{{Short description|Malawian rapper, record producer and entrepreneur}}{{Infobox musical artist | name = Phyzix | image = | caption = Noel "Phyzix" Chikoleka | birth_name = Noel Jack Chikoleka | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|12|18}} | birth_place = Lilongwe, Malawi | origin = Area 12, Lilongwe, Malawi | genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|Afrobeats|Drill|Trap}} | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|record producer|songwriter|entrepreneur|banker|marketer}} | years_active = 2006–present | label = It's Only Entertainment (IOE) | spouse = {{marriage|Ruth Kulaisi|2016}} | website = }}
'''Noel Jack Chikoleka''' (born 18 December 1986), better known by his stage name '''Phyzix''' (also stylised as '''Man Phyzo, Phyzo, Gamba wa Suit, Atigo, Mountain Goat, Mphungu, Cholapitsa''' or '''Gamba'''), is a Malawian rapper, record producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is a prominent figure in Malawian hip hop music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sundu |first=Yvonnie |date=2020-10-29 |title=Phyzix dominates Hip-Hop awards nominations list |url=https://mwnation.com/phyzix-dominates-hip-hop-awards-nominations-list/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Nation Online |language=en-US}}</ref> He gained recognition in 2006 following the release 0f the single "Cholapitsa" (The Boogeyman), which reportedly sold over 40,000 copies nationwide within a month.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2020-10-30 |title=Phyzix now ready for international stage: Bags 7 nominations in Malawi Hip-Hop Awards |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-now-ready-for-international-stage-bags-7-nominations-in-malawi-hip-hop-awards/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Chikoleka is the founder and proprietor of his record label, It's Only Entertainment (IOE). Beyond music, he has pursued a parallel career in banking and marketing, rising to senior management level at NBS Bank in Blantyre.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=Malawi music is booming – Phyzix |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-music-is-booming-phyzix/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Early life == thumb|Phyzix in 2018 advocating for safe schools and workplaces for girls and women|260x260px
Chikoleka was born on 18 December 1986 in Lilongwe, Malawi, and grew up in Area 12. He attended Marist Secondary School, where he excelled both academically — attaining 11 points in his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) — and athletically, participating in basketball, football, volleyball, table tennis, the 100-metre sprint, and martial arts. His stage name, Phyzix, is a play on the word "physics", reflecting his performance style and lyrical approach.
He is the son of Evelyn Josephine Chikoleka and the late Alec Jack Chikoleka, a banker and diplomatic civil servant respectively. He has two sisters, Elizabeth Sauka Makossah and Ewey Elsie Chikoleka, and one surviving brother, Alexander Tinga Chikoleka; another brother, Austin Chikoleka, passed away in 1998. His family originates from Dowa, where he holds lineage to a traditional chieftaincy (T/A Msakambewa, Kapilingidza Village, Dowa), and from Salima (Mwamadi Village, T/A Kambwiri).
In 2003, Chikoleka moved to Area 25, Lilongwe, during a period He has described as formative. His father had died in 1995, and his mother had recently retired from the Reserve Bank of Malawi while in poor health. He has described Area 25 as a formative period that inspired many of his songs, including "Cholapitsa", "Gamba", "Abwana", and "Usodzi".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bengo |first=Cyrus |date=2020-09-26 |title=Pray for me my soul is in danger – Phyzix |url=https://malawi24.com/2020/09/26/pray-for-me-my-soul-is-in-danger-phyzix/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Chikoleka began rapping in 1998 at age 12 while in Standard 7.
== Career ==
=== Breakthrough and early albums (2006–2011) === In 2006, Chikoleka gained recognition with "Cholapitsa", a breakthrough single that achieved chart success and sold over 40,000 copies within a month of release.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Malawi24 |date=2016-05-13 |title=Phyzix still coming stronger: refuses to be a lukewarm BA |url=https://malawi24.com/2016/05/13/phyzix-still-coming-stronger-refuses-lukewarm-ba/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24 |language=en-US}}</ref> The song's success was followed by early releases including ''The Overdue'' (2006) and ''Man Man, Vol. 1: Black Starz Don Shyne'' (2007), both later verified on streaming platforms including Deezer.
Following the release of "Cholapitsa", Chikoleka was withdrawn from The Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, where he had been studying Engineering. He was later also withdrawn from Mzuzu University, where he was studying a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology, in 2008.
In 2008, Chikoleka founded his entertainment company, originally named Bantu Records (later rebranded as It's Only Entertainment, IOE).<ref name=":0" />
On 21 March 2009, he released his debut studio album, ''The Lone Ranger LP'', which included singles "Gamba", "Jessie", "Usodzi", and "Abwana". His second album, ''Secret Service LP'' (2010), included a remix of "Cholapitsa" titled "Zolapitsa". His third album, ''Follow the Leader'' (2011), was produced by Snowky Kachimanga and Q Malewezi.
=== Sabbatical and return (2012–2015) === Following ''Follow the Leader'', Chikoleka took a four-year sabbatical from music to pursue further education and professional development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=Malawi music is booming – Phyzix |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-music-is-booming-phyzix/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He returned to active recording with ''Gamba wa Suit'' in 2015, which featured collaborations with Gwamba and Martse.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=Phyzix: Gamba wa Suit next year |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-gamba-wa-suit-next-year/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix makes big comeback in Malawi urban music |url=https://www.maravipost.com/phyzix-makes-big-comeback-in-malawi-urban-music/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Maravi Post}}</ref>
=== Captain Long John and Captain Bae (2016–2018) === thumb|Phyzix in 2019 at a meeting representing NBS Bank as marketing manager|395x395px
In 2016, Chikoleka released ''Captain Long John'', which he wrote and recorded within a single month ahead of his wedding to Ruth Kulaisi, a Zodiak TV presenter and producer. The album received multiple nominations at the UMP Awards and Nyasa Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix wadza ndi Captain Long John |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-wadza-ndi-captain-long-john/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-09 |title=2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete |url=https://malawi24.com/2016/10/09/2016-ump-awards-nominees-line-up-complete-tay-grin-and-gwamba-bag-four-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref>
In 2017, he released ''Captain Bae'', a compilation including singles "KOTG (King of The Ghetto)", "Noni Noni", "Golide", "Patelera", and "Zibwente". In 2018, he released ''The Diaries'', a joint album with Barry Uno.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix, Barry Uno cut joint album Diaries |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-barry-uno-cuts-joint-album-diaries/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref>
=== Mutipatsa? campaign and international recognition (2018–2019) === In 2018 and 2019, ahead of Malawi's general elections, Chikoleka released "Mutipatsa?" ("What Have You Done For Us?"), a politically conscious single aimed at youth civic engagement. The campaign received coverage from the BBC and was recognised by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) of the U.S. State Department.<ref>{{Cite web |title=There's a hip-hop movement starting in Malawi. Here's why it matters to the 2019 elections |url=https://yali.state.gov/theres-a-hip-hop-movement-starting-in-malawi-heres-why-it-matters-to-the-2019-elections/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=YALI Network |publisher=U.S. State Department}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=Phyzix releases new music video, encourages Malawi youths to vote wisely |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-releases-new-hot-music-video-encourages-malawi-youths-to-vote-wisely/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref>
In 2019, Phyzix also released ''SOLID'', with coverage from Times Group and public release pages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix SOLID album launched |url=https://www.leymanck.com/phyzix-solid-album-launched/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Leymanck}}</ref>
=== Gamba Season and major awards (2020) === In 2020, Chikoleka released ''Gamba Season'', an EP that performed strongly on digital platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix makes big sales on Gamba Season EP |url=https://www.leymanck.com/phyzix-makes-big-sales-on-gamba-season-ep/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Leymanck}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gamba Season EP vindicates power of digital platforms |url=https://www.malawiswift.net/gamba-season-ep-vindicates-power-of-digital-platforms/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi Swift}}</ref> The project earned him multiple awards at two major award shows: he won Artist of the Year (Male), Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ("Makofi") at the Malawi Hip Hop Awards, and Best Hip Hop Act and Album of the Year at the UMP Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MWHHA winners full list |url=https://www.leymanck.com/mwhha-winners-full-list/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Leymanck}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2020-12-21 |title=UMP Awards in Malawi 2020: All the winners |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/ump-awards-malawi-2020-all-winners |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards |url=https://www.mwnation.com/winners-and-losers/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref>
The single "Follow" (featuring Eli Njuchi) was listed among BBC Africa top 20 best African hits during this period.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malawi hip hop artist Phyzix goes global: his music now on BBC top 20 best African hits |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-hip-hop-artist-phyzix-goes-global-his-music-now-on-bbc-top-20-best-african-hits/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref>
=== Flaws, Mountain Goat and FIGARO 7 (2021–2024) === In 2021, Chikoleka released ''Flaws'', which won Best Album at the MASO Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix flows in Flaws |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-flows-in-flaws/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> The album was distributed to South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-02 |title=Phyzix takes his 'Flaws' to SA, UK and US |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-takes-his-flaws-to-sa-uk-and-us/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref>
In 2022, he released the single "Legends", earning a win at the MASO Awards for Best Collabo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Contributor |date=2022-03-02 |title=Phyzix ropes in urban's finest on new single "Legends" |url=https://malawi24.com/2022/03/02/phyzix-ropes-in-urbans-finest-on-new-single-legends/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref> In 2023, he released ''MOUNTAIN GOAT'', and in 2024, ''FIGARO 7'', both verified on Malawi Music and Deezer.
== Professional career == Alongside his music, Chikoleka has maintained a parallel career in the corporate sector spanning over nine years, predominantly in banking. He served as Marketing Manager and Head of Marketing at Opportunity International Bank of Malawi (OIBM), and later as Marketing Manager and Transactional Banker (Executive Banker/Private Banking, Grade D2) at NBS Bank. He has also held roles as Investments Manager, Marketing Officer, Customer Consultant, Salesclerk at SFFRFM, and Lead Medical Detailer at WomanCare Global via Madison Holdings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=Malawi music is booming – Phyzix |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-music-is-booming-phyzix/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He holds a Professional Certificate in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), studied at the University of Malawi's Management Development Centre, and an Intermediate Certificate in ICT from Mzuzu University's Centre for Open and Distance Learning. He has also pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing Science via Global Business University (Europe) / Cyprus Institute of Marketing.
== Brand ambassadorships == Chikoleka has served as a brand ambassador for a range of local, regional, and international brands across multiple industries.
=== Formal brand ambassador roles === '''888bets Malawi (2024–2025):''' Chikoleka served as a brand ambassador for 888bets Malawi, an online sports betting platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Namasani |first=Durell |date=2024-12-02 |title=Phyzix lands ambassador role with 888bets |url=https://www.247malawi.com/phyzix-lands-ambassador-role-with-888bets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260528014756/https://www.247malawi.com/phyzix-lands-ambassador-role-with-888bets/ |archive-date=2026-05-28 |access-date=2026-05-28 |website=247MALAWI NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref> He appeared in outdoor billboard campaigns and promotional materials for the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix featured on an 888bets Malawi billboard campaign |url= |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=888bets Malawi}}</ref> '''Kelfoods (2021–2022):''' Chikoleka was appointed as a brand ambassador for Kelfoods, representing Donna's Eggs, Proto Chicks, Proto Feeds, and Proto Vet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix is Kelfoods ambassador |url=https://zodiakmalawi.com/enw/entertainment-news/15-entertainment/3820-phyzix-is-kelfoods-ambassador |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Zodiak Malawi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix appointed Kelfoods brand ambassador |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-appointed-kelfoods-brand-ambassador/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref>
'''WWE Snacks Malawi (2021–2022):''' Chikoleka served as the face of WWE Snacks Malawi, a Kelfoods-distributed product, appearing in professional promotional photography and marketing materials.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix is face of WWE Snacks |url=https://times.mw/phyzix-is-face-of-wwe-snacks/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Times Malawi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kelfoods signs Phyzix brand ambassador |url=https://www.kulinji.com/kelfoods-signs-phyzix-brand-ambassador/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Kulinji}}</ref>
'''PC Merchants Limited (2020–2021):''' Chikoleka signed a one-year renewable clothing sponsorship deal with PC Merchants Limited, a boutique menswear retailer. Under the arrangement, PC Merchants dressed him throughout the year.
'''Malville Boutique Hotel (2022–2024):''' Chikoleka served as brand ambassador for Malville Boutique Hotel, a hospitality establishment in Malawi.<ref>{{Cite web |last=247Malawi |date=2022-05-09 |title=Phyzix lands another ambassadorial role-Signs deal with Malville Boutique Hotel |url=https://www.247malawi.com/phyzix-lands-another-ambassadorial-role-signs-deal-with-malville-boutique-hotel/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |website=247MALAWI NEWS |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''M & R Panel Beating and Paint Service (2020–2021):''' Chikoleka was brand ambassador for M & R Panel Beating and Paint Service during this period.
'''Soft Touch Products (2025):''' Chikoleka became brand ambassador for Soft Touch Products in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapito |first=Evance |date=2025-08-19 |title=Phyzix Secures Another Brand Ambassadorship Deal with Soft Touch Products |url=https://www.faceofmalawi.com/2025/08/19/phyzix-secures-another-brand-ambassadorship-deal-with-soft-touch-products/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Influencer and endorsement engagements === In addition to his formal ambassadorial contracts, Chikoleka has undertaken influencer and endorsement engagements with WSBet, 1XBet, NBS Bank, Airtel Malawi, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), K Motors, and Go Green Malawi (British Council).
== Activism and community work == alt=Phyzix performing at polytechnic|thumb|Phyzix performing at polytechnic (now Mubas) in 2018 Chikoleka has participated in youth outreach and community development initiatives. His civic activities include free performances to support flood victims through the Umodzi and Ndife Amodzi Floods Response; motivational speeches and performances for children living with HIV through Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi; ambassador work for the British Council's Go Green Malawi Project on climate change; and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns with MACRO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Using art for youth empowerment |url=https://www.mwnation.com/using-art-for-youth-empowerment/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix pushes for youth involvement in governance |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-pushes-for-youth-involvement-in-governance/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref>
He has also organised the Ghetto Festival, a community music event held in Lilongwe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix takes his Ghetto Festival to Lilongwe |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-takes-his-ghetto-festival-to-ll/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> He is a member of Lions Club International.
== International performances == Chikoleka has shared stages with international artists including Cassper Nyovest,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Casper Nyovest rocks barbeques |url=https://www.mwnation.com/casper-nyovest-rocks-barbeques/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> K'naan, Sway DaSafo, The Maccabees, and Oliver Mtukudzi. He has performed at international festivals including Lake of Stars, WAPi (Words and Pictures), the Domestic Tourism Music Festival, and La Fête de la Musique.
== Discography == The following discography treats mixtapes, EPs, and joint albums as album releases, consistent with how the artist has categorised his projects.
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ Studio albums, EPs and mixtapes ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Notes |- ! scope="row" | ''The Overdue'' | 2006 | Verified on Deezer as ''The Overdue Mixtape'' |- ! scope="row" | ''Man Man, Vol. 1: Black Starz Don Shyne'' | 2007 | Verified on Deezer |- ! scope="row" | ''From the Dust'' | 2008 | Verified on Deezer as ''From the Dust Mixtape'' |- ! scope="row" | ''The Lone Ranger LP'' | 2009 | Debut studio album; singles: "Gamba", "Abwana", "Jessie", "Usodzi" |- ! scope="row" | ''Secret Service LP'' | 2010 | Includes "Zolapitsa" (Cholapitsa remix) |- ! scope="row" | ''Follow the Leader'' | 2011 | Singles include "Follow the Leader" |- ! scope="row" | ''Chilipo'' | 2012/2013 | Sources conflict on exact year; Deezer indexes 2012, Malawi Music indexes 2013 |- ! scope="row" | ''Gamba wa Suit'' | 2015 | Comeback album; features Gwamba, Martse |- ! scope="row" | ''Captain Long John'' | 2016 | Multi-award nominated; includes "Dekha" |- ! scope="row" | ''Captain Bae'' | 2017 | Compilation; includes "Noni Noni", "KOTG", "Golide" |- ! scope="row" | ''The Diaries'' <small>(with Barry Uno)</small> | 2018 | Joint album |- ! scope="row" | ''SOLID'' | 2019 | |- ! scope="row" | ''Gamba Season'' | 2020 | EP; includes "Makofi", "Follow" ft. Eli Njuchi |- ! scope="row" | ''Flaws'' | 2021 | MASO Awards Best Album winner |- ! scope="row" | ''MOUNTAIN GOAT'' | 2023 | Verified on Malawi Music and Deezer |- ! scope="row" | ''FIGARO 7'' | 2024 | Verified on Malawi Music and Deezer |}
== Awards and nominations ==
=== UMP Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2016 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-09 |title=2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete |url=https://malawi24.com/2016/10/09/2016-ump-awards-nominees-line-up-complete-tay-grin-and-gwamba-bag-four-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref> |- | 2016 || ''Captain Long John'' || Album of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-09 |title=2016 UMP Awards nominees line-up complete |url=https://malawi24.com/2016/10/09/2016-ump-awards-nominees-line-up-complete-tay-grin-and-gwamba-bag-four-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref> |- | 2017 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop/Rap Act of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=UMP Awards Malawi unveils nominees list |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/ump-awards-malawi-unveils-nominees-list |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Music In Africa}}</ref> |- | 2017 || "Noni Noni" ft. Martse & Dan Lu || Best Collaboration || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=UMP Awards Malawi unveils nominees list |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/ump-awards-malawi-unveils-nominees-list |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Music In Africa}}</ref> |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop Act || {{won}}<ref name=":1" /> |- | 2020 || ''Gamba Season'' || Album of the Year || {{won}}<ref name=":1" /> |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Male Artist of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref name=":1" /> |- | 2020 || "Follow" ft. Eli Njuchi || Song of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref name=":1" /> |- | 2020 || "Follow" ft. Eli Njuchi || Music Video of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref name=":1" /> |- | 2025 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop/Rap Act || {{nominated}} {{end}}
=== Malawi Hip Hop Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Artist of the Year (Male) || {{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malawi Hip Hop Awards gives rappers their flowers |url=https://kulinji.com/article/entertainment-arts/2020/malawi-hip-hop-awards-gives-rappers-their-flowers |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Kulinji}}</ref> |- | 2020 || "Makofi" || Song of the Year || {{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards |url=https://www.mwnation.com/winners-and-losers/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> |- | 2020 || ''Gamba Season'' || Album of the Year || {{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners and losers: Malawi Hip Hop Awards |url=https://www.mwnation.com/winners-and-losers/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Verse of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-29 |title=Phyzix dominates Hip-Hop awards nominations list |url=https://mwnation.com/phyzix-dominates-hip-hop-awards-nominations-list/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> |- | 2020 || "Makofi" ft. Dare Devilz || Best Collaboration || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full list of the Malawi Hip Hop Awards nominations |url=https://fyi.mw/full-list-of-the-malawi-hip-hop-awards-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=FYI Malawi}}</ref> |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop Live Performance || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full list of the Malawi Hip Hop Awards nominations |url=https://fyi.mw/full-list-of-the-malawi-hip-hop-awards-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=FYI Malawi}}</ref> |- | 2020 || Phyzix || Hustler of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref name=":0" /> {{end}}
=== Africa Hip Hop Music Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2021 || ''Gamba Season'' || Hip Hop Album of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malawi rapper Phyzix bags 4 nominations in Africa Hip Hop Music Awards |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-rapper-phyzix-bags-4-nominationsin-africa-hip-hop-music-awards/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref> |- | 2021 || Phyzix || Best Male Artist of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix gets 4 nominations in African Hip Hop Awards |url=https://times.mw/phyzix-gets-4-nominations-in-african-hip-hop-awards/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Times Malawi}}</ref> |- | 2021 || "Makofi" || Song of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix super excited by Africa Hip Hop Music Awards nominations |url=https://www.malawiswift.net/phyzix-super-excited-by-africa-hip-hop-music-awards-nominations/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi Swift}}</ref> |- | 2021 || Phyzix || People's Choice || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malawi rapper Phyzix bags 4 nominations in Africa Hip Hop Music Awards |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi-rapper-phyzix-bags-4-nominationsin-africa-hip-hop-music-awards/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref> {{end}}
=== Nyasa Music Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2017 || ''Captain Long John'' || Album of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-02 |title=Winners and losers: 2017 Nyasa Music Awards |url=https://malawi24.com/2017/05/02/winners-losers-2017-nyasa-music-awards/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref> {{end}}
=== MASO Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2021 || ''Flaws'' || Best Album || {{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix flows in Flaws |url=https://www.mwnation.com/phyzix-flows-in-flaws/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nation Online}}</ref> |- | 2022 || "Legends" || Best Collabo || {{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Contributor |date=2022-03-02 |title=Phyzix ropes in urban's finest on new single "Legends" |url=https://malawi24.com/2022/03/02/phyzix-ropes-in-urbans-finest-on-new-single-legends/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref> |- | 2025 || "Super Star" || Best Collaboration || {{won}} |- | 2025 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop Act || {{nominated}} {{end}}
=== MUMA Awards === {{Awards table}} |- | 2014 || Phyzix || Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist of the Year || {{nominated}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=2nd Annual MUMA Awards nominees |url=https://blog.malawi-music.com/2015/02/2nd-annual-muma-awards-nominees/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi Music Blog}}</ref> {{end}}
== Personal life == alt=Ruth and Alyssa|thumb|236x236px|Ruth Kulaisi and Alyssa Chikoleka married Ruth Kulaisi, a Zodiak TV presenter and producer, in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Just married: Ruth Chikoleka wins Airtel Trace Music Stars Malawi edition |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/just-married-to-phyzix-ruth-chikoleka-wins-airtel-trace-music-stars-malawi-edition-zodiak-tv-personality/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref> The couple have a daughter, Alyssa Grace Chikoleka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phyzix: new Malawi celebrity father – baby girl named Alyssa Grace Chikoleka |url=https://www.nyasatimes.com/phyzix-new-malawi-celebrity-father-baby-girl-named-alyssa-grace-chikoleka/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Nyasa Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Malawi24 |date=2017-06-12 |title=Phyzix and Ruth now parents |url=https://malawi24.com/2017/06/12/phyzix-ruth-now-parents/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref>
His niece, Trinity Pempho Chikoleka, known professionally as Complex, is also a rapper. His nephew Sina Makossah is a footballer based in the United Kingdom.
Chikoleka identifies as a born-again Christian.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Malawi24 |date=2016-05-13 |title=Phyzix still coming stronger: refuses to be a lukewarm BA |url=https://malawi24.com/2016/05/13/phyzix-still-coming-stronger-refuses-lukewarm-ba/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Malawi 24}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Portal bar|Africa|Biography|Music|Malawi}} {{Authority control}} Category:Living people Category:1986 births Category:Malawian rappers Category:Musicians from Lilongwe Category:21st-century Malawian singers Category:The UMP Awards winners Category:Malawian singer-songwriters Category:Maso Awards winners Category:Malawian record producers