Nigerian rapper, Phyno has commended the current era of parents for being more encouraging of their children’s talents, unlike the previous generation.
The award-winning musician reflected on his own experience, revealing that his parents initially did not support his musical aspirations. “My parents didn’t support my career when I first started. It’s different now,” he said.
“I think the generation after my parents understand what it means to support their children’s talent and knows that there is something special about a child who loves music, or a child who loves to play ball.”
Phyno
The rapper contrasted the two eras, highlighting how children in the past were often punished for pursuing their passions. “Then, when parents come home and see you playing ball, they beat you and seize the ball and give you punishment. You understand me?” he said.
Phyno commended today’s parents for recognizing and nurturing their children’s gifts, whether in music, sports, or other areas.
“I’m just trying to say that era and this era are different. Now any father who sees his son can play ball and enrols him in an academy. Some, at 1 year old already buy you a ball and say you must play ball like Neymar.”
Phyno
Phyno also acknowledged the shift in perception surrounding creative careers.
“Different generations, you know and I also don’t blame my parents. I’m sure that the money in music now was never in music then. They also look at people who did music back then as useless people.
“As people who just wanted to carry dreadlocks and walk around. But now everyone sees the talent and a gift to be shared with the world, and shout-out to this era of parents.”
Phyno
Phyno Reveals Why He Raps in His Dialect
Nigerian rapper Phyno, born Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, shared his inspiration for rapping in his native Igbo dialect.
Phyno discussed how his early experiences and cultural background played a significant role in his artistic choices.
The rapper stated that he initially started his career rapping in English, but later switched to Igbo in order to offer a unique perspective to the global music scene.
“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 the English language’.”
Phyno
Phyno further noted that should he go to America right now, he would sell the Igbo dialect to them [Americans].
“That’s what it is. 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.”
Phyno
According to the rapper, he grew up in a highlife-influenced neighborhood, adding that he makes sure he incorporates all the influences into his music and visual identity. “I have started wearing the Igbo traditional attire because I have to look different, I have to represent my culture,” he said.
By embracing his heritage, Phyno has carved a niche in the global music scene, proudly showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
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