“I Have No Regrets Refusing Wizkid, Olamide’s Record Offers” – Phenom

Uber-talented Nigerian Hip-hop artiste, Phenom – whose real name is Topa Onimowo – took the Nigerian music scene by storm with the release of bangers such as ‘Omo Naija’, ‘Shukubambam’ and ‘Murder Dem’. The rapper who used to be signed to Knighthouse Entertainment was no doubt one of Nigeria’s most promising lyricists just a few years ago, and earned himself an impressive, solid fanbase. However, just when teeming fans of Phenom were expecting even bigger things from the widely acclaimed rapper, his music career came a rather abrupt halt.

Phenom, who now seems ready for a long overdue comeback, revealed, in a recent interview, that he had to quit music after his contract with Knighthouse Entertainment expired. Admitting that he received juicy record offers from bigger record labels while he was still signed to Knighthouse Entertainment, Phenom explained that he had to remain loyal to his record label at the time and had no regrets about his decision.

He had this to say:

“When Wizkid told me about signing me to his record label, Starboy, I was with a record label then, Knighthouse. I think loyalty is very key and I cannot leave where I am because of greener pastures. It does not work like that. It is just like a marriage; just because you see a finer lady tomorrow does not mean that you should abandon your wife.

“There is enough space in the sky for all birds to fly. That Wizkid is doing very well now does not mean that I would not succeed in my career. There is no competition between us. Being on Wizkid record label would have been a great platform for me but what is mine would get to me.

“I have no regrets not signing with Wizkid. I had a contract with Knighthouse; I made sure that I fulfilled my obligation despite how tough things were there. Mo’Cheddah was with them as well but she left at a point. It was really tough for me from the beginning of my contract till when it ended because I was on my own.

“There were no videos for our hit songs because there was no fund. I had several record labels that approached me and at a point, I had a deal worth over N100m, but I turned it down. While growing up, my mother always told me that loyalty was important in life. It was not only Wizkid that wanted me on his record label; Olamide’s record also. There were a lot of deals that I turned down; not because I did not want to seek greener pastures, but loyalty meant a lot to me. My decision affected my career adversely, but I am sure that in the long run, it would pay off and I would not regret it. I am not hungry; I am not moved by material things. I am very happy for Olamide and Wizkid, but at the end of the day, it only takes one song for someone to be big again. I just need to be more hard-working.”

Phenom, who is ready to get back on the Nigerian rap scene, has also revealed that he will be doing so under the new record label he recently got signed to, Trick Billionaire MusiQ (formerly known as Kash Kamp Trick Billionaire MusiQ)

“At a point, I quit music but the owner of this record label, Prince Usinefe, has always been a friend. I only told him about an investment and he approached me with a recording deal.

“He insisted that I join his record label and I eventually agreed. The record label used to be known as Kash Kamp Trick Billionaire MusiQ but it has rebranded and changed its name to Trick Billionaire MusiQ. This change and rebranding came weeks after we parted ways with Yung6ix.”

We honestly can’t wait to see Phenom get back into the studio to cook up new music.