=":12" /> as influences.
==Personal life== Okezie suffers from peripheral neuropathy, which causes nerve pain, frailty, and numbness in his limbs.<ref name=":4" /> He also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<ref name=":12" />
==Discography== ===Albums=== * ''How to Make a Master Peace'' (2024)<ref name=":1" /> * ''If I Don't Love You, Who Will?'' (2026)
===Extended plays=== * ''Love Bites'' (2020)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=2020-11-06 |title=Master Peace - 'Love Bites' EP review: Londoner sitting pretty on the indie-pop throne |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/master-peace-love-bites-ep-review-radar-2809755 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> * ''Public Display Of Affection'' (2021)<ref name=":7" /> * ''Peace of Mind'' (2023)<ref name=":8" /> * ''How to Make a(nuva) Master Peace'' (2024)<ref name=":3" /> * ''Stupid Kids'' (2026)
===Singles=== * "The Lift" (2018)<ref name=":6" /> * "Buck Me" (2018)<ref name=":4" /> * "Night Time" (2019)<ref name=":2" /> * "Veronica" (2023)<ref name=":8" /> * ""LOO SONG" (2023)<ref name=":11" /> * "I Might Be Fake" (2023)<ref name=":9" /> * "Start You Up" (2023)<ref name=":9" /> * "LOS NARCOS" (2023)<ref name=":9" /> * "Home" (feat. Wale, 2024)<ref name=":3" /> * "I Might Be Fake-Arrr" (2024)<ref name=":10" /> * "Save Me" (2024)<ref name=":0" /> * "Dancing with a(nuva) Man" (2024)<ref name=":14" /> * "This Time" (2024)<ref name=":15" /> * "Harley" (2025) * "Shake Me Down" (2025) * "There's No More Underground" (2025) * "Spin the Block" (2025) * "Good Times" (2025) * "Fuck It Up" (feat. Declan McKenna, 2026)<ref name=":19" /> * "Love Hate" (feat. Thomas Day, 2026) * "One of One" (2026)
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:21st-century English male singers Category:Ivor Novello Award winners Category:English people of Nigerian descent Category:British rappers Category:People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people)