My Music Will Keep Me Alive Forever, Pheelz

Singer and producer, Pheelz chats with KEHINDE AJOSE about his music journey, fame, and more.

You just dropped your album, A Rii Set. What does this project mean for you now, and why did you choose that title?
Freedom inspired the title. That's what it stands for. I needed a reset; to return to the music, focus on what matters, fall in love with the craft again, and create freely. It’s a reset.

You teamed up with big names like Tiwa Savage, Young Jonn, and Flavour on the album. What was it like working with them?
It was a wonderful experience. They are fantastic talents. Shout-out to everyone who contributed to the project. It’s amazing to create art with such great minds. I hope to work with more big names in the future.

It's always a beautiful process; no ego, no stress, just focusing on making the music the main thing and creating great art.

You’ve moved from being a producer to an artist. What’s the biggest change between who you were and who you are now?
I think it’s always been me. It’s about reinventing myself again and again. The content is the same; the way I present it might change.

It’s about evolving, growing, and taking up space. It’s beautiful. I thank God for growth.

Creative Risks

You like to try new sounds. Which creative risk has paid off the most? I don’t experiment for rewards. I experiment to express myself. So, I don’t measure which one has paid off the most.

I just love experimenting and what I create. The rest is for the fans and God.

What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your career?
I grew up in a music-focused environment. I spent a lot of time in church, playing music. I was a choir master at some point, so it was music every day.

In school, I was close to the music teacher. I learned and played in the band. Growing up, music was always there. That prepared me for my path.

Live Performances

You recently performed at Blast Fest. How was that, especially performing without a live band? I am always reinventing myself and finding new ways to create.

I found a way to be a one-man band; just me on stage, recreating all the music from scratch.

Blast Fest was the first show I did like that to test the idea, and it went amazingly well. There was great energy and vibes. It was amazing.

How important is live music in how you want people to experience your music?
For me, a live show is like an empty canvas. I get to recreate the songs people already love.

It’s a chance to reinvent the music and perform it. I want to give a fresh take and let people feel it more deeply.

Live music is very important, and it helps the growth of the genre.

Music Motivation

Do you make music just for hits, or is there something deeper driving you? I don’t make music for hits. I am building an impressive music catalogue because I believe I will live forever through my music. That’s what matters most to me now.

While building this catalogue, hits will come by God’s grace. But that’s not my main focus. The focus is on building a collection that will last forever.

How have you adjusted to fame and all the attention that comes with it?
It’s all love. It’s a blessing to be known and recognized. I appreciate everyone.

Sometimes, it can be a lot, and that’s okay. You can take some time to relax or chill somewhere.

I don’t mind being famous. I love being famous. I appreciate my fans. It’s a blessing.

Early Influences

You started in the industry when your work with Olamide and the YBNL crew helped your growth. What did that time teach you about music and the industry? It taught me a lot. Most importantly, it showed me that change is constant.

I came from a different era and view of music and marketing. Experiencing how the business changed and seeing afrobeats grow globally has been incredible.

I feel like I learn and grow every day. I am just excited about what the future holds.

I have also learned to be strong. I’ve been in the deep end since I was 16. I made my first hit at 16. Being in the business from such a young age taught me to swim with the sharks.

I have learned to understand the business as well, which helps with the music. I am grateful for life and everything that has happened so far.

The Journey Ahead

Looking back, was there a moment when you knew you could successfully become an artist? I don’t see it as a change from producer to artist because I have always been an artist.

Even as a producer, I have always sung, written, and acted as an artist. I believe that when the time is right, it will happen.

But I don’t see it as a transition. I see it as unlocking.

As you grow into the person you are becoming, what do you still want to prove to yourself?
That I am a genius and God is with me. That everything is possible if I believe.