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Tag: PHYNO

  • Phyno announces return to Enugu for ‘Phyno Fest’ 2025 

    Phyno announces return to Enugu for ‘Phyno Fest’ 2025 

    Award-winning rapper Phyno has confirmed his annual Phyno Fest concert will return to Enugu in November 2025.

    The musician made the announcement during a courtesy visit to Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah, where he praised the governor’s development efforts in the state.

    “The state governor is doing an amazing job. Everywhere looks so different and I’m proud of him”, he said.

    Phyno, renowned for his unique Igbo flow, has consistently sold out his Phyno Fest concerts at the 60,000-capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium.

    Governor Mbah has pledged his support for the upcoming event, emphasising the government’s commitment to promoting local talent and showcasing Enugu’s rich culture.

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    The governor in a statement, wrote: “I had the pleasure of receiving our very own Chibuzor Azubuike @phynofino, a renowned rapper, singer, and songwriter who was born and raised on the soil of Enugu. We had a fruitful discussion about his upcoming music concert, Phyno Fest, in Enugu later in November this year.

    “As a government, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting talents that celebrate our culture and position Enugu State on the global stage. In line with this commitment, we will fully support Phyno to ensure the success of this much-anticipated event”.

    The highly anticipated Phyno Fest 2025 is expected to draw thousands of music lovers to Enugu. 

  • Phyno applauds modern parents for nurturing children’s talents

    Phyno applauds modern parents for nurturing children’s talents

    Rapper Phyno has expressed his admiration for the current generation of parents and their supportive attitude towards their children’s talents.

    In an interview on the “In My Opinion Podcast,” he reflected on his own experiences, noting that he initially faced resistance from his parents when he chose to pursue a music career.

    “My parents didn’t support my career when I first started. It’s different now,” he said.

    However, he noted that times have changed, and modern parents now recognise the value of nurturing their children’s passions.

    Phyno highlighted the contrast between the past and present, where children were often punished for pursuing their interests.

    “I think the generation after my parents understands what it means to support their children’s talent and knows that there is something special about a child who loves music, or a child who loves to play ball.

    “Then, when parents come home and see you playing ball, they beat you and seize the ball and give you punishment. Do you understand me?

    “I’m just trying to say that era and this era are different. Now any father who sees his son can play ball and enrols him in an academy. Some, at 1 year old already buy you a ball and say you must play ball like Neymar,” he explained.

    Read Also: Why I rap in Igbo – Phyno

    He attributed the shift to the growing recognition of creative careers as viable paths and increased opportunities and financial rewards in industries like music and sports.

    Phyno acknowledged his parents’ skepticism was rooted in limited opportunities and stigma associated with creative careers in the past.

    “Different generations, you know and I also don’t blame my parents. I’m sure that the money in music now was never in music then. They also look at people who did music back then as useless people. As people who just wanted to carry dreadlocks and walk around. But now everyone sees the talent and a gift to be shared with the world, and shout-out to this era of parents”, he said.

  • Why marriages of most musicians crash – Phyno

    Why marriages of most musicians crash – Phyno

    Rapper Phyno has opened up about the challenges of balancing music careers with marriage.

    He described music as a “jealous and tasking” profession that demands full attention.

    According to Phyno, statistics show that many careers of celebrities decline after marriage.

    He attributed this to the all-consuming nature of music, which requires sacrifices, including time and energy.

    Phyno emphasised that juggling music with other commitments, including marriage, is incredibly difficult.

    He noted that even those who manage to balance both deserve recognition.

    Speaking in a recent episode of the In My Opinion podcast, Phyno said: “Check everybody, statistically, I feel so [most celebrities’ careers crash when they get married.

    Read Also: Why I rap in Igbo – Phyno

    “Music basically is a jealous career. That’s why people drop out of school to face music. The ones that had to juggle the two, you have to give them kudos because it’s not easy. Sometimes, some people get to a certain fame level and rush back to school and come back to continue from where they stopped because you have to actually face one. Music is tasking; it takes all your time.

    “Another thing about music is that it is what you pass through that you put into it—life experiences—except if you use songwriters. But if you write your songs, you can’t be talking about happiness when you’ve got a girlfriend that’s stressing you.”

  • Why I rap in Igbo – Phyno

    Why I rap in Igbo – Phyno

    Rapper Phyno has explained why he chose to rap in his native Igbo dialect instead of English.

    On the ‘In My Opinion’ podcast, Phyno shared that his initial inspiration came from Western artists.

    However, he said he realised he needed to offer something unique to stand out.

    According to him, the decision was influenced by the desire to showcase his culture and heritage.

    He said he wanrs to sell something unique to the world, recognising that English is already dominated by Western artists.

    Phyno said growing up in a highlife-influenced neighborhood also played a role in his decision. 

    Read Also: Do not compare me with Olamide, Phyno warns fans

    According to him: “Growing up, I listened to emcees that were very lyrical like the Busta Rhymes, the Jay-Zs, the 2Pacs, the Biggies and the rest. I listened to everything. I had that Western influence in my music but then at some point in my life when I was still trying to find myself, I was rapping in English, too.

    “But when I got to a point where I had to make a career out of this, I asked myself a simple question, “What am I going to sell to the world? If I go to the UK, will I sell English to them? They own English language.’ If I go to America right now, I am selling Igbo to them. That’s what it’s. So you have to sell something that they don’t have. I can’t come to your country and sell what you already have. But if I sell what you don’t have, it will be unique.

    “I grew up in a highlife influenced neighbourhood. I make sure that I incorporate all the influences into my music and art. I have started wearing the Igbo traditional attire because I have to look different, I have to represent my culture.”

  • Do not compare me with Olamide, Phyno warns fans

    Do not compare me with Olamide, Phyno warns fans

    Renowned Indigenous rapper Phyno has issued a stern warning to fans, requesting they halt comparisons between him and fellow artist Olamide or any other rapper.

    Phyno’s warning followed a question from an X user’s post, @TheDamiForeign, asking: “When it comes to rap, who’s the GOAT? Phyno versus Olamide.”

    Read Also: Phyno releases Full Time Job as 5th album

    Phyno responded by quoting the tweet: “Yo!!! Tf is wrong with u guys for God’s sake. Stop putting me up against my brother or anybody else for that matter. Do your banter with someone else.. na ala adi agba unu.. wtf”.

    Phyno and Olamide, frequent collaborators, have been subjected to comparisons due to their similar styles, with both rapping in their native languages (Igbo and Yoruba).

  • Phyno releases Full Time Job as 5th album

    Phyno releases Full Time Job as 5th album

    Nigerian rapper and singer, Chibuzor Azubuike aka Phyno will release his highly-anticipated album, ‘Full Time Job’ today, October 4.

    The 37-year-old indigenous rhymer has been teasing his fans with latest tunes in the body of work for some months.

    According to Phyno, the fifth studio album is to showcase new sounds and genres influenced by his personal experiences over the years.

    “This album is a masterpiece that did not happen by chance. I have made music my Full Time Job,” Phyno stated. “Every music I make is inspired by my daily experiences. Where I was in 2019 or 2021 isn’t where I am now.”

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    On the album, Phyno features UK rapper, ArrDee on a song entitled, ‘Time of My Life.’

    A statement by his management team revealed that the collaboration with the UK rapper came to life in London, where both artists crafted the song together in the studio.

    According to Phyno’s management, “The title of the album encapsulates the time, sacrifices, and sleepless nights that have shaped his journey as an artist. Full Time Job features 15 tracks that highlight Phyno’s lyrical prowess and innovative production. Known for his ability to seamlessly merge hip-hop with Afrobeats, this album is expected to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners alike.”

  • Phyno, Arrdee team up for time of my life

    Phyno, Arrdee team up for time of my life

    Boasting of an illustrious career spanning a decade since his debut and widely regarded as a Maestro in the Nigerian entertainment scene, Phyno is set to take centre stage once again with the release of his latest single “Time of our Lives” featuring Brighton-born UK rap star, Arrdee.

    On “Time of My Life” Phyno reaffirms his status as an artiste who is ardent on exporting his culture through music, as he blends his native Southern Nigeria dialect with English, thereby paying obeisance to his Igbo roots. With Ardee delivering an impeccable flow, the track exudes braggadocio, celebrating confidence and lyrical mastery.

    Arrdee, known for his rapid rise in the UK rap circuit, adds an electrifying compliment to the song, which sees him attempt to throw in sprinkles of bars in Igbo language. The collaboration showcased the duo’s seamless synergy, making “Time of Our Life” a standout record of empowerment, and confidence, and making it a perfect single in the build-up to the release of Phyno’s forthcoming fifth studio album.

    Read Also: Alpha P features Olamide in a new single after joining Phyno’s Penthauze

     Phyno, born Chibuzor Nelson Azubike, is a Nigerian-born Rapper, Songwriter and CEO of the indigenous music imprint, Penthauze Music. Influenced by rap icons like 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G and hometown heroes like Mr RAW and MC Loph, Phyno admired their raw, authentic delivery and aspired to bring that same energy to his music.

    Phyno began his musical journey in 2010 during a period when Nigerian rap music began flourishing. His first introduction to the Nigerian Mainstream came through the monstrous classic record ‘Anam Achi Kwanu’ where he was featured by the veteran rapper Illbliss. He has also collaborated with other industry heavyweights such as Naeto C, M.I Abaga, Flavour, Timaya, and many others, setting the tone for his musical trajectory. Despite early scepticism from purists, Phyno’s blending of rap and Indigenous sounds was revolutionary, leading to the successful crossover of Indigenous rap into mainstream Nigerian music.

    His breakthrough single, “Ghost Mode” featuring Olamide in 2012, cemented his position as one of the leading shapers of the modern Nigerian rap music culture. His debut album, ‘No Guts, No Glory’ (2014), fused brash, confident rap with more personal and communal themes, further establishing him as a formidable force in African music. Songs like “Fada Fada” and albums like ‘The Playmaker’ and ‘Deal With It’ further demonstrated his versatility, embracing both rap and Highlife influences.

    With over a decade and counting in the game, Phyno now sets his gaze on global acclaim, seeking to even push more boundaries with his talent and ability to merge genres while remaining true to his roots. “Time of Our Lives” begins Phyno’s journey to becoming an enduring influence on the global music landscape.

  • Phyno, Spyro release new collab song ‘Shut down’

    Phyno, Spyro release new collab song ‘Shut down’

    Singers Spyro and Phyno,l have collaborated on a new song titled ‘Shut Down’.

    The duo joined forces to unveil their latest musical masterpiece today, March 29. 

    The track exudes energy from start to finish captivating fans with its dynamic fusion of Afro pop and highlife sounds.

    Spyro and Phyno’s chemistry shines throughout the song, as they effortlessly deliver powerful performances that perfectly complement each other.

    Read Also: Phyno releases video to collabration with Burna Boy

    “Shut Down” showcases Spyro and Phyno’s exceptional vocal prowess and lyrical finesse, coupled with Mr. Soul’s finesse on production.

    The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Spyro’s career as he continues to push boundaries and redefine the contemporary music scene.

    To inform fans of the new release, Spyro wrote on his Instagram page: “The moment is upon us. I hereby declare a worldwide #SHUTDOWN to take effect immediately. Everyone stay home and mount your post…It is dangerous to be outside and not streaming right now”.

  • Phyno releases video to collabration with Burna Boy

    Phyno releases video to collabration with Burna Boy

    Nigerian rap prodigy and songwriter, Phyno has officially released the music video for his infectious song, “Do I” remix featuring Burna Boy.

     Director Pink directed the visual, which was filmed on the streets of Lagos. In the video, skitmaker Burns adds a hilarious touch with his cameo, infusing the clip with his distinctive humour.

     According to the artiste, the video is an unrelenting explosion of street-hop energy, opulence, and a bold disregard for societal norms.

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     “The “Do I” remix video sends a powerful message about staying authentic and chasing your dreams, irrespective of others’ opinions. The lyrics, a fusion of Phyno’s Igbo rap and Burna Boy’s Afrofusion swagger encapsulate this sentiment perfectly,” he said.

  • Highlife music moulded me, says Phyno

    Highlife music moulded me, says Phyno

    Rapper Phyno has said that highlife genre of music moulded him as an entertainer.

     Phyno made this revelation during a recent podcast.

    The Enugu-born star said he was raised in a neighbourhood where highlife music was mostly played yet he turned out to become a rapper.

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    “The Highlife music actually moulded me, it moulded my versatility,” said Phyno. “Growing up, that’s all you hear in my neighbourhood from different windows but even as a young boy growing up, I didn’t want to be a highlife musician, I wanted to rap because hip hop was trendy, the lifestyle and I really wanted to rap.”

    Phyno said he made more money producing music for people, who were into highlife music.

     “When I started producing I was making a lot of money off production then I realised that the people that paid me more were not hip hop artists. The people that were paying me more were like highlife musicians and not hip hop artists. That was when I grew into it and loved the melodies.”