Phyno is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
Born and raised in Enugu State, he hails from Anambra State. Beginning his music journey as a producer in 2003, Phyno gained recognition for his rap skills in the Igbo language. His first studio album, “No Guts No Glory,” released in March 2014, featured hit singles like “Ghost Mode,” “Man of the Year,” “Parcel,” and “O Set.”
Early life and Education
Phyno, born Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike on October 9, 1986, was raised in Enugu State, Nigeria. His stage name, Phyno, was inspired by the word “phenomenal” given to him by a friend in secondary school. Despite initially aspiring to be a pilot or a doctor, he developed a passion for music production during his secondary school years, where he learned to play the drums and piano. He studied public administration at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu, where he began making money from music during his second year. Phyno has cited Mr Raw as one of his influences. He started rapping in 2010 and moved to Lagos to pursue his music career further.
Career
Phyno began recording his debut studio album, “No Guts No Glory,” in 2012. The album features collaborations with artists like Olamide, P-Square, Timaya, and Flavour N’abania, among others. His breakthrough single, “Ghost Mode,” featuring Olamide, was released in September 2012. The album’s subsequent singles, including “Man of the Year (Obago)” and “Parcel,” further solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene. Despite facing challenges, such as the ban of his music video for “Man of the Year (Obago)” by the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Phyno continued to rise in popularity.
Phyno’s success continued with the release of singles like “O Set” and “Alobam,” the latter of which garnered significant attention for its Igbo slang meaning “My Guy.” He also collaborated with Flavour on the song “Authe (Authentic)” and released solo tracks like “Yayo.” In 2015, Phyno teamed up with Olamide for the collaborative album “2 Kings.”
His sophomore album, “The Playmaker,” released in 2016, further solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s leading artists. The album featured successful tracks like “Fada Fada,” “Financial Woman,” and “So Far So Good,” which topped charts and garnered millions of views on digital platforms.
He later announced plans for his third studio album, “Deal With It,” which was released in 2019, featuring notable tracks like “Agu” and “The Bag.” Phyno remains a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry, as evidenced by his 2021 single release, “Bia.”
Phyno’s versatility as an artist is evident in his ability to seamlessly switch between rapping and singing, as well as his willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, both within Nigeria and internationally, including collaborations with Olamide, Davido, Wande Coal, and international acts like Wale and Pia Mia.
Beyond his music career, Phyno has ventured into other areas of entertainment and business. He has appeared in Nollywood movies and has been involved in endorsement deals with brands like Guinness Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
In recent years, Phyno has continued to release hit singles, including “One Chance,” “N.W.A,” and “Iwa,” further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most influential and respected artists. With his unique style, lyrical prowess, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Phyno remains a dominant force in the Nigerian music industry.
Personal life
Phyno keeps his personal life relatively private, and there isn’t extensive information available about it. However, he seems to focus primarily on his music career and maintaining a low-key lifestyle outside of the spotlight.
Influence
Phyno’s influence in the Nigerian music industry is significant, particularly within the rap and Afrobeat genres. As one of the pioneers of Igbo rap, he has played a crucial role in popularizing indigenous language rap music in Nigeria. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional Igbo sounds with contemporary beats has earned him a devoted fan base and respect from his peers.
Phyno’s success has paved the way for other indigenous language rappers and artists seeking to showcase their cultural heritage through music. He has also collaborated with numerous artists across different genres, further expanding his reach and influence within the industry.
Additionally, Phyno’s entrepreneurial spirit and success as a musician have inspired many aspiring artists to pursue their dreams in the music industry. Through his hard work, talent, and dedication, he has become not just a music icon but also a role model for young artists in Nigeria and beyond.
Net Worth
Estimated to be over 10 million dollars