From Victoria Island to Mushin, Phanxx has been on a journey most people haven’t noticed… yet. He started writing poems at seven, turned them into songs, and has been chasing every studio, audition, and performance opportunity along the way.
With two EPs ready and a new single coming soon, one thing is clear: we’ve decided it’s time to stop gatekeeping Phanxx.
Okay first — where did the name even come from?
My name is Ope which means Thanks so I just decided to spell it out as Phanxx.
Tell me about early life- where were you born and where did you go to school?
I was born in Victoria Island, Lagos, till about 9 years when my parents moved to Mushin in Lagos. I attended Command Children School for my primary education & Command Secondary School Lagos for my secondary education. I hold a B.sc in Criminology & Security Studies.
How and when did you start making music?
Music started for me as a hobby, I listened to all sorts of music growing up, but my major influence was seeing my elders sibling doing choir rehearsals at home. But I started writing poems at about 7 years of age & started writing my own music from Secondary School. After I got out of Secondary school, I attended almost every musical audition. From here, I knew I wasn’t turning back.
At what point did you think, “yeah… this music thing is actually serious”?
After I won a musical audition in Lagos, then I was given the reward of cash prize & free recording sessions in a state of the art music studio, which introduced me properly into the music industry.
What kind of mood are you usually in when you’re creating?
Most times, it’s free flow, I don’t try to engineer my mood, I just go with the flow, but most times, I like to be happy when I’m recording.
What’s something about you people always get wrong?
That I’m shy because I don’t talk too much, or that I’m not capable of being vengeful.
What song of yours feels the most like you?
I love all my songs, but for now I will say *Calvary* .
How do you make money to finance your music?
I’m bankrolled by God. 😂
What’s the toughest thing about being an independent artist?
Funding and people always trying to one up you or humble you in the creative industry.
How do you promote your music as an independent artist?
Social media is one, I make appealing videos & I also use every traditional method of music promotion; blogs, radio, TV, etc.
How easy is it for you to create content to promote your music?
It’s actually not the best part, but I have to do what I have to do to get my music out there. Most times I enjoy the process, sometimes it’s just a necessity for visibility.
Has there been a moment you almost gave up?
I have never had moments like this, I know I’ll surely get to the top, so no matter what the situation is, I’m always optimistic about the reward my music will bring me.
What’s been inspiring you lately?
I have a lot of music inside of me, & I want to make sure I maximise all my potential while I’m here.
Tell me about your new song “Shine” and what inspired it?
Shine is just a record that speaks about someone who wants to achieve success in his/her aspirations. Being successful to me means I’m shining.
What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
I have 2 EP’s ready & will be dropping a new single next month.
If someone meets you for the first time today, what should they know?
I would love them to know that I’m simple, not performative, love to treat people the way i want to be treated & that I’ll definitely be one of the greatest musical export from Africa.
Who are your three dream collaborations
Akon, Teni The Entertainer & Wande Coal.
What are your three dream venues to perform in?
TBS Lagos, Madison Square Garden & Carnegie Hall.
Afrobeats Head Contributor