Nigerian rap sensation, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known by his stage name Phyno, has publicly expressed his frustration over a social media post that attempted to pit him against fellow rapper and long-time collaborator, Olamide. The incident, which quickly gained attention, stems from an ongoing debate sparked by a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which sought to compare the two influential figures in Nigerian rap.
The debate was ignited by an X influencer, who posted a question that caught the attention of fans and music lovers across Nigeria: “When it comes to rap, who’s the GOAT? 🐐 Phyno or Olamide?” This post, which seemed intended to engage fans in a playful conversation about the prowess of the two rappers, quickly escalated into a heated topic on social media, with fans weighing in on who they believed deserves the title of "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) in the Nigerian rap scene.
In response to the post, Phyno did not hesitate to make his feelings known. Taking to his X account, he addressed the issue head-on with a swift and passionate response, condemning the comparison and expressing his discontent with being pitted against Olamide, a rapper he considers not just a peer but a brother. Phyno's reaction made it clear that he has no interest in fueling any narrative that would create unnecessary division or rivalry between himself and Olamide or any other artist.
The rapper’s statement quickly went viral, with many fans sharing their opinions on the ongoing debate. While some viewed the comparison as lighthearted banter, Phyno’s tone in his message indicated that he saw it as a disrespectful and divisive attempt to stir up unnecessary competition between two artists who have always shared mutual respect. The discussion around who holds the title of “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) in Nigerian rap continues to be a hot topic, but Phyno’s remarks were a reminder that not all artists are interested in such debates.
In his post, Phyno wrote, “Yo!!! Tf is wrong with u guys for God sake .. stop putting me up against my brother or anybody else for that matter. Do your banter with someone else .. na ala adi agba unu.. wtf.” His message highlighted his frustration with the constant comparisons, urging fans to focus their discussions elsewhere and avoid creating friction where there is none. The phrase "na ala adi agba unu," which roughly translates to "you people must be crazy" in Igbo, underscored how seriously Phyno took the matter, and his direct tone left little room for ambiguity.
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Although some fans had joined in the debate with what they considered playful banter, Phyno made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to participate in any rivalry with Olamide. Instead, he emphasized the deep bond and camaraderie he shares with Olamide and other artists in the industry. For Phyno, the foundation of his relationship with his peers is one of mutual respect and brotherhood, and he would rather that remain the focus than any competitive narrative promoted by fans or social media influencers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the pressures placed on artists by fans and media, as they are often compared to one another in ways that can create unnecessary tension. Phyno’s response, however, reinforced his commitment to staying above such divisive conversations and maintaining a sense of unity within the Nigerian music industry.