Phyno Explains Why He Makes Music in Igbo
“I create my music in the Igbo language because, to me, Igbo is the best language in the world. Growing up in Igboland, Igbo culture became a part of me—it flows through my veins. Although I started my career rapping in English, it was the Igbo language that gave me global recognition.
If I rap in English, I can never do it better than an American or British rapper—they own the language. But when I rap in Igbo, it makes people respect my music because they enjoy it, even though they can’t rap in the language. Music is universal, so most of the time, the language doesn’t matter.
Whenever I create music, my goal is to showcase Igbo culture to the world. That’s why I love making music in Igbo.
I also prefer dressing in Igbo traditional attire over Western clothing. When people see my outfits, they often ask about the style. This gives me the chance to explain who I am and what it means to be an Igbo man.”
– Phyno
