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Famous musician Phyno explains why he chooses to rap in Igbo, despite starting off his career rapping in English.
He revealed that he began his music career rapping in English but decided to switch to his native language to offer a distinctive sound to the global music scene.
Phyno also noted that growing up in an Igbo-speaking environment also played a significant role in his decision to rap in Igbo.
The musician made this known while speaking in a latest episode of the ‘In My Opinion’ podcast.
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.”
Demand for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, revibrated on Saturday at the service of songs/tributes for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
DAILY POST reports that Kanu has remained in DSS custody despite pleas from several Igbo leaders for a political solution to the problem.
Various speakers at the Saturday event lamented that the release of Kanu was Iwuanyanwu’s last assignment from where he passed-on.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to give Iwuanyanwu his last wish by releasing Kanu, just as they sought for the immortalisation of the late Ohanaeze PG.
The Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, the umbrella body of Igbo Women, also stressed on the two issues of the release of Kanu and for the immortalization of Iwuanyanwu as a detribalised Nigerian.
President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Lolo Kate Ezeofor said, “May God bless President Bola Tinubu as you oblige us with the immortalizing Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and releasing Nnamadi Kanu from DSS custody.”
Speaking at Iwuanyanwu’s laying in state at the old Eastern Nigeria Government lodge in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the late Ohanaeze PG as an Iroko and a bridge builder who festered unity at toubled times.
“He possessed remarkable work ethics and he left profound impression on me. He was a trailblazer in the media, sports, Industry, engineering, aviation. He was indeed ahead of his time,” Mbah eulogised.
Former Governor of Ebonyi state, Dr Sam Egwu in his own tribute said that Iwuanyanwu was a great man with great frame and personality, acknowledging that Iwuanyanwu’s actions distinguished his personality.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Garry Igariwey described Iwuanyanwu as a man who believed in Igboland and was great in every sense of greatness.
“We crave the indulgence of that to ask Mr. President to please heed the call and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Igariwey pleaded.
The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay recalled that Iwuanyanwu never failed to tell his Biafra story and the civil war sojourn.
Wife of the first President of Nigeria, Prof Uche Azikiwe pleaded with the federal government to immortalize Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has mourned the untimely death of Ogene musician, Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah, ordering a thorough investigation into the sad development.
The youthful musician was reportedly shot by a police officer on his departure from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad after what the police described as a “friendly visit”.
Reacting to the development on Saturday, Mbah took to his social media handles to condole with the deceased’s family, stressing that he had ordered a full investigation into the matter.
“I received with a deep sense of grief the untimely death of Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo Jah, under a very sad circumstance. It is a huge loss for us as Ndigbo in general and Ndi Enugu in particular.
“He was one of the Enugu and Igbo talents, who continued to popularise the Igbo culture through their ogene music.
“I have been briefed by the police and I have equally ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure justice for him, his family, and fans around the world.
“On behalf of Ndi Enugu, I also send my heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. May God grant his soul eternal repose,” the governor wrote.
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL has expressed grave concerns over the incessant sit-at-home order, causing chaos in the region.
DAILY POST recalls that parts of the region experienced a partial economic shutdown on Monday following the sit-at-home order declared by faceless individuals.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile which originated the order following the detention of Nnamdi Kanu all distanced themselves from the latest order.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, COSEYL lamented the negative impacts of the exercise on the region’s economy, saying “We cannot continue like this as a people. This madness must stop”.
Ibem said the orders are usually from “unknown persons through voice notes and videos”
The coalition also called on President Bola Tinubu to release the IPOB leader as a means of ending “this embarrassing situation where individuals use the incarceration of Kanu to inflict pain, hardship and economic stagnation in the zone”.
“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu to consider the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody to put a stop to all forms of economic sabotage which are injurious to the growth and development of the nation”, the statement added.
The management of the Abuja National Mosque has appointed Professor Iliyasu Usman as the first-ever Igbo Muslim to serve as an Imam at the mosque.
Usman is set to deliver his inaugural khutbah (sermon) on Friday, today, during Jumm’at prayer, marking a significant moment for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
This appointment has been celebrated widely, especially among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria, SEMON, which views it as a testament to Usman’s commitment to Islamic scholarship and leadership.
In a statement, SEMON praised the inclusiveness of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the guidance of the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
SEMON emphasized that this appointment is not only a personal milestone for Usman but also a divine duty to lead the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.
The organization expressed hope that his leadership would enhance the Igbo Muslim community and foster unity within the larger Nigerian Muslim population.
The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”