by Oladele Owodina
If you search for ‘Pheelz’ on Twitter or other social media platforms, you will find numerous comments lauding him as a leader among skilled music producers who seamlessly transitioned from working behind closed studio walls to embracing the spotlight as an artist.
But speaking with him while writing this piece, I learned that his journey to becoming a superstar singer unfolded quite differently from what many of us think. He clarified that since his early days, he had always been deeply immersed in music, wearing multiple hats as a singer, music producer, and songwriter. However, it was only in recent times that people started paying attention to the musician within him.
“I don’t really see it (becoming a musician) as a transition,” he said. “It’s just that the world is now paying attention to me as an artist, but I started as an artist initially, and I’ve always been an artist.”
Pheelz, born Phillip Kayode Moses, is a 29-year-old music producer, singer, and songwriter. His musical journey began at the tender age of 10, singing in church, and later, while in high school, he worked under I.D Cabassa at Coded Tunes, where he crossed paths with Olamide. In 2011, he featured vocals in a song from Olamide’s ‘Rapsodi’ album titled ‘I’m Going In.’
It was in 2012 that Pheelz’s star began to rise as a record producer, delivering chart-topping hits on Olamide’s YBNL album. Pheelz was listed in NotJustOk’s ‘Top 10 Hottest Producers in Nigeria’ in 2013. He went on to produce all but one song on Olamide’s ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth’ album, solidifying his prominence in the Nigerian music industry.
Over the years, Pheelz has amassed numerous accolades and nominations. In 2020, he was crowned “Producer of the Year” at The Headies Awards, and his exceptional skills earned him a nomination for “Best Producer” at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards. His song “Finesse” was nominated in the “Best Pop Single” category at the 2021 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
As we delved deeper into the interview, Pheelz revealed the fascinating and dynamic nature of his creative process. He described it as ‘organised chaos,’ where random ideas flow freely, and he becomes fully immersed in the creative realm. Pheelz shared with a chuckle that he’s ‘all over the place’ when he’s in the process of creating music, thinking like a mixing engineer, producer, songwriter, and artist simultaneously.
This ability to switch roles effortlessly enriches his artistic repertoire, allowing him to explore and experiment across genres without limitations. From crafting the pulsating beats of the pop anthem ‘Electricity’ to composing the soulful melody of ‘Stand By You’ and creating the melodious track ‘Finesse.’
His approach to music-making also extends beyond the studio. Pheelz collaborates with his core fanbase, whom he affectionately calls the Triibes. Through social media, he occasionally invites his Triibes to participate in the creative journey, providing them with a glimpse into his world and even incorporating their ideas into his work. This unique interaction fosters an unshakeable bond between Pheelz and his fans, making them feel valued and connected to his artistic evolution.
Pheelz’s unwavering belief in himself and his craft is palpable in every word he speaks. He artfully emphasised the essence of emotions and feelings in his music, which has earned him the moniker ‘Pheelz’ and served as the inspiration behind his latest EP, ‘Pheelz Good.’ His music goes beyond mere entertainment; it is deeply rooted in evoking emotions and ensuring that each listener experiences something profound.
At one point, he passionately proclaimed, “There’s no one like Pheelz. No one can ever be like Pheelz in this lifetime,” radiating an air of assurance and confidence in his unique identity as an artist.
In Pheelz’s journey, there are no ceilings, only a wide-open expanse of endless possibilities. He envisions a world where his music resonates deeply, reminding people of their true selves. “I don’t see ceilings anymore. I just see a wide open space, and it’s as far as the eye can see and as far as the mind can think because these ceilings that I’m even crashing now, I didn’t even know I would crash them.”
Despite accumulating billions of streams, receiving numerous awards and nominations, and gracing grand stages as a musician, Pheelz’s legacy transcends the typical aspirations of many in the music industry. For him, the purpose is not just about personal accolades but giving joy to his parents. His unwavering commitment to inspiring people to believe in love, God, and the innate creative power also sets him apart.”