Phyno made rapping in Igbo cool across Nigeria. The Enugu-raised producer-turned-rapper gave us “Man of the Year”, “Fada Fada” and “Ghost Mode”, and in 2024 made a celebrated comeback with Full Time Job.
Quick facts
| Real name | Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 October 1986, Enugu (from Anambra State) |
| Education | Public Administration, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu |
| Label | Penthauze Music |
| Albums | No Guts No Glory (2014), The Playmaker (2016), Deal With It (2019), Something to Live For (2021), Full Time Job (2024) |
| Joint album | 2 Kings with Olamide (2015) |
From the studio to the mic
Phyno started out in 2003 as a music producer in Enugu, making beats for other artists. He began rapping around 2010, and his decision to rap mainly in Igbo — mixed with Pidgin and English — set him apart from the Lagos-dominated scene.
Breakthrough
His single “Ghost Mode” with Olamide and the street anthem “Man of the Year (Obago)” made him a national name around 2012–2013. His debut album No Guts No Glory (2014), with hits like “Parcel” and “O Set” featuring P-Square, confirmed it. In 2015 he and Olamide released the joint album 2 Kings, a meeting of Igbo and Yoruba street rap.
Hits and later albums
- “Fada Fada” featuring Olamide
- “Connect”
- “Augment”
- “Vibe” featuring Flavour
- “Ride for You” featuring Davido
- “Do I” and the tracks on Full Time Job (2024)
After a quieter few years, Full Time Job (2024) won him the TurnTable Comeback of the Year award and new young fans.
Awards
He has won several Headies, including Best Rap Single for “Man of the Year” and “Parcel”, and Best Collabo for “Ghost Mode”.
