Phyno

Phyno, born Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike on October 9, 1986, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of Igbo rap, blending hip hop with his native Igbo language, along with Nigerian Pidgin and English. His stage name is derived from the word "phenomenal," a nickname given to him by a secondary school friend. **Early Life and Education** A native of Anambra State, Phyno was born and raised in Enugu State, Nigeria. He developed an interest in music production during his secondary school years and began his music career as a producer in 2003. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Phyno transitioned to a performing artist, rapping primarily in Igbo, a choice he has stated reflects his respect for his culture. His debut studio album, *No Guts No Glory*, was released in March 2014. The album's success was spearheaded by singles like "Ghost Mode" (featuring Olamide), "Man of the Year," "Parcel," and "O Set." He has since released several other studio albums, including *The Playmaker* (2016), *Deal With It* (2019), *Something to Live For* (2021), and *Full Time Job* (2024). **Major Achievements and Status** Throughout his career, Phyno has secured notable awards and nominations, including multiple wins at The Headies, such as Rap Artiste of the Year. His collaborations and distinctive style have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry and the Afrobeats movement. His 2024 single "Do I" achieved success on global music charts, amassing over a million views on YouTube shortly after its release, confirming his continued relevance in contemporary music. Phyno operates under his own record label, Penthauze.