Emerging Nigerian artist Phranchor explores self-belief, ambition and the desire for more on his latest single, “Underrate.”
The Afrobeats, Afropop and Dancehall record centres on the idea that people should not allow their present circumstances or the opinions of others to determine their sense of worth. Its message is aimed at anyone who feels they deserve more from life and believes that reaching that point is a matter of time and persistence.
“Underrate” takes a self-affirming approach to ambition, with Phranchor using the song to express confidence in his own potential. The verses were influenced by lessons he took from studying Wizkid’s music, while the chorus draws inspiration from the strength of Burna Boy’s vocal delivery on one of his records. Phranchor is clear, however, that these influences are part of his learning process rather than an attempt to recreate either artist.
Produced, mixed and mastered by ThankG, the record combines Afrobeats rhythms with Afropop and Dancehall influences.
Phranchor, born Aliakor Franklin Chidiebere, is a Lagos-based Nigerian artist of Imo State origin. He wrote his first song in JSS1 and spent years developing his songwriting and performance before making his public debut in 2026.
His debut single, “Tinted,” was followed by his first EP, introducing a catalogue shaped by vocal dexterity, lyricism and creative rhyme schemes. Phranchor aims to build a diverse body of work that gives listeners music that reflects both how they feel and how they want to feel.
“Underrate” is available now on major streaming platforms.