Fast-rising Nigerian singer Kunmie joins forces with Penthauze legend Phyno on pre-album single “5AM,” ahead of his debut “22.”
5am is doing real storytelling work here, not just a title, but a scene. One hour and two people are still arguing when it should’ve been over hours ago. From within that emotional tension, Kunmie writes with honesty, balancing true affection with the frustration that happens when communication keeps breaking down. The record never turns into a breakup song or a love song. So It’s right in the middle. It’s where all of the most relatable relationship records live.
Phyno steps in and takes the conversation forward from his own angle. His poetry is a mix of English and Igbo in the way that he always does best – seamlessly and with real emotion underneath. But this is not Phyno in aggressive rap mode He arrives measured, emotionally present, dealing with hurt and uncertainty without the braggadocio energy his harder records carry. That restraint works perfectly for “5AM.”
Kunmie’s 2025 run also provides important context. His ‘Arike’ spent five weeks at the top of the Official Nigeria Top 100 – the kind of chart run that changes the way an industry hears everything you drop next. So “5AM” doesn’t come from an unknown voice. It’s from an artist who’s already proven he knows how to make a record that connects at scale.
Now one of the most anticipated projects of the month is the debut album “22” dropping August 14. And “5AM” featuring Phyno is exactly the kind of lead single that makes the wait feel worth it.
Stream “5AM” and let us know if Kunmie and Phyno just made the relationship record of the week – drop your take below!
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