News

They Said I Sound Like Phyno — It Sent Me Into Depression” — Cruz of Life Opens Up on Rejection, Reinvention & Rising from the East

Published

1 year ago

15th June 2025

Exclusive Interview with Cruz of Life, the Afropiano Act Reclaiming His Identity One Vibe at a Time

In Nigeria’s music industry, the path to stardom is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with identity battles, pressure to fit in, and the shadow of already-established giants. For Rowland Onyedikachi Chima, better known as Cruz, the journey began with a song, a comparison to Phyno, and a painful decision to either blend in or break out.

Now known by fans as Cruz of Life, this rising artist — born and bred in Lagos but seasoned in Imo State — is carving a unique lane with his sound: a fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano, which he proudly brands as Afropiano.

In this raw and revealing interview, Cruz speaks for the first time about:

• The depression he faced after being told he sounded “too much like Phyno”

• Why he’s not worried about Google showing Ted Cruz before him

• The grind of promoting music without a budget

• And why the title King of Vibe isn’t just hype — it’s a prophecy.

Get ready to meet the Cruz that the search engines haven’t caught up with yet.

“Cruz” is such a bold stage name. Were you ever worried about the comparison with Tom Cruise or other famous Cruzes? How do you make the name yours?

Honestly, I’ve never worried about being mistaken for Tom Cruise or Ted Cruz. They don’t make music — they don’t even operate in this lane. I’m not in competition with them. Right now, they show up on Google first, but that doesn’t scare me. This is just the beginning of my story. With consistency, growth, and visibility, that narrative will shift. “Cruz” is mine — not theirs — and soon, everyone searching that name will land on me, the African King of Vibes.

You’ve called yourself the King of Vibe — what does that actually mean to you, and do you think Nigerian music has space for a real ‘vibe king’ right now?

King of Vibe isn’t just a tagline for me — it’s an identity. My sound hits different. My energy is authentic. Wherever I go, I carry that vibe, even when I’m not singing. And yes, there’s space — a big one. Nigeria has its big three, but the stage is wide enough for more crowns. The real thing is being prepared. So when my time comes fully, I’ll be ready to carry that title and expand the sound beyond trends.

You started in 2020 with Time 4 Money featuring Yovi, and then went quiet. What really happened behind the scenes during that long break?

The truth? Hustle happened. I had no budget. I was pushing Time 4 Money from inside the house, all on my own. It got to a point where I had to pick between promoting music or eating. So I went back to the grind. I never stopped recording though — I stayed writing, evolving, waiting for a shot. It was hard, but necessary. Today, I see that silence as the training ground for who I’ve become.

A lot of Lagos-based artists look down on talent from the East. Has being an Imo State-based artist affected your rise in the industry — positively or negatively?

Here’s the thing — I was born and raised in Lagos (Okoko, Maiko, Ojo), but my music journey started in school, in Imo State. My mom made sure we never lost our roots. Every December, we went back to the East. That connection gave me range — I can flow in Yoruba, Igbo, pidgin, anything. But yes, I’ve felt the imbalance in the industry. Lagos gatekeeps a lot. But this is my first official Lagos push, and I believe strongly that the tide is about to shift in my favor.

Let’s talk about “Afropiano.” That’s a word you’ve used to describe your sound. Is it just branding, or are you really creating a new subgenre of Nigerian music?

It’s real. Afropiano exists, but very few artists are truly pushing it with meaning. I’m not just blending Afrobeat and Amapiano for vibe’s sake — I’m building a sound that carries weight. It’s bounce + emotion + storytelling. I’m not trying to sound like everyone. I’m here to stand out, and Afropiano is my anchor.

“Gum Body” and “Good Conduct” are very different in tone. Are you still experimenting with your sound, or have you found your signature?

It’s not experimentation — it’s versatility. I want to show people that I’m not a one-trick artist. “Gum Body” was love and groove. “Good Conduct” was more conscious. KOV is the full vibe. I can rap, I can sing, I can glide on blues, street beats, hip-hop, house — anything. I want fans to expect range from me, not repetition.

You’ve been called “Cruz of Life” by fans. Where did that name come from, and do you feel pressure to live up to it?

It came from evolution. People used to call me “Phyno” because of how I looked and sounded. It honestly started to depress me because I wanted to be me, not a shadow. I tried other names like “Rm-Flip” and “Rm-Cruz,” but people kept mispronouncing or confusing them. Then I remembered my dad used to call my elder brother “Cruzzo.” He never used it — so I did. Brushed it up and came out as Cruz. Fans added “of Life” because I brought the cruise — on stage, off stage, everywhere. I embraced it. Now it’s bigger than a name. It’s identity.

Let’s be real: the music industry is full of hype and fake love. Have you experienced betrayal or backstabbing in the game yet?

Not yet, and hopefully never. But I’m aware of how the game works. For now, my circle is tight — we move like family. My team isn’t just business; they’re brothers. We have values, and we correct ourselves when needed. If betrayal ever happens, we’ll handle it like men — no loud drama, just correction and forward movement.

Do you write your own songs? And if yes, which lyrics are you most proud of — and why?

Yes, every single line. I believe in owning my art. When I write, I’m more connected to the beat and to the message. My lyrics come from experience. As for my favorite? I can’t choose. It’s like having five kids and picking your best. Each song is tied to a moment in my life. So I love them all equally. They all tell parts of my story.

Your music feels very vibe-heavy — but what’s the message underneath the vibe? What are you trying to tell young Nigerians?

I’m saying: Chop life, but keep your head. Enjoy while you’re here — nobody knows tomorrow. But do it on good conduct. You don’t need to ball in Lekki before you feel good. Celebrate what you have, where you are. Whether you’re in the trenches or uptown, just stay grounded. That’s what Good Conduct stands for. My songs have a message, even when they make you dance.

If someone Googles “Cruz” today, Tom Cruise or Ted Cruz shows up. What do you want to show up instead, five months from now?

Right now, it’s Ted Cruz, the politician — not even Tom Cruise anymore. But here’s the thing: my fans will keep searching, scrolling, and sharing until Google adjusts. With my growth and visibility, Google will soon catch up. In five months, I want to pop up as Cruz of Life — The African King of Vibes. That’s the vision. And I’m working daily to make it a reality.

What’s one personal struggle you’ve faced recently that most fans don’t know about — and how did it shape your music?

The Phyno comparison hit me hard. It made me feel invisible, like I had no lane of my own. And that’s tough for any artist. I started to feel like I could never blow because Phyno already exists. It was depressing, and it messed with my mind for a while. But I fought it. I went deep into sound development. I refined my delivery, owned my vibe, and the result is what you’re hearing now — me, not a copy. That pain gave birth to this version of Cruz.

Who are your top 3 dream collaborations — one from Nigeria, one from Africa, and one global?

I won’t lie — this is from the heart, not strategy.

Nigeria: Niniola — her vocals and energy are unmatched.

Africa: Davido — because he’s raw, real, and connects deeply.

Global: Chris Brown — because I know our energies would create magic.

Last one — finish this sentence:

“In 2 years, Cruz of Life will be known as…”

The African KING OF VIBES — and trust me, Google will agree.

News

itel Launches A300+: Most Affordable Duo-Screen Smartphone with a Rear Screen

Published

2 days ago

7th October 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

itel, the technology empowerment brand for masses, officially unveiled its new product A300+, brand’s first interactive dual-screen smartphone in its price range. itel A300+ comes with a comprehensive set of features — a 7000mAh marathon battery, IP65 military-grade durability, and satellite communication capability, demonstrating that innovation and complete product strength can coexist at an accessible price point.

A First-of-Its-Kind Rear Screen Experience: Interactive Innovation for a New Generation

itel A300+ coming with an interactive rear display is a rare feature in this price category, designed to deliver a smart entertainment experience for young generations. Far from being a cosmetic gimmick, the rear screen provides practical functions built around real everyday scenarios. Users can frame selfies using the higher-quality rear camera with a live preview on the back screen, glance at incoming messages and alerts without waking the main display, and play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the rear screen. The rear display also supports customizable clocks, photos, and designs, giving users a personal window to express their individual style. Complementing the rear screen, the A300+ features a 6.78-inch immersive punch-hole main display, offering a cleaner, more expansive viewing experience for streaming, gaming, browsing, and social media.

Performance and Value in Balance: Delivering Fresh Technology Despite Industry Pressure

Even amid rising industry costs, itel has chosen to bring fresh technology to its products while continuously improving performance and keeping pricing accessible. The A300+ is powered by a 7000mAh marathon battery engineered for long-term reliability, supporting up to 1,200 charging cycles — far exceeding the industry standard, and designed to retain healthy capacity. AI Charging Protection intelligently manages charging patterns to reduce battery degradation, while Smart Power Management optimizes power consumption across apps and hardware to extend usage time between charges.

The device also features 300% ultra-volume DTS stereo speakers, delivering rich, room-filling sound for music, videos, FM radio, and everyday entertainment. Built to withstand daily life and beyond, the A300+ carries IP65 water and dust resistance certification and meets military-grade durability standards, resisting splashes, dust, and accidental drops. Notably, the A300+ includes satellite communication capability, ensuring users can still send basic messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable — a safety net in remote areas, during natural disasters, or in other critical situations, setting it apart in its price segment.

The A300+ is built on a clear product philosophy, rather than relying on a single headline feature, it combines its key strengths into one complete product story. The rear screen captures attention first, while battery life, durability, and practical usability make the overall value proposition convincing. With the A300+, itel once again demonstrates its commitment to using innovation to meet the needs and desire for novelty among young users in emerging markets.

The itel A300+ is available in two variants: the 64GB ROM and 128GB ROM and they are both available in all phone retail stores in Nigeria or via online store HERE

News

DJ Robot ft TMP Offisial & Fateoftheyouth – “NDSM Deluxe” Mixtape

Published

4 days ago

5th October 2026

manlikeakoh

DJ ROBOT teams up with TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH for NDSM DELUXE, a new DJ mixtape that expands the world of NDSM — No Dey Stress Me into a bigger, more energetic listening experience.

Built around DJ ROBOT’s approach to sequencing, mixing, and controlling energy, NDSM DELUXE transforms the NDSM mindset into a full sonic journey. The mixtape explores nightlife, pressure, temptation, confidence, freedom, desire, and the decision to simply refuse to let life overwhelm you.

Bringing together DJ ROBOT’s DJ-driven vision with the creative energy of TMP OFFISIAL and FATEOFTHEYOUTH, the deluxe edition adds new dimensions to the original NDSM message while maintaining its central philosophy: No Dey Stress Me.

Rather than simply extending the original project, NDSM DELUXE is designed as an experience — moving through different moods, rhythms, and moments while allowing each transition to contribute to the story.

For DJ ROBOT, the project represents an opportunity to communicate through energy as much as words.

“The original NDSM had more energy and stories to explore. I wanted to take the ‘No Dey Stress Me’ mindset beyond the song and turn it into a full DJ experience — something that captures nightlife, freedom, pressure, temptation, and the moments when you simply choose to enjoy yourself and live in the present.”

Listen below;

Entertainment Gists

N8TAN Announces ‘UPRISING EP’ — A Story of Rising From the Streets to the Top

Published

5 days ago

5th October 2026

manlikeakoh

Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.

Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.

More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.

With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.

‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.

As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.