The renowned Nigerian Igbo rapper and singer Phyno, whose name is Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike Ezege, has always embodied the spirit of unequal resilience and authenticity in the Nigerian music industry. From his humble beginnings in Enugu State, where he held a grassroots admiration, to becoming one of the country’s most celebrated artists, his journey had been marked by his unmutilated commitment to his roots, his craft, and his fans. With his groundbreaking use of the Igbo language in rap, which he is known for, his music transcended linguistic barriers, phenomenally resonating with listeners across Nigeria and the globe.

Initially, Phyno’s early dreams had a slim connection with music. As a young boy, he aspired to be a pilot; then he later considered becoming a doctor. However, destiny had other plans and a different path for him. His interest in music production was ignited during his secondary school years when he learned to play the drums and piano with other common musical instruments, and he began recreating every recording he stumbled upon. What started as a household hobby quickly but very interestingly turned into a passion, leading him to pursue a career in music production in 2003.

By 2014, Phyno had already secured his place in the Nigerian music industry with the release of his debut album, No Guts No Glory. It showcased his rare blend of rap, cultural pride, and instructive storytelling. Later in the years, he released a string of successful albums—The Playmaker in 2016, then Deal With It in 2019, while Something to Live For came to fruition in 2021 —each one pushing creative boundaries while staying true to his Igbo heritage, which is indicative of his origin.

In 2024, Phyno had made yet another significant impact. On 4th October, he released his highly anticipated album, Full Time Job. This 15-track masterpiece, which was his largest body of work yet, was a mixture of rich and bold statements of artistic evolution. Phyno had always been one to create music that spoke to the soul of his audience and had caressed their conscience, but with a Full-Time Job, he took it a step further. The album, described as a “carefully selected playlist,” offered fans an experience that thrilled and captivated them, setting a new standard for not just his record label but the entire Nigerian music industry.

The captivating title, Full Time Job, was a nod to Phyno’s relentless work ethic and absolute dedication to his craft. The album showcased his versatility—merging hip-hop with afrobeats, traditional rhythms, and innovative sounds into play. It had significantly celebrated both his personal growth and the richness of Nigerian culture. When he dropped this groundbreaking release, Phyno wasn’t just after repeating history; he was rewriting it more impressively.

For Phyno, the album was more than just music—it was a landmark in his career; a transformative experience for his listeners. His fans, both old and new, were treated to something extraordinary, a celebration of the artist they had grown to love, admire, and memorised his lyrics and equally a showcase of Phyno’s ability to evolve while staying true to himself, especially to what he represented. With the release of Full Time Job, Phyno had remained the Igbo rapper who respected his culture and elevated it through his music, with the likes of Flavour Nabalia.