Phyzix

Phyzix
Phyzix in 2018 performing at the Polytechnic College
Phyzix in 2018 performing at the Polytechnic College
Background information
Birth nameNoel Chikoleka
BornArea 25, Lilongwe, Malawi
Genres
  • Afro-soul
  • Afrobeat
Occupation(s)Musician
songwriter
producer
Years active2000–present

Noel Chikoleka, better known by his stage name Phyzix, is a Malawian musician, rapper, songwriter and activist.[1][2][3] He gained national recognition in 2006 when he released the song titled "Cholapitsa" (Boogeyman) which sold over 40,000 copies nationwide within a month. He has released over six albums.[clarification needed][4][5] In 2020, he won a UMP Award for Best Hip Hop Artist of the Year.[2]

Background

Early life

Phyzix in 2018 advocating for safe schools and workplaces for girls and women

He moved to Area 25 in Lilongwe to pursue his career.[6] Chikoleka's major breakthrough came in 2006 after releasing his single titled "Cholapitsa" (The Boogeyman), for which he later shot a music video that topped charts in Malawi.[5][7]

In 2008, Chikoleka started his own entertainment company, It's Only Entertainment (IOE).[5]

In 2009, he released his debut album titled The Lone Ranger LP, which had successful singles such as "Gamba", "Abwana" “Jessie”, and "Usodzi".

Chikoleka has won several Malawi Hip Hop Awards such as Artist of the Year (Male), Song of the Year ("Makofi") and Album of the Year (Gamba Season).

Phyzix in 2019 at a meeting representing NBS Bank as marketing manager

In 2020, he won a UMP Award for Best Hip Hop Act and Album of the Year (Gamba Season). Other awards include the 2021 MASO Awards for the Best Album (Flaws) as well as the Best Collab of 2022 ("Legends"). In 2020, his song "Follow" was among the top 10 songs on BBC Radio.[8][9]

Other names that Chikoleka is known with include Gamba, Phyzo, Captain Bae, Man Phyzo, and Don Gamba.[clarification needed][5][10][11]

Achievements

UMP Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2020 Himself Best Hip Hop Act Won[12]
2020 Gamba Season - Phyzix Album of the Year Won[13]
2020 Himself Male Artist of the Year Nominated[14]
2020 ‘Follow’ – Phyzix ft. Eli Njuchi Song of the Year Nominated[15]
2020 ‘Follow’ – Phyzix ft. Eli Njuchi Music Video of the Year Nominated[16]

[2]

Malawi Hip Hop Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2020 Himself Artist of the Year (Male) Won
2020 Makofi (Fists) Song of the Year Won
2020 Gamba Season Album of the Year Won

MASO Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2021 Flaws Best Album Won
2022 Legends Best Collabo 2022 Won

Personal life

Chikoleka is married to Ruth Kulaisi and the couple was reported as welcoming a baby.[17]

References

  1. ^ Sundu, Yvonnie (2020-10-29). "Phyzix dominates Hip-Hop awards nominations list | Nation Online". Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  2. ^ a b c "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  3. ^ "Phyzix takes hip-hop to aMapiano: Releasing new hit 'Blesser Friday - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2022-11-10. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  4. ^ Contributor* (2022-03-02). "Phyzix ropes in urban's finest on new single "Legends" Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ a b c d "Phyzix now ready for international stage: Bags 7 nominations in Malawi Hip-Hop Awards - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2020-10-30. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  6. ^ Bengo, Cyrus (2020-09-26). "Pray for me my soul is in danger – Phyzix Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  7. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2016-05-13). "Phyzix still coming stronger: refuses to be a lukewarm BA Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Mughogho, Lyonike (2022-02-18). "Phyzix exhumes a Dinosaur Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  9. ^ "Malawi music is booming – Phyzix - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  10. ^ Mughogho, Lyonike (2018-01-17). "Phyzix comes clean on fight with Fredokiss Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  11. ^ "Phyzix takes his 'Flaws' to SA, UK and US - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2021-05-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  12. ^ "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  13. ^ "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  14. ^ "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  15. ^ "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  16. ^ "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  17. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2017-06-12). "Phyzix and Ruth now parents Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)