An unforgettable and emotional scene unfolded at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos during the Flytime Fest, as legendary rapper Olamide paused his high-energy performance to pay a heartfelt tribute to his longtime collaborator and friend, Phyno.
A Decade of Brotherhood Celebrated On Stage
The defining moment came when Olamide, whose real name is Olamide Adedeji, stopped the music and turned to his fellow artist. He warmly addressed Chibuzor Nelson, known globally as Phyno, calling him "my brother, my brother, Oremi atata." The genuine affection in his voice resonated throughout the venue, capturing the essence of a partnership that has significantly shaped the Nigerian music landscape for over ten years.
Phyno, visibly moved by the public acknowledgment, immediately reciprocated the love, responding with "my nigga, my nigga." This raw exchange between the two giants of the industry sent waves of excitement through the audience, reminding everyone of the rare, ego-free friendship they share.
Fans React and a Night of Hits Unfolds
Clips of the precious interaction quickly spread across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans flooded the platform with praise, celebrating the authenticity and depth of the bond between Olamide and Phyno, a sight often considered uncommon in the competitive world of music.
The YBNL boss and Phyno then proceeded to deliver an electrifying performance, treating fans to a marathon of their greatest hits. Their seamless chemistry was on full display as they performed crowd favourites from their joint album, 2 Kings, and iconic collaborations like "Ghost Mode" and "Fada Fada." Their movements were in perfect sync, a testament to years of working together and a brotherhood that transcends the studio.
Olamide's Career-Spanning Set and Festival Highlights
Olamide's headlining set took the audience on a musical journey through his illustrious career. He kicked off with his signature street-hop anthems, the high-energy tracks that have defined parties for years. Later, he masterfully shifted the mood, performing soulful songs from his new project, IKIGAI, showcasing his artistic evolution and versatility.
The Flytime Fest, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, solidified its status as Africa's premier indoor music event. The four-day extravaganza, held on December 24, 2025, also featured headline performances from other A-list artists like Flavour, Asake, and Davido, making it the heartbeat of Nigeria's holiday entertainment season.