Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson, popularly known as Phyno is a Nigerian rapper and record producer. He started his musical career as a producer in 2003. He is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album, No Guts No Glory, was released in 2014. It produced the singles “Ghost Mode”, “Man of the Year”, “Parcel” and “O Set”. As a producer, he has worked with artists such as Timaya, Flavour, Ruggedman, Bracket, J Martins and Mr. Raw.
Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson was born and raised in Enugu State but he is from Awka, the capital city of Anambra state. His stage name, which is derived from the word phenomenal, was the nickname given to him by one of his high school friends named Emeka. He developed an interest for music production during his secondary school days. He initially wanted to become a pilot, but was told that he could be a doctor. Throughout high school, he learned to play the drums and piano. He also learned to create 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 at IMT. Phyno started rapping in 2010 and relocated to Lagos to continue his music career.
Phyno started recording his debut studio album, No Guts No Glory, in 2012. 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.
On 25 September 2012, he released “Ghost Mode” as the album’s lead single. The song features Olamide and was released to critical acclaim. It won Best Collabo at both the 2012 The Headies Awards and 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The music video for “Ghost Mode” was released on 7 December 2012. It was shot and directed in Lagos by Clarence Peters.
In June 2013, he performed for 25 minutes in Owerri as part of the Star Music Trek tour. Phyno toured with D’banj, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Vector, Pucado, Seyi Shay, Show Dem Camp, Kay Switch and Sean Tizzle as a supporting act on the Hennessy Artistry 2013 Club Tour.
“Parcel”, the third single off the album, was released on 11 October 2013. The song was originally titled “Parcel”. The music video for “Parcel” was released on 19 February 2014 and shot by Clarence Peters. On 4 March 2014, “O Set” was announced as the album’s fourth single. The song was produced by WizzyPro and features P-Square. The music video for the song was directed by Jude Engees Okoye and uploaded onto YouTube at approximately 4 minutes.
In April 2014, he performed at the 2014 edition of the Star Music Trek tour in Nsukka, Enugu State.
On 22 May 2014, he released the music video for “Alobam” which was directed by Clarence Peters. The song, which is an Igbo slang for “My Guy”, was produced by Major Bangz. In the video, Phyno paid tribute to some of his peers including Ice Prince, Flavour, P-Square, Olamide and J Martins. 
On 31 August 2014, Thisday reported that Phyno became an ambassador of Guinness Nigeria’s Made of Black campaign alongside Olamide and Eva Alordiah. He performed at the campaign’s launch and was featured in the campaign’s television commercial. On 2 September 2014, he released the Clarence Peters directed visuals to his “Authe (Authentic)” song with Flavour N’abania. On 7 October 2014, he released the Major Bangz produced “Yayo”. The song debuted at number 8 on the Pulse Music Video Charts. The music video for the song, directed by Clarence Peters, premiered on 5 January 2015. He also featured in Yemi Alade’s ‘taking over me’. Phyno’s collaborative album with Olamide, titled 2 Kings, was released on 1 April 2015. Plans for the album were first announced in January 2014 by both rappers via social media.
Phyno has both been nominated and won a series of awards like;
- The Headies for Best Rap Single and Best Collabo in 2013 & Best Rap Single 2014
- Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Collabo 2013
- City People Entertainment Award for Rap Artiste of the year 2014
The people’s man, our very own home boy (Alobam) is widely known as the ambassador of rap music in the Igbo Language.He said he raps in Igbo because he respects his culture and loves being himself. Although he primarily raps in Igbo, he combines a bit of Nigerian Pidgin and English in his music. Phyno believes that the element of music makes it borderless.
Among the numerous things I like about Phyno is his control of the streets. Hail PHYNO!!!
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