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PHYNO

A Biography of Phyno

Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, known worldwide as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is celebrated as one of the pioneers of indigenous rap music in Nigeria, renowned for his exceptional ability to rap fluently in the Igbo language. His stage name, "Phyno," derived from the word 'phenomenal,' aptly describes his impact on the African music scene. He has successfully bridged the gap between traditional sounds and modern hip-hop, becoming a cultural icon and a powerhouse in the industry.

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Early Life and Education

Phyno was born on October 9, 1986, in Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State, Nigeria, although his family hails from Anambra State. He was the fourth of five children. He initially dreamed of becoming a pilot but developed a passion for music during his secondary school days. He learned to play the drums and piano and began creating his own renditions of every song he heard.

He studied Public Administration at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, where he first started profiting from his musical talent.

Music Career: From Producer to Rapper

Phyno's professional music career began in Enugu as a producer in 2003. He worked behind the scenes for several years, producing for notable artists like Flavour, Timaya, and Bracket. In 2010, he decided to move to Lagos to pursue his career further and made the pivotal decision to transition from being a producer to a recording artist.

His breakout moment as a rapper came in 2012 with the release of the single "Ghost Mode," a monumental collaboration with Olamide. The track was a massive critical and commercial success, celebrated for its powerful delivery in both Igbo and Yoruba. This song established him as a major force in Nigerian hip-hop and set the stage for his debut album.

His debut studio album, "No Guts No Glory," was released in 2014. The album was a landmark project for indigenous rap and featured a string of hits, including "Man of the Year (Obago)," "Parcel (A Big Nwa)," and the anthem "Alobam."

Phyno has since demonstrated incredible versatility, seamlessly blending rapping with singing. He has released several successful albums, including:

"The Playmaker" (2016), which featured the smash-hit single "Fada Fada" (feat. Olamide).
"Deal With It" (2019).
"Something to Live For" (2021).

He is also known for his highly successful collaborative album with Olamide, titled "2 Kings" (2015), a project that remains a fan favorite.

Penthauze Music and Recognition

Phyno is the founder and head of his own record label, Penthauze Music. The label has been instrumental in nurturing new talents from the eastern part of Nigeria, including artists like Superboy Cheque and Rhatti.

His work has earned him numerous awards and nominations, including:

Multiple wins at The Headies Awards, including Best Rap Single and Song of the Year for "Fada Fada."
Multiple wins at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
He is also the creative mind behind Phyno Fest, an annual music festival held in Enugu that draws tens of thousands of fans, making it one of the biggest music festivals in Nigeria.

Phyno's influence extends beyond music; he is celebrated for putting Igbo language and culture on the global map through his art, inspiring a new generation of indigenous rappers.