For years, Phenom’s name has echoed through the Nigerian rap scene, an artist known for his sharp lyricism and undeniable presence. But in a candid sit-down with Oyebanji Akins on CTDA Media, the rapper made one thing clear—he’s far from done. In an interview filled with raw honesty, industry insights, and exciting revelations, Phenom discussed his hiatus, personal evolution, and what’s next for his career.
For those who think they’ve seen the best of Phenom, he has a message:
I don’t even want that legendary status yet, because I feel like I’m just getting started.
A New Phenom: Growth, Spirituality & The Business of Music
Phenom didn’t just step away from the spotlight—he evolved. His comeback is more than just music; it’s a reflection of personal transformation. He spoke openly about his past, his struggles, and how his outlook on life has shifted:
“A lot happened. I was with a great label, Night House. Even down to my name, they gave me the name… but I mean, a lot of things went south, and I mean, it’s just life. Now I think about it, I feel like they served their purpose in my life, and I’m grateful to them still.”
However, one thing he learned over the years is that the music industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about having a strong foundation beyond the surface.
“As an artist, you have to have a very strong spiritual back end. G, like, mess with the devil 100. If you’re messing with God, it got to be God all the way. You get me? So, I feel like over the years, I’ve done—I’ll say self-development. And I mean, my relationship with God is stronger.”
Gone are the days of reckless indulgence. Phenom made it clear that his new journey is different from his past:
“I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. So, I mean, I’m just on that moral ground.”
And that shift isn’t just personal—it’s deeply reflected in his music.
“My music right now is even definitely more spiritual than anything. I mean, I’m not a gospel artist, though.”
Music Evolution: What’s Next for Phenom?
Despite his time away, Phenom hasn’t lost touch with the craft. But he acknowledges that the music scene has changed:
“Although I feel like music then is not what music is now. So I’ve evolved with the sound. Do you get? What rap was back then is not what rap is now. Back then, it was more of punchlines, but right now, rap is more statements of facts. You have to express your lifestyle.”
For those who want the “old Phenom,” he reassures them:
“The old Phenom is there. It’s definitely there. When I need to give them old Phenom, I will. But they need to understand music business. I got to give them what the market demands now.”
Phenom is not just making music—he’s strategizing, evolving, and ensuring his sound reaches the right audience. And his upcoming projects prove it.
“I have an EP with me and Dremo. We’re working on a joint EP… and I feel like I’m working on my own sound as well. I feel like the sound I’m on right now, there’s nobody out there that is really on that sound.”*
He’s also been deliberate about his collaborations, emphasizing that features should be purposeful, not just for the sake of it:
If the artist cannot help you get to that next level, if you can’t tap into their fan base, it’s beyond just making music. If I cannot tap into your fan base, what’s the point?
The Harsh Truths About the Industry
Beyond the beats and rhymes, Phenom shared valuable advice for upcoming artists who might be blinded by the glamour of the industry.
“When you’re on fire, I feel like artists never know—it could just go off in no time. So, we always feel like the attention, the fame would just keep going, like it could just go off anytime. So, as far as money is concerned, try to have a business mindset. Don’t just live in that moment.”
And for young talents eager to sign their first deals, he warns against making hasty decisions out of desperation:
A lot of times, artists sign out of desperation, and I don’t blame them. But I would also want artists to move—I would advise artists to still have that loyalty mentality but from a business angle.
For Phenom, understanding the business of music is just as important as creating the music itself. His own experiences have shaped him into a more calculated, business-savvy artist who understands the importance of making informed decisions.
“I feel like the young artist, they always got to know that it’s business. But I can understand a young artist from the ghetto not understanding that it’s business because they always come at you like, ‘We’re doing you a favor.’ There are a thousand talents out there. We’re picking you. And that’s a favor still. You can go invest in some other random person.”
Phenom’s Next Chapter – Will the Game Keep Him Longer?
Despite his return, Phenom isn’t looking at music as a forever game. He already has his next steps mapped out.
“Even my comeback, I’m already planning my retirement from this comeback. I have it all orchestrated. I have it mapped out. After I do this for the next five to ten years… I don’t think I want to do ten years, by God’s grace, but I already know what I want to do for my next phase.”
But what if the game refuses to let him go? What if the world wants more?
“Look, I definitely can… if the game wants me longer, or let me say, if God wants me longer, I definitely can. But when I first came in as a first-timer into the music industry, I had the mentality of forever, but life happened. So right now, I’m not going in with that mindset.”
His mindset shift is clear—this is a man who has seen the industry for what it is and refuses to get lost in the illusions of fame and success.
Watch the Full Interview Now!
Phenom’s conversation with CTDA Media isn’t just another artist interview—it’s a deep, thought-provoking discussion on music, business, personal growth, and the unseen realities of the industry.
From his raw honesty about industry struggles to his wisdom for young artists, this is one interview you don’t want to miss.
Click to watch the full interview now
Phenom is back, and this time, he’s smarter, sharper, and ready to take over.
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