Phyno | |
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![]() Phyno performing in December 2014 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike[1] |
Also known as | Obiago |
Born | Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria[2] | 9 October 1986
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2003–present |
Labels |
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Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike Ezege (Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer.[3][4] Phyno was born and raised in Enugu State but is a native of Anambra State. He started his music career as a producer in 2003, and is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album No Guts No Glory, which was released in March 2014, yielded the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set".[5]
; born 9 October 1986), who is known professionally as Phyno, is aLife and music career
A native of Anambra State of the Igbo tribe, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike was born and raised in Enugu State, southeastern part of Nigeria. His stage moniker came from the word phenomenal, which one of his friends from secondary school had given him. Phyno developed an interest in music production during his secondary school days. He initially wanted to become a pilot, but was told that he could be a doctor. He learned to play the drums and piano throughout secondary school and created his own rendition of every recording he heard. He studied public administration at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu, and started profiting from music during his second year there. Phyno told Ifeoma Onoye that Mr Raw is one of the few people he looks up to.[6][7] Phyno started rapping in 2010 and relocated to Lagos State, southwest Nigeria to further his music career.[8]
Phyno started recording his debut studio album, No Guts No Glory, in 2012.[2] The album features guest appearances from Stormrex, Omawumi, Olamide, Efa, P-Square, Timaya, Flavour N'abania, Mr Raw, M.I, Ice Prince and Runtown. It was primarily recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The Olamide-assisted track "Ghost Mode" was released on 25 September 2012, as the album's lead single.[9] The song won Best Collabo at both The Headies 2012 and 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[10] On 7 December 2012, Phyno released the music video for "Ghost Mode", which was filmed in Lagos by Clarence Peters.[11] Sputnet Records released the album's second single, "Man of the Year (Obago)", on 23 March 2013.[12] The song won Best Rap Single at the 2013 Headies Awards.[13]
In June 2013, Phyno performed for 25 minutes in Owerri as part of the Star Music Trek tour.[14] As a supporting act on the 2013 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour, he toured with D'banj, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Vector, Pucado, Seyi Shay, Show Dem Camp, Kay Switch and Sean Tizzle.[15] The music video for "Man of the Year (Obago)" was uploaded to YouTube on 20 August 2013. It was also shot and directed by Peters in Abakpa Nike and features a cameo appearance from Illbliss. In September 2013, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation banned the music video from being broadcast.[16] The album's third single "Parcel", originally titled "Parcel (a Big Nwa)", was released on 11 October 2013. The music video for "Parcel" was shot by Peters and released on 19 February 2014.
"O Set" was released as the album's fourth single on 4 March 2014. The song was produced by WizzyPro and features vocals by P-Square.[17] The music video for the song was directed by Jude Engees Okoye.[18] On 22 May 2014, Phyno released the music video for "Alobam", which was directed by Peters. "Alobam" was produced by Major Bangz and is an Igbo slang for "My Guy".[19] On 2 September 2014, Phyno released the video for his "Authe (Authentic)" song with Flavour.[20] On 7 October 2014, he released the Major Bangz-produced track "Yayo", which debuted at number 8 on the Pulse Music Video charts.[21][22] Phyno performed at the 2014 edition of the Star Music Trek tour in Nsukka, Enugu State.[23][24] The Peters-directed music video for "Yayo" premiered on 5 January 2015.[25] Opeoluwani Akintayo of The Daily Times of Nigeria gave the video an overall rating of 8 of 10, commending its use of props.[26]
Phyno's collaborative album with Olamide, titled 2 Kings, was released on 1 April 2015. Both rappers announced plans for the album's release on social media.[27] Phyno announced plans to release his third studio album, Deal With It, in March 2019. Supported by the singles "Agu" and "The Bag", the album features guest appearances from Olamide, Falz, Davido, Don Jazzy, Zoro, Runtown and Teni.[28] In July 2021, Phyno released the single "Bia".[29]
Artistry
Phyno told the Nigerian Tribune he raps in Igbo because he respects his culture and loves being himself. Although he primarily raps in Igbo, he incorporates a bit of Nigerian Pidgin and English into his music. Phyno believes the elements of music make it borderless.[30]
Discography
Studio albums
- No Guts No Glory (2014)
- The Playmaker (2016)
- Deal With It (2019)
- Something to Live For (2021)
Collaborative albums
Filmography
Film | |||
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Year | Film | Role | Notes |
2018 | Lionheart | as Obiora | Movie |
Awards and nominations
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals[a] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Wins | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nominations | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note
|
MTV Africa Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Himself | Best Hip-hop | Nominated | [31] |
Channel O Music Video Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | "Alobam" | Most Gifted Hip-hop | Nominated | [32] |
City People Entertainment Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Himself | Rap Artiste of the Year | Won | [33] |
No Guts No Glory | Rap Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
2013 | "Ghost Mode" (featuring Olamide) |
Best Collabo of the Year | Nominated | [34] |
Himself | Best Rap Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Himself | Best Rap Act of the Year | Nominated | [35] |
2013 | Best Rap Act of the Year | Nominated | [36] | |
"Ghost Mode" (featuring Olamide) |
Best Collabo | Won | [37] |
African Muzik Magazine Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | Himself | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [38] |
Best Rap Act | Nominated |
Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA)
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | "Man of the Year" | Best Afro Hip Hop Video | Nominated | [39] |
The Headies
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Himself | Artiste of the Year | Nominated | [40] |
Phyno for "Alobam" | Best Street-Hop Artiste | Nominated | ||
No Guts No Glory | Best Rap Album | Nominated | ||
Album of the Year | Nominated | |||
"Parcel" | Best Rap Single | Won | ||
"Dope Money" (Olamide featuring Phyno) |
Nominated | |||
2013 | Himself | Next Rated | Nominated | [41] |
Lyricist on the Roll | Nominated | |||
"Ghost Mode" (featuring Olamide) |
Best Collabo | Won | [42] | |
"Ezioku" (Lynxxx featuring Ikechukwu, Illbliss, and Phyno) |
Nominated | [41] | ||
"Man of the Year" | Best Rap Single | Won | [42] | |
"Anam Achi Kwanu" (Illbliss featuring Phyno) |
Nominated | [41] | ||
"Ghost Mode" (featuring Olamide) |
Nominated | |||
2012 | "Shutdown" | Best Rap Single | Nominated | [43] |
Phyno (for "Shutdown") | Lyricist on the Roll | Nominated |
NET Honours
Year | Nominee/work | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Himself | Most Searched Musician (male) | Nominated | [44] |
"HighWay" (DJ Kaywise featuring Phyno) | Most played alternative song | Nominated |
See also
References
- ^ "Phyno Biography". amdb.co. Archived from the original on 23 August 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
- ^ a b "My wild hairdo? My fans love it, and that's what matters —Phyno". The Nigerian Tribune. 3 May 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Happy birthday cheers for Phyno from Olamide, Illbliss, Lil Kesh, others". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
- ^ "Lionheart cast". IMDb. 8 January 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "Music has no language – Phyno". Vanguard. 30 June 2014. Archived from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ Ononye, Ifeoma. "I have a mad style but I am not crazy –Phyno". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ Akande, Victor (7 July 2013). "PHYNO:M.I, Mr Raw made me". The Nation. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (17 January 2014). "I did not impregnate any artiste –Phyno". The Punch. Archived from the original on 10 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ O, Ovie (25 September 2012). "PREMIERE: Phyno ft Olamide – GhostMode". NotjustOk. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ Release, Press (27 December 2013). "Olamide, Phyno, Davido, others win big at the Headies 2013". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
- ^ "New Video: Phyno Feat. Olamide – Ghost Mode". Bellanaija. 7 December 2012. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Premier: Phyno – Man of The Year (Obago)". NotjustOk. 23 March 2013. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". 27 December 2013.
- ^ "Phyno Turns Phenomenal in Owerri". This Day. 30 June 2013. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Olamide, Phyno, Chidinma to join D'banj for Hennessy artistry 2013". Premium Times. 17 August 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "NBC bans Wizkid & Phyno's song: "Olamide & Wande Coal should be banned too" Charles Novia reacts". Royal Times. 18 September 2013. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Phyno ft. P-Square – O Set (Pro. WizzyPro)". NotjustOk. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Watch Phyno x P-Square's 'O Set' Video". Okay Africa. 8 June 2014. Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ Okoth-Obbo, Vanessa (28 March 2014). "Phyno Hits The Streets In 'Alobam'". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2014.
- ^ "Video: Phyno Feat. Flavour – Authe". Naij News. 4 September 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Yayo – Single by Phyno". iTunes. 7 October 2014. Archived from the original on 5 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ Tayo, Ayomide (30 January 2015). "Phyno, Olamide, Waje, storm the charts". Pulse. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ "Olamide, Phyno in sensational collabo". Thee Nation. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ "Star Trek: 2face, Olamide, Naeto C, Phyno, others thrill Nsukka fans". The Nation. 1 April 2014. Archived from the original on 30 August 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ Oyewusi, Siji (5 January 2015). "Phyno releases video for his 2014 hit, 'Yayo'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ Akintayo, Opeoluwani (2 April 2015). "Yayo By Phyno: A Battle Of Talents". Daily Times of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
- ^ "Olamide, Phyno to collaborate on album, 2 Kings". Premium Times. 23 January 2014. Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ Aderemi, Adewojumi (29 August 2019). "s Tracklist For His Forthcoming Album, 'Deal With It'". Konbini. Archived from the original on 31 August 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
- ^ Edeme, Victoria (10 July 2021). "Fans hail Phyno on new single 'Bia'". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ Filani, Omotola (8 May 2014). ""I am taking Igbo rap to the next level" – Phyno". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 10 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
- ^ "Full List of MTV MAMA 2015 Award Nominees". Daily Independent. 17 September 2015. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- ^ "Cassper Nyovest rules the Channel O Music Video Awards nominees". Sunday World. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
- ^ Jasanya, Olamide (24 June 2014). "Who won what at City People Entertainment Awards 2014". thenet.ng. Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
- ^ "Ice Prince, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Sarkodie, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Yvonne Okoro, Tonto Dikeh & BellaNaija Nominated for the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards – See the Full List". Bellanaija. 19 June 2013. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
- ^ Abimboye, Micheal (31 May 2014). "Pop duo, Skuki, reject Nigerian Entertainment Awards nomination". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^ "Nigerian Entertainment Award announces 2013 nominees". premiumtimesng.com. 31 August 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ^ "Nigerian Entertainment Awards: Nadia, Dumelo and Sarkodie win". Ghanaweb. 2 September 2013. Archived from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- ^ "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
- ^ "Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA 2013) Winners List". Tooxclusive. 16 November 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- ^ Ochugba, Mary (10 October 2014). "The Headies unveils 2014 nominees". Business Day. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
- ^ a b c "Olamide wins big @ Headies 2013 + full list of winners". Vanguard. 27 December 2013. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Olamide, Phyno, Davido, others win big at the Headies 2013". Premium Times. 27 December 2013. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ^ Mgbolu, Charles (28 August 2012). "Psquare, Bez lead Headies 2012 nominees list". Vanguard. Archived from the original on 24 February 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 7 September 2021.