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Phyzix

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phyzix
Born
Noel Jack Chikoleka

(1986-12-18) December 18, 1986 (age 39)
Lilongwe, Malawi
OriginArea 25, Lilongwe, Malawi
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • songwriter
  • entrepreneur
  • banker
  • marketer
Years active2006–present
LabelIt's Only Entertainment (IOE)
Spouse
​
(m. 2016)​

Noel Jack Chikoleka (born 18 December 1986), better known by his stage name Phyzix (also stylised as Man Phyzo, Phyzo, Gamba wa Suit, Atigo, Mountain Goat, Mphungu, Cholapitsa or Gamba), is a Malawian rapper, record producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is a prominent figure in Malawian hip hop music.[1] He gained recognition in 2006 following the release of the single "Cholapitsa" (The Boogeyman), which reportedly sold over 40,000 copies nationwide within a month.[2]

Chikoleka is the founder and proprietor of his record label, It's Only Entertainment (IOE). Beyond music, he has pursued a parallel career in banking and marketing, rising to senior management level at NBS Bank in Blantyre.[3]

Early life

[edit]
Phyzix in 2018 advocating for safe schools and workplaces for girls and women

Chikoleka was born on 18 December 1986 in Lilongwe, Malawi, and grew up in Area 12. He attended Marist Secondary School, where he excelled both academically—attaining 11 points in his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)—and athletically, participating in basketball, football, volleyball, table tennis, the 100-metre sprint, and martial arts. His stage name, Phyzix, is a play on the word "physics", reflecting his performance style and lyrical approach.

He is the son of Evelyn Josephine Chikoleka and the late Alec Jack Chikoleka, a banker and diplomatic civil servant respectively. He has two sisters, Elizabeth Sauka Makossah and Ewey Elsie Chikoleka, and one surviving brother, Alexander Tinga Chikoleka; another brother, Austin Chikoleka, passed away in 1998. His family originates from Dowa, where he holds lineage to a traditional chieftaincy (T/A Msakambewa, Kapilingidza Village, Dowa), and from Salima (Mwamadi Village, T/A Kambwiri).

In 2003, Chikoleka moved to Area 25, Lilongwe, during a period he has described as formative. His father had died in 1995, and his mother had recently retired from the Reserve Bank of Malawi while in poor health. He has described Area 25 as a formative period that inspired many of his songs, including "Cholapitsa", "Gamba", "Abwana", and "Usodzi".[4]

Chikoleka began rapping in 1998 at age 12 while in Standard 7.

Career

[edit]

Breakthrough and early albums (2006–2011)

[edit]

In 2006, Chikoleka gained recognition with "Cholapitsa", a breakthrough single that achieved chart success and sold over 40,000 copies within a month of release.[2][5] The song's success was followed by early releases including The Overdue (2006) and Man Man, Vol. 1: Black Starz Don Shyne (2007), both later verified on streaming platforms including Deezer.

Following the release of "Cholapitsa", Chikoleka was withdrawn from The Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, where he had been studying Engineering. He was later also withdrawn from Mzuzu University, where he was studying a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology, in 2008.

In 2008, Chikoleka founded his entertainment company, originally named Bantu Records (later rebranded as It's Only Entertainment, IOE).[2]

On 21 March 2009, he released his debut studio album, The Lone Ranger LP, which included singles "Gamba", "Jessie", "Usodzi", and "Abwana". His second album, Secret Service LP (2010), included a remix of "Cholapitsa" titled "Zolapitsa". His third album, Follow the Leader (2011), was produced by Snowky Kachimanga and Q Malewezi.

Sabbatical and return (2012–2015)

[edit]

Following Follow the Leader, Chikoleka took a four-year sabbatical from music to pursue further education and professional development.[6]

He returned to active recording with Gamba wa Suit in 2015, which featured collaborations with Gwamba and Martse.[7][8]

Captain Long John and Captain Bae (2016–2018)

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

In 2016, Chikoleka released Captain Long John, which he wrote and recorded within a single month ahead of his wedding to Ruth Kulaisi, a Zodiak TV presenter and producer. The album received multiple nominations at the UMP Awards and Nyasa Music Awards.[9][10]

In 2017, he released Captain Bae, a compilation including singles "KOTG (King of The Ghetto)", "Noni Noni", "Golide", "Patelera", and "Zibwente". In 2018, he released The Diaries, a joint album with Barry Uno.[11]

Mutipatsa? campaign and international recognition (2018–2019)

[edit]

In 2018 and 2019, ahead of Malawi's general elections, Chikoleka released "Mutipatsa?" ("What Have You Done For Us?"), a politically conscious single aimed at youth civic engagement. The campaign received coverage from the BBC and was recognised by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) of the U.S. State Department.[12][13]

In 2019, Phyzix also released SOLID, with coverage from Times Group and public release pages.[14]

Gamba Season and major awards (2020)

[edit]

In 2020, Chikoleka released Gamba Season, an EP that performed strongly on digital platforms.[15][16] The project earned him multiple awards at two major award shows: he won Artist of the Year (Male), Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ("Makofi") at the Malawi Hip Hop Awards, and Best Hip Hop Act and Album of the Year at the UMP Awards.[17][18][19]

The single "Follow" (featuring Eli Njuchi) was listed among BBC Africa top 20 best African hits during this period.[20]

Flaws, Mountain Goat and FIGARO 7 (2021–2024)

[edit]

In 2021, Chikoleka released Flaws, which won Best Album at the MASO Awards.[21] The album was distributed to South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[22]

In 2022, he released the single "Legends", earning a win at the MASO Awards for Best Collabo.[23] In 2023, he released MOUNTAIN GOAT, and in 2024, FIGARO 7, both verified on Malawi Music and Deezer.

Mphungu (2026)

[edit]

In 2026, Phyzix returned to music after a six-month recording hiatus with the release of Mphungu (meaning "eagle" in Chichewa).[24] According to Chikoleka, the album was developed during a time of personal reflection and artistic reinvention, with themes centered on growth, resilience, leadership, purpose and legacy. He described the eagle as a symbol of vision, strength, patience, and the ability to rise above challenges, concepts that influenced both the album's narrative and creative direction. Chikoleka stated that the project reflected his experiences as an artist, father, banker, entrepreneur, and industry leader, exploring topics including success, relationships, mental health, spirituality, responsibility, and social issues.[25]

Professional career

[edit]

Alongside his music, Chikoleka has maintained a parallel career in the corporate sector spanning over nine years, predominantly in banking. He served as Marketing Manager and Head of Marketing at Opportunity International Bank of Malawi (OIBM), and later as Marketing Manager and Transactional Banker (Executive Banker/Private Banking, Grade D2) at NBS Bank. He has also held roles as Investments Manager, Marketing Officer, Customer Consultant, Salesclerk at SFFRFM, and Lead Medical Detailer at WomanCare Global via Madison Holdings.[26]

He holds a Professional Certificate in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), studied at the University of Malawi's Management Development Centre, and an Intermediate Certificate in ICT from Mzuzu University's Centre for Open and Distance Learning. He has also pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing Science via Global Business University (Europe) / Cyprus Institute of Marketing.

Brand ambassadorships

[edit]

Chikoleka has served as a brand ambassador for a range of local, regional, and international brands across multiple industries.

Formal brand ambassador roles

[edit]

888bets Malawi (2024–2025): Chikoleka served as a brand ambassador for 888bets Malawi, an online sports betting platform.[27] He appeared in outdoor billboard campaigns and promotional materials for the brand.[28]

Kelfoods (2021–2022): Chikoleka was appointed as a brand ambassador for Kelfoods, representing Donna's Eggs, Proto Chicks, Proto Feeds, and Proto Vet.[29][30]

WWE Snacks Malawi (2021–2022): Chikoleka served as the face of WWE Snacks Malawi, a Kelfoods-distributed product, appearing in professional promotional photography and marketing materials.[31][32]

PC Merchants Limited (2020–2021): Chikoleka signed a one-year renewable clothing sponsorship deal with PC Merchants Limited, a boutique menswear retailer. Under the arrangement, PC Merchants dressed him throughout the year.

Malville Boutique Hotel (2022–2024): Chikoleka served as brand ambassador for Malville Boutique Hotel, a hospitality establishment in Malawi.[33]

M & R Panel Beating and Paint Service (2020–2021): Chikoleka was brand ambassador for M & R Panel Beating and Paint Service during this period.

Soft Touch Products (2025): Chikoleka became brand ambassador for Soft Touch Products in 2025.[34]

Influencer and endorsement engagements

[edit]

In addition to his formal ambassadorial contracts, Chikoleka has undertaken influencer and endorsement engagements with WSBet, 1XBet, NBS Bank, Airtel Malawi, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), K Motors, and Go Green Malawi (British Council).

Activism and community work

[edit]
Phyzix performing at polytechnic
Phyzix performing at polytechnic (now Mubas) in 2018

Chikoleka has participated in youth outreach and community development initiatives. His civic activities include free performances to support flood victims through the Umodzi and Ndife Amodzi Floods Response; motivational speeches and performances for children living with HIV through Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi; ambassador work for the British Council's Go Green Malawi Project on climate change; and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns with MACRO.[35][36]

He has also organised the Ghetto Festival, a community music event held in Lilongwe.[37] He is a member of Lions Club International.

International performances

[edit]

Chikoleka has shared stages with international artists including Cassper Nyovest,[38] K'naan, Sway DaSafo, The Maccabees, and Oliver Mtukudzi. He has performed at international festivals including Lake of Stars, WAPi (Words and Pictures), the Domestic Tourism Music Festival, and La Fête de la Musique.

Discography

[edit]

The following discography treats mixtapes, EPs, and joint albums as album releases, consistent with how the artist has categorised his projects.

Studio albums, EPs and mixtapes
Title Year Notes
The Overdue 2006 Verified on Deezer as The Overdue Mixtape
Man Man, Vol. 1: Black Starz Don Shyne 2007 Verified on Deezer
From the Dust 2008 Verified on Deezer as From the Dust Mixtape
The Lone Ranger LP 2009 Debut studio album; singles: "Gamba", "Abwana", "Jessie", "Usodzi"
Secret Service LP 2010 Includes "Zolapitsa" (Cholapitsa remix)
Follow the Leader 2011 Singles include "Follow the Leader"
Chilipo 2012/2013 Sources conflict on exact year; Deezer indexes 2012, Malawi Music indexes 2013
Gamba wa Suit 2015 Comeback album; features Gwamba, Martse
Captain Long John 2016 Multi-award nominated; includes "Dekha"
Captain Bae 2017 Compilation; includes "Noni Noni", "KOTG", "Golide"
The Diaries (with Barry Uno) 2018 Joint album
SOLID 2019
Gamba Season 2020 EP; includes "Makofi", "Follow" ft. Eli Njuchi
Flaws 2021 MASO Awards Best Album winner
MOUNTAIN GOAT 2023 Verified on Malawi Music and Deezer
FIGARO 7 2024 Verified on Malawi Music and Deezer
MPHUNGU 2026 Verified on Malawi Music, Spotify and Deezer

Awards and nominations

[edit]

UMP Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2016PhyzixBest Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the YearNominated[39]
2016Captain Long JohnAlbum of the YearNominated[40]
2017PhyzixBest Hip Hop/Rap Act of the YearNominated[41]
2017"Noni Noni" ft. Martse & Dan LuBest CollaborationNominated[42]
2020PhyzixBest Hip Hop ActWon[18]
2020Gamba SeasonAlbum of the YearWon[18]
2020PhyzixMale Artist of the YearNominated[18]
2020"Follow" ft. Eli NjuchiSong of the YearNominated[18]
2020"Follow" ft. Eli NjuchiMusic Video of the YearNominated[18]
2025PhyzixBest Hip Hop/Rap ActNominated

Malawi Hip Hop Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2020PhyzixArtist of the Year (Male)Won[43]
2020"Makofi"Song of the YearWon[44]
2020Gamba SeasonAlbum of the YearWon[45]
2020PhyzixVerse of the YearNominated[46]
2020"Makofi" ft. Dare DevilzBest CollaborationNominated[47]
2020PhyzixBest Hip Hop Live PerformanceNominated[48]
2020PhyzixHustler of the YearNominated[2]

Africa Hip Hop Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2021Gamba SeasonHip Hop Album of the YearNominated[49]
2021PhyzixBest Male Artist of the YearNominated[50]
2021"Makofi"Song of the YearNominated[51]
2021PhyzixPeople's ChoiceNominated[52]

Nyasa Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017Captain Long JohnAlbum of the YearNominated[53]

MASO Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2021FlawsBest AlbumWon[54]
2022"Legends"Best CollaboWon[55]
2025"Super Star"Best CollaborationWon
2025PhyzixBest Hip Hop ActNominated

MUMA Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014PhyzixBest Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the YearNominated[56]

Personal life

[edit]
Ruth and Alyssa
Ruth Kulaisi and Alyssa

Chikoleka married Ruth Kulaisi, a Zodiak TV presenter and producer, in 2016.[57] The couple have a daughter, Alyssa Grace Chikoleka.[58][59]

His niece, Trinity Pempho Chikoleka, known professionally as Complex, is also a rapper. His nephew Sina Makossah is a footballer based in the United Kingdom.

Chikoleka identifies as a born-again Christian.[60]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Sundu, Yvonnie (2020-10-29). "Phyzix dominates Hip-Hop awards nominations list". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Phyzix now ready for international stage: Bags 7 nominations in Malawi Hip-Hop Awards". Nyasa Times. 2020-10-30. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  3. ↑ "Malawi music is booming – Phyzix". Nyasa Times. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  4. ↑ Bengo, Cyrus (2020-09-26). "Pray for me my soul is in danger – Phyzix". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  5. ↑ Reporter, Malawi24 (2016-05-13). "Phyzix still coming stronger: refuses to be a lukewarm BA". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "Malawi music is booming – Phyzix". Nyasa Times. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  7. ↑ "Phyzix: Gamba wa Suit next year". Nation Online. 2015. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  8. ↑ "Phyzix makes big comeback in Malawi urban music". Maravi Post. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  9. ↑ "Phyzix wadza ndi Captain Long John". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  10. ↑ "2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete". Malawi 24. 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  11. ↑ "Phyzix, Barry Uno cut joint album Diaries". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  12. ↑ "There's a hip-hop movement starting in Malawi. Here's why it matters to the 2019 elections". YALI Network. U.S. State Department. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  13. ↑ "Phyzix releases new music video, encourages Malawi youths to vote wisely". Nyasa Times. 2019. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  14. ↑ "Phyzix SOLID album launched". Leymanck. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  15. ↑ "Phyzix makes big sales on Gamba Season EP". Leymanck. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  16. ↑ "Gamba Season EP vindicates power of digital platforms". Malawi Swift. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  17. ↑ "MWHHA winners full list". Leymanck. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2020-12-21. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  19. ↑ "Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  20. ↑ "Malawi hip hop artist Phyzix goes global: his music now on BBC top 20 best African hits". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  21. ↑ "Phyzix flows in Flaws". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  22. ↑ "Phyzix takes his 'Flaws' to SA, UK and US". Nyasa Times. 2021-05-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  23. ↑ "Phyzix ropes in urban's finest on new single "Legends"". Malawi 24. 2022-03-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  24. ↑ "17 tracks, 17th album for Phyzix". The Times Group. 2026-05-08. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  25. ↑ Gondwe, Edith (2026-05-29). "Phyzix unpacks new album". Nation Online. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  26. ↑ "Malawi music is booming – Phyzix". Nyasa Times. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  27. ↑ Namasani, Durell (2024-12-02). "Phyzix lands ambassador role with 888bets". 247MALAWI NEWS. Archived from the original on 2026-05-28. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
  28. ↑ "Phyzix featured on an 888bets Malawi billboard campaign". 888bets Malawi. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  29. ↑ "Phyzix is Kelfoods ambassador". Zodiak Malawi. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  30. ↑ "Phyzix appointed Kelfoods brand ambassador". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  31. ↑ "Phyzix is face of WWE Snacks". Times Malawi. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  32. ↑ "Kelfoods signs Phyzix brand ambassador". Kulinji. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  33. ↑ 247Malawi (2022-05-09). "Phyzix lands another ambassadorial role-Signs deal with Malville Boutique Hotel". 247MALAWI NEWS. Retrieved 2026-04-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ↑ Kapito, Evance (2025-08-19). "Phyzix Secures Another Brand Ambassadorship Deal with Soft Touch Products". Retrieved 2026-04-16.
  35. ↑ "Using art for youth empowerment". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  36. ↑ "Phyzix pushes for youth involvement in governance". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  37. ↑ "Phyzix takes his Ghetto Festival to Lilongwe". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  38. ↑ "Casper Nyovest rocks barbeques". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  39. ↑ "2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete". Malawi 24. 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  40. ↑ "2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete". Malawi 24. 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  41. ↑ "UMP Awards Malawi unveils nominees list". Music In Africa. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  42. ↑ "UMP Awards Malawi unveils nominees list". Music In Africa. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  43. ↑ "Malawi Hip Hop Awards gives rappers their flowers". Kulinji. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  44. ↑ "Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  45. ↑ "Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  46. ↑ "Phyzix dominates Hip-Hop awards nominations list". Nation Online. 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  47. ↑ "Full list of the Malawi Hip Hop Awards nominations". FYI Malawi. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  48. ↑ "Full list of the Malawi Hip Hop Awards nominations". FYI Malawi. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  49. ↑ "Malawi rapper Phyzix bags 4 nominations in Africa Hip Hop Music Awards". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  50. ↑ "Phyzix gets 4 nominations in African Hip Hop Awards". Times Malawi. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  51. ↑ "Phyzix super excited by Africa Hip Hop Music Awards nominations". Malawi Swift. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  52. ↑ "Malawi rapper Phyzix bags 4 nominations in Africa Hip Hop Music Awards". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  53. ↑ "Winners and losers: 2017 Nyasa Music Awards". Malawi 24. 2017-05-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  54. ↑ "Phyzix flows in Flaws". Nation Online. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  55. ↑ "Phyzix ropes in urban's finest on new single "Legends"". Malawi 24. 2022-03-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  56. ↑ "2nd Annual MUMA Awards nominees". Malawi Music Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  57. ↑ "Just married: Ruth Chikoleka wins Airtel Trace Music Stars Malawi edition". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  58. ↑ "Phyzix: new Malawi celebrity father – baby girl named Alyssa Grace Chikoleka". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  59. ↑ Reporter, Malawi24 (2017-06-12). "Phyzix and Ruth now parents". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  60. ↑ Reporter, Malawi24 (2016-05-13). "Phyzix still coming stronger: refuses to be a lukewarm BA". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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