Phyno
Phyno | |
|---|---|
 Phyno performing in December 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike |
| Born | 9 October 1986 Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels |
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Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike (born 9 October 1986), known as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and music producer.[1] He is originally from Anambra State, was born and grew up in Enugu State. Phyno raps mainly in the Igbo language.
Early life
Phyno grew up in Enugu State, Nigeria. His nickname came from the word "phenomenal", which a friend gave him in school. He became interested in music while in secondary school. He learned to play the drums and piano. He later studied public administration at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu. He started making money from music during his second year there.[2]
He started rapping in 2010 and later moved to Lagos to grow his music career.[3]
Career
Phyno started making music as a producer in 2003. He began recording his first album, No Guts No Glory, in 2012.[4] The album featured singers including Olamide, P-Square, Timaya, and others. It was released in March 2014 and had songs mostly in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin.
The album's first single, "Ghost Mode" featuring Olamide, was released in September 2012. The song won Best Collabo at the Headies Awards in both 2012 and 2013.[5]
The second single, "Man of the Year", was released in March 2013. It won Best Rap Single at the 2013 Headies Awards.[6]
In April 2015, Phyno and Olamide released a joint album called 2 Kings.[7]
In 2019, Phyno released the album Deal With It, which featured Olamide, Falz, Davido, Don Jazzy, and others. In 2021, he released Something to Live For. In 2024, he released Full Time Job.
Music style
Phyno raps mainly in the Igbo language. He has said he does this because he wants to respect his culture. He also uses some Nigerian Pidgin and English in his music.[8]
Films
Phyno appeared in the 2018 Nigerian film Lionheart.
Albums
- No Guts No Glory (2014)
- The Playmaker (2016)
- Deal With It (2019)
- Something to Live For (2021)
- Full Time Job (2024)
- 2 Kings (with Olamide) (2015)
Awards
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Headies | Best Collabo ("Ghost Mode") | Won |
| 2013 | The Headies | Best Rap Single ("Man of the Year") | Won |
| 2014 | The Headies | Best Rap Single ("Parcel") | Won |
| 2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Rap Artist of the Year | Won |
| 2024 | TurnTable Music Awards | Comeback of the Year | Won |
References
- ↑ "Happy birthday cheers for Phyno from Olamide, Illbliss, Lil Kesh, others". The NET. 9 October 2014.
- ↑ "I have a mad style but I am not crazy – Phyno". Daily Independent. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ↑ "I did not impregnate any artiste – Phyno". The Punch. 17 January 2014.
- ↑ "My wild hairdo? My fans love it, and that's what matters — Phyno". The Nigerian Tribune. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ↑ "Olamide, Phyno, Davido, others win big at the Headies 2013". Premium Times. 27 December 2013.
- ↑ "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". Vanguard. 27 December 2013.
- ↑ "Olamide, Phyno to collaborate on album, 2 Kings". Premium Times. 23 January 2014.
- ↑ ""I am taking Igbo rap to the next level" – Phyno". Daily Post. 8 May 2014.