Phyno, a Nigerian rapper, singer, and record producer, started his music career in 2003. Originally from Enugu State with familial ties to Anambra State, he is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His 2014 debut album “No Guts No Glory” included hits like “Ghost Mode” and “Man of the Year,” cementing his status in the Nigerian music industry.
Phyno Biography
| Full Name: | Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson |
| Stage Name: | Phyno |
| Born: | October 9, 1986 (age: 37 years old) |
| Birth Place: | Enugu State |
| State Of Origin: | Anambra State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Record Label: | Penthauze Music |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Net Worth: | $10 Million |
Early Life
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike (born October 9, 1986), known professionally as Phyno, hails from Anambra State but was born and raised in Enugu State. His stage name is derived from the word “phenomenal,” a nickname given to him by a friend during his secondary school years.
Education
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike‘s journey to success began while studying public administration at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu. During his second year, he started earning money from his music, a testament to his early talent and dedication.
Career
Phyno, the Nigerian rapper and music producer, began his rap career in 2010 and soon moved to Lagos to advance his music journey. In 2012, he started working on his debut studio album, “No Guts No Glory.” This album was a significant project, featuring collaborations with artists like Stormrex, Omawumi, Olamide, Efa, P-Square, Timaya, Flavour N’abania, Mr. Raw, M.I., Ice Prince, and Runtown. The album’s content primarily consisted of songs in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin, blending his cultural roots with contemporary rap styles.
The lead single from the album, ‘Ghost Mode,’ featuring Olamide, was a testament to Phyno’s talent and was released on September 25, 2012. The track was a hit, winning Best Collaboration at The Headies in 2012 and again at the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The accompanying music video for ‘Ghost Mode,’ directed by Clarence Peters, was a visual masterpiece filmed in Lagos. It showcased Phyno’s ability to captivate audiences with his music and visuals.
He released the album’s second single, “Man of the Year (Obago),” on March 23, 2013, which went on to win Best Rap Single at The Headies 2013. Phyno’s performances gained traction; in June 2013, he performed a 25-minute set in Owerri as part of the Star Music Trek tour. He also joined the 2013 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour, sharing the stage with notable artists like D’banj, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Vector, and others.
The “Man of the Year (Obago)” music video was uploaded to YouTube on August 20, 2013. Still, the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation banned it from broadcasting the following month. Despite the ban, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike released new music, including the third single from the album, “Parcel,” on October 11, 2013. The track’s music video, also directed by Clarence Peters, came out on February 19, 2014.
Following “Parcel,” Phyno released “O Set” as the fourth single from “No Guts No Glory” on March 4, 2014. The song, produced by WizzyPro and featuring P-Square, had its music video directed by Jude Engees Okoye. In 2014, Phyno continued to drop music videos, including “Alobam,” directed by Clarence Peters, and “Authe (Authentic),” featuring Flavour. His track “Yayo,” released on October 7, 2014, peaked at number 8 on the Pulse Music Video charts.
2015 Phyno and Olamide released their collaborative album “2 Kings.” The duo launched the album via social media, generating significant fan buzz. He also announced plans to release his third studio album, “Deal With It,” in March 2019. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Olamide, Falz, Davido, Don Jazzy, Zoro, Runtown, and Teni. Supported by singles like “Agu” and “The Bag,” “Deal With It” showed Phyno’s continued growth in the music industry.
In July 2021, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike released the single “Bia,” continuing his trend of consistent music production. His journey from Lagos to becoming a major figure in the Nigerian rap scene showcases his talent, persistence, and ability to collaborate with other top artists.
Discography
Studio Albums
- No Guts No Glory (2014)
- The Playmaker (2016)
- Deal With It (2019)
- Something to Live For (2021)
Collaborative albums
2 Kings (with Olamide) (2015)
Personal Life
As far as we know, Phyno is not married at this time.
Phyno Awards
- 2013: Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Ghost Mode (featuring Olamide) – Best Collabo
- 2013: The Headies – Ghost Mode (featuring Olamide) – Best Collabo
- 2013: The Headies: Man of the Year – Best Rap Single
- 2013: The Headies: Parcel – Best Rap Single
- 2014: City People Entertainment Awards – Rap Artiste of the Year
Social Media
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Net Worth
Phyno, whose birth name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, is a renowned Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on October 9, 1986, in Enugu State, Nigeria. With hits like “Fada Fada,” “Connect,” and “Alobam,” Phyno has become one of the most successful musicians in Nigeria. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $10 million.
FAQs
How many awards has Phyno won?
Nigerian rapper Phyno has won 5 awards, including:
2012 The Headies Awards: Best Collabo
2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best Collabo
2015 Headies Awards: Best Rap Album
2022 African Musik Magazine Awards: Best Male Rap Act
Does Phyno have a child?
No, The Igbo rapper has no known children in the Public Domain.
Do Phyno have a wife?
As far as we know, Phyno is not married at this time.
How did Phyno make his money?
He has earned most of his wealth through his successful music career and endorsement deals with major brands such as Guinness Nigeria.
How old is Phyno?
He is 37 years of age. He was born on October 9, 1986.