Phyno
Biography
Phyno, born Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike on October 9 1986 in Enugu State, is a Nigerian rapper and record producer who distinguished himself by pioneering a form of Afrobeats-infused hip-hop delivered primarily in Igbo, his native language. He moved to Lagos from Enugu in search of musical opportunity and worked as a producer before his debut mixtape and subsequent material demonstrated that he was equally compelling as a performer. His willingness to rap predominantly in Igbo in a market dominated by English and Pidgin was a deliberate and celebrated artistic choice. His debut album No Guts No Glory (2014) was widely acclaimed and produced major hits including Ghost (featuring Olamide), which became a landmark in Afrobeats hip-hop. The album demonstrated Phyno's ability to weave intricate Igbo wordplay and proverbs into contemporary beats. Subsequent albums including The Playmaker (2016) and Deal With It (2018) confirmed his status as one of the most consistent and accomplished artists in Nigerian music. Phyno has won multiple Headies Awards and was named Best Rapper at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards on several occasions. His partnership and friendship with Olamide has produced some of the most celebrated collaborative music in Nigerian hip-hop, including the joint album 2Kings (2015). He founded the Penthauze label and has developed artists from the Igbo-speaking southeast. He is regarded as the most successful rapper to insist on Igbo as his primary lyrical language, making him a cultural icon across southeastern Nigeria.
