Did Phyno Just Diss Reno Omokri In His New Song?

 Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike popularly known as Phyno is one of Nigeria’s most respected indigenous rap artists, known for blending Igbo lyrics with hip-hop and highlife influences. He has been an active figure in the Nigerian music scene for over a decade, with Penthauze Music as his label home. Reno Omokri, on the other hand, was a former presidential aide to former Nigeria president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Reno is also a controversial political commentator, author, and Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, known to sometimes critic celebrity and pop culture debates online. The two exist in completely different worlds, which is part of why Phyno mentioning him in a freestyle caught so much attention.

Phyno New Song(freestyle)

Phyno released a new freestyle song “Na Afa Na” on 28 july 2026 where he mentioned popular figures like Spyro and Reno which caused a spark online. After going for some months without dropping any new song, Phyno dropped a banger with a similar beat and style to that of his 2014 Hit song “Ghost Mode” featuring Olamide. What caught fans attention in this new song(freestyle) is the verse 2 where phyno said; Talk am as e be aburom onye mgbu ka Reno.

This line roughly translates to i will say anything as it is I’m  not a silly or cunny person like Reno. This particular line have been given many translation by fans with each person trying to suit their own narratives. Many fans took it up to social media tagging Reno. Some asking for a reply on the diss while some were taunting him with it. After much tagging to his handles by fans on Twitter(X), Reno responded on Thursday to one of the fans.

Online Controversy

Reno started his clap back by saying that up till that very day,he didn’t know that phyno existed. He said he had just discovered Phyno after looking up the song because of peoples comment. He said that infact he is happy because, Phyno mentioning him in his new song has eternalized him. Reno said he is honored for someone to wake up and feel compelled to compose a song and mention his name in it,that it shows his relevance in peoples lives.

Reno called him a chap that supports peter obi and have met with him on occasions but have not seen the need to quote peter obi in his song. He urged his followers and supporters to download the song and that he prays the song becomes a global hit.

Phyno Resonse To Reno Clapback

Phyno quoted Reno Omokri comment with a sarcastic reply “you sabi this work well onye mgbu ” likely referencing that Reno is really what he called him in his new song.

Fans of Phyno trolled Reno that he is a big hypocrite for claiming he didn’t know Phyno before now, stating that it’s impossible that someone like him that was a former presidential aide and now currently an ambassador wouldn’t know a Nigerian superstar like Phyno who has won many musical awards especially the 2013 Headies award.

Why Moments Like This Go Viral

There’s a reason a single Igbo line in a freestyle can dominate Nigerian social media for days. Afrobeats and Nigerian rap have always used playful shade as a form of storytelling. Its a way to reference real people, drop cultural commentary, or stir conversation without necessarily meaning to disrespect people outrightly. When an artist as respected as Phyno mentions a public figure like Reno Omokri, it creates an unlikely spark moment where music fans and political commentary fans suddenly find themselves in the same conversation thread.

It also works as a smart way of marketing it can be either be intentional or unintentional. Diss lines generate exactly the kind of debate that keeps a song trending for long periods. Fans analyzing lyrics line by line, tweeting their own interpretations, and tagging the people mentioned to see if they’ll respond. Reno’s decision to respond graciously rather than defensively only extended the news more, turning what could have been a one day banter into something fans and social pages are still discussing.

For an artist like Phyno, gearing up for the release of his upcoming album SPIDER, this kind of organic buzz is an extra boost. It keeps his name in trending conversations without the cost of paying for big promotions and it’s a reminder that in Nigerian entertainment, a single clever bar can do more for visibility than a week of endless promo.

FAQ

Did Reno Omokri respond to Phyno’s diss?

Yes he called it flattering and said being referenced in the song was an honor, regardless of the lyric’s intent.

Is this connected to Phyno’s upcoming album?

Yes the freestyle has raised anticipation for his forthcoming project  called SPIDER under Penthauze Music Label.

What does “Abụrọm onye mgbu ka Reno” mean?

It’s an Igbo line roughly translating to “I’m not someone who is cunny or silly like Reno”. Fans have debated the exact meaning.