Why I rap in Igbo – Phyno opens up

Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, the Nigerian indigenous rapper, who is popularly known as Phyno, has revealed why he raps in his native Igbo dialect.

He said he started his career rapping in English but later switched to Igbo because he wanted to offer something unique to the Western world.

Speaking in the latest episode of the ‘In My Opinion’ podcast, Phyno stated that his upbringing also influenced his decision to rap in Igbo language.

He said, “Growing up, I listened to emcees that were very lyrical like the Busta Rhymes, the Jay-Zs, the 2Pacs, the Biggies and the rest. I listened to everything. I had that Western influence in my music but then at some point in my life when I was still trying to find myself, I was rapping in English, too.

“But when I got to a point where I had to make a career out of this, I asked myself a simple question, “What am I going to sell to the world? If I go to the UK, will I sell English to them? They own English language.’ If I go to America right now, I am selling Igbo to them. That’s what it’s. So you have to sell something that they don’t have. I can’t come to your country and sell what you already have. But if I sell what you don’t have, it will be unique.

“I grew up in a highlife influenced neighbourhood. I make sure that I incorporate all the influences into my music and art. I have started wearing the Igbo traditional attire because I have to look different, I have to represent my culture.”

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