The Playmaker is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno, released on 1 November 2016, under Penthauze Music. The album features guest appearances from M.I, Flavour, Onyeka Onwenu, Tidinz, Mr Eazi, Olamide, DeCarlo, 2Baba, Burna Boy, P-Square, and Zoro. Production was handled by Del B, Masterkraft, Major Bangz, Benjamz, Tunex, Chris Stringz, TSpize, and Kezyklef. The Playmaker features singles like "Connect," "Ezege," "Fada Fada," "E Sure For Me," and "Pino Pino," and was predominantly recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The Playmaker is a follow-up to 2 Kings (2015).
The album's lead single, "Connect," was released on 6 October 2015 and was produced by TSpize.[1] The second single, "Ezege," was released on 26 January 2016 and was produced by Del B.[2] The third single, "Fada Fada" features Olamide and was produced by Masterkraft. It was released on 5 May 2016,[3] won Song of the Year, and was nominated for Best Pop Single at the 2016 edition of the Headies. The producer, Masterkraft, was nominated for Producer of the Year for "Fada Fada" at the ceremony.[4] The fourth single, "E Sure For Me" was released on 7 July 2016 and was produced by Kezyklef.[5] The fifth single, "Pino Pino" was released on 9 October 2016 and produced by Benjamz.[6]
Critical reception
The Playmaker received generally positive reviews from critics. Joey Akan of Pulse Nigeria rated the album a 4 out of 5, stating that the Playmaker showcases his growth from a rapper to a versatile artist who seamlessly blends highlife and hip-hop. He highlighted the album's rich storytelling, emotional depth, and consistent production, asserting that it solidifies Phyno's status as a leading figure in Nigerian pop music.[7] Wilfred Okiche of 360nobs noted that the album shows his transition from hardcore rap to a more diverse musical style, blending Igbo Folk and Highlife with commercial appeal. Okiche concluded, "The Playmaker is a big, sprawling, glossy, messy but ultimately worthwhile outing."[8]
Jim Donnett of tooXclusive rated the Playmaker by Phyno 4 out of 5, highlighting its broad musical range and the artist's ability to blend rap with other genres, making the album appealing to a wide audience. Donnett concluded, "[The Playmaker] is a star-spangled work that doesn’t only beam meritoriously on the rapper, it also illuminates his association in a galaxy where his producers’ efforts in defying a local boy’s template sounds are allowed to shine independently."[9]
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