Phyno

Phyno
Phyno performing at Guaranty Trust Bank's Annual Year End Concert in December 2014
Background information
Birth name	Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson
Born	(1986-10-09) 9 October 1986 (age 30) Enugu State, Nigeria
Genres	Igbo rap, hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer songwriter record producer
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Sputnet Records, Penthauze Music
Associated acts	Illbliss De Boss Olamide Flavour N'abania Clarence Peters Chidinma Mr Raw Nwanne Bracket

Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson (born 9 October 1986), better known by his stage name Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter 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. His stage name Phyno, which is derived from the word phenomenal, was the nickname given to him by one of his high school friends named Emeka. Phyno 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 told Ifeoma Onoye that Mr. Raw is one of the few people he looks up to. 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. Phyno told Joan Omionawle and Netwon-Ray Ukwuoma of the Nigerian Tribune that rapping in his native language is his strong suit.