Rapper Phyno has explained why he chose to rap in his native Igbo dialect instead of English.
On the ‘In My Opinion’ podcast, Phyno shared that his initial inspiration came from Western artists.
However, he said he realised he needed to offer something unique to stand out.
According to him, the decision was influenced by the desire to showcase his culture and heritage.
He said he wanted to sell something unique to the world, recognising that English is already dominated by Western artists.
Phyno said growing up in a highlife-influenced neighbourhood also played a role in his decision.
According to him: “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.’ If I go to America right now, I am selling Igbo to them. 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.
“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.”
