Award-winning rapper and songwriter Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known as Phyno, has opened up about the challenges celebrities face in balancing music and marriage.
Phyno, known for hit tracks like Do I, described the music industry as a “jealous and demanding career.” He believes that the intense dedication required for success in music often clashes with the responsibilities of married life.
The Indigenous rapper shared these thoughts during a recent episode of the In My Opinion podcast, where he addressed the reasons many celebrities’ careers falter after marriage.
“Check everybody, statistically,” Phyno said. “I feel most celebrities’ careers crash when they get married.”
Phyno explained that music demands a level of focus that leaves little room for other priorities. According to him, managing music alongside marriage or any other career requires extraordinary effort.
“Music basically is a jealous career,” he said. “That’s why people drop out of school to face music. The ones that juggle both deserve kudos because it’s not easy.”
“Music Takes All Your Time”
The rapper further elaborated on the sacrifices artists often make to succeed in the music industry.
He highlighted that some individuals, after achieving a certain level of fame, even put their music careers on hold to pursue education or other personal goals.
“Sometimes, people reach a certain fame level, rush back to school, and then return to music. It’s because you have to actually focus on one thing,” he explained.
Phyno emphasized how demanding music can be, saying it consumes all of an artist’s energy and time. He also noted how personal life experiences directly influence the creative process, especially for musicians who write their own songs.
“Another thing about music is that it’s what you pass through in life that you put into it—your life experiences,” he said. “Except if you use songwriters, you can’t be talking about happiness when you’ve got a girlfriend that’s stressing you.”
“A Jealous Career”
Phyno’s comments reflect the struggles many Nigerian and international artists face in maintaining a balance between their personal and professional lives.
The pressure to consistently produce hits and stay relevant in a competitive industry often leaves little room for family or relationships.
Phyno’s take resonates with numerous reports of celebrities who have publicly struggled to keep their marriages afloat while navigating the demands of the entertainment world.
Fans React to Phyno’s Insights
Fans and music enthusiasts have taken to social media to react to Phyno’s statements.
While some agreed with his perspective, others debated whether the problem lies with the industry or individual choices.
“Phyno has a point,” one fan commented. “The music industry is brutal. If you don’t give it 100%, you’ll be forgotten.”
Another fan, however, argued that successful marriages in the entertainment industry require more intentionality from both partners.
“It’s not about the music being jealous; it’s about communication and mutual understanding. Plenty of celebrities are happily married,” the fan wrote.
Phyno’s Career and Legacy
Phyno, celebrated for his unique style of blending English and Igbo rap, is one of Nigeria’s most respected artists.
The rapper has been vocal about his journey in the industry, including his decision to switch from English rap to Igbo—a move he said allowed him to connect more deeply with his roots.
He has also consistently used his platform to address issues affecting artists and the challenges of fame.
