Phyno, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated rappers, has revealed why he decided to embrace his native language, Igbo, in his music. The award-winning artist explained that this decision was a turning point in his career and the reason he remains unique in the industry.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Why Phyno Chose Igbo Over English
According to Phyno, his journey started with English rap during the early days of his music career. At the time, it felt like the natural choice because English was widely accepted in the Nigerian hip-hop scene. But when he began to take music seriously as a career, he asked himself an important question:
“What am I going to sell to the world?”
Phyno realized that competing with artists in the UK or the United States using English lyrics would not make him stand out. English already belonged to them. If he tried to offer the same thing, he would be just another rapper in a crowded space. But by embracing Igbo, he had something unique that no one else could replicate.
“If I go to them and sell Igbo, it would make me valuable,” Phyno said. “Selling something they already have would make me just another artist, but offering something they don’t have would make me unique.”
How That Decision Changed His Career
Phyno’s choice to rap in Igbo was more than a language preference; it became his brand identity. The rapper carved a unique path by blending indigenous rap with modern beats, creating a style that resonated deeply with fans in Nigeria and beyond. Today, he is celebrated as one of the biggest Igbo artists in the world.
This decision not only gave him recognition in the Nigerian music industry but also helped him cross international borders with a distinct sound that represents his culture.
Phyno’s Influence on Indigenous Rap
Phyno’s success story has inspired many upcoming artists to embrace their roots. He showed that indigenous rap can compete globally when delivered with confidence and creativity. His songs have become anthems, earning millions of streams and making Igbo rap a respected subgenre within Afrobeats and hip-hop.
