PhonixtheCool on Identity, Growth, and His New Single 'Durban'

PhonixtheCool doesn’t chase volume - he moves with intention. Born in Durban and shaped by rhythm, reflection, and global influence, his sound lives in the quiet space where confidence meets composure. It’s music that doesn’t rush to impress, but stays with you long after the beat fades.

Q&A

Q: For readers discovering you for the first time, who is PhonixtheCool and how would you describe your sound in your own words?

A: Phonixthecool is a Durban born artist, producer, and storyteller. My  sound lives at the intersection of hip-hop, soul, and global west coast influence. Id say it’s rooted in honesty, rhythm, and intention. I make  music that feels confident but reflective, cool but makes you want to dance. It’s about presence, growth, and representing where I come from  without being boxed in by it.​

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Q: Where did the name Phonixthecool come from, and what does it represent about you as an artist?

A: Phonix” comes from the idea of the phoenix, rising, evolving, rebuilding. “The Cool” reflects composure and self awareness. Together, the name represents resilience without chaos. I’ve always believed you  can move with confidence, clarity, and calm, even while growing through pressure.

Q: Can you take us back to when music first became serious for you? What pulled you into making it?

A: Music became serious for me when I realized it was the one place I could fully be myself. I was always drawn to sound, rhythm, and storytelling, but at a certain point it stopped being a hobby and became purpose. Creating music gave me a voice, structure, and a way to process life, and once that clicked there was no turning back.​

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Q: You’ve just released a new song titled Durban. Why was this the right moment to release this track?

A: This felt like the right moment because Durban reflects where I am mentally and creatively. I’ve grown, traveled, learned, and evolved, but I’m grounded. The song is a reminder of origin and identity. Releasing it now was about honoring home while stepping into a bigger chapter.

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Q: What does Durban mean to you personally, beyond being a song title?

A: Durban is home, good energy and beauty in many different ways. It’s  where the ambition and passion started for me. It shaped my perspective, my sound, and my hunger. Beyond the music, Durban represents loyalty to  self remembering where you started no matter how far you go.

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Q: How would you describe the mood and energy of the record to someone  pressing play for the first time?

A:  The record feels confident, smooth, and gives summer vibes, which is a reflection of the city Durban throughout the year.  It’s not loud but rather laid back and groovy, it’s what we call “feel good music” its presence. There’s pride, reflection, and a calm flex. It’s the type of energy that sits with you rather than rushing past you.

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Q: What artists, sounds, or life experiences have shaped the way you  create music today?

A: I’ve been shaped by classic west coast hip-hop, soul, African rhythm, and real-life experience. Listening to artists like DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, & Dr Dre, growing up in Durban, navigating different spaces, and being exposed to international sounds all play a role. Life itself ,wins, setbacks, travel, relationships , that’s the real influence behind everything I create.

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Q: As a musician still building your journey, what have been some of the  early challenges and what keeps you going?

A: One of the biggest challenges has been staying patient while staying consistent. Building something meaningful takes time. What keeps me going is belief in the work, the vision, and the long game. I’m focused on growth, not shortcuts.

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Q: What do you want listeners to feel or recognize about themselves when they hear your music?

A: I want listeners to feel confident in who they are and where they’re from. I want them to recognize that growth doesn’t have to be loud, and ambition doesn’t have to erase authenticity. There’s power in calm self-belief.

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Q: Looking ahead, how do you see your sound evolving, and what should people expect next from Phonixthecool?

A: My sound is becoming more focused and intentional, with a deeper emphasis on storytelling and global reach. I’m currently in conversations that are opening the door to a new chapter of growth and mentorship globally, which has been both exciting and grounding. It’s pushing me to sharpen my craft ,think long-term and stay ready. What’s next is evolution, more depth, more clarity, and music that reflects both where I come from and where I’m headed.