Pheelz Signs To Warner Records After Viral Success of Finesse
- Presently, the Afrobeats breakout star says he is just making art with his music
In the past year, Afrobeats recorded significant success in the Nigerian music industry -from the success of Wizkid’s groundbreaking single “Essence” to Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti.”This year, more afrobeats artistes are not sleeping on this success. The likes of Fireboy DML’s and his booming track “Peru” with Ed Sheeran is thriving on the Billboard Hot 100, while Omah Lay’s “Attention” ft Canadian star Justin Bieber positions as a potential hit.
Now, producer-turned-artist, Pheelz looks to throw his hat into the success ring after signing a deal with Warner Records.
With more than 14 million streams on Spotify, Billboard says Pheelz’ BNXN-featured single “Finesse” is a carefree anthem, oozing with saucy one-liners (“If I broke, na my business”) and breezy melodies”.
Read Also: Seven Nigerian Afrobeats Songs with the RIAA Gold Plaque
Finess which initially started as a “training session” with his new producer on Ableton Live — a beat-making program — became a life-changing moment for Pheelz, who watched the record hit the airwave after casually posting a clip on TikTok from his studio. His super DIY attitude definitely attracted Warner to him.
“What was so compelling about Pheelz when we first met was his passion and affection for music and the Web3 space. He’s creating his own NFTs and graphic art, which aided in the launch and popularity of ‘Finesse,’ ays Steve Carless, president of A&R Black Music and Associated Labels at Warner Records. “He has an incredible connection to the cultural creative network around the world as an established figure for so many years. Our focus is really about staying true to the diaspora and lifting this song from the ground as our season progresses”
Finesse currently sits at No. 5 on this week’s Bilboard US Afrobeats Songs chart. Like Wizkid and Fireboy, Pheelz is eying a pop superstar to take his single to the next level.
“I know she’s a rapper, but I think Cardi B can do something amazing on “Finesse,” he tells Billboard “I think Ye as well — definitely Ye. If I get Ye on ‘Finesse,’ I’m going to lose my mind. Cardi, Ye — and the third one would be between Rihanna and Drake.”
Congratulations Pheelz.