Penyani Paul Phiri, widely recognized as Paul Payne837, is a Zambian award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and Visual Content Creator based in Lusaka, Zambia. Known for his genre-bending versatility, Paul Payne837 effortlessly transitions across afro beats, hip hop, dance music, and beyond.

Early Breakthrough

Paul Payne837 burst onto the scene with the release of his debut mixtape, Makenika Mixtape (2016). This project garnered international attention, earning him airplay in countries such as Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Among the standout tracks, "Go & Glow" earned him a Best Collaboration Award in Zambia, solidifying his position as a rising star in the music industry.

EP Success and Viral Hits

In 2018, he dropped his debut EP, War, with the lead single "Nakupeza" sparking a global phenomenon. Fans embraced the viral #NakupezaSeason hashtag, using it widely for selfies and online interactions. The song achieved:

• #3 on Liveway Radio (Nigeria)
• #3 on Salt FM (UK)
• Chart success on Heartsong Radio (Scotland)

Paul Payne837 followed up with "Nakana", an international collaboration featuring award-winning DJ Victor256 and produced by his protégé Fusa (Amazing Beats) in Uganda. The track became a global hit, breaking into:

• Top 10 Most Wanted Songs on Radio Christian Voice (Zambia)
• A #1 spot on Salt FM’s charts (UK) for three consecutive months

This momentum led to major recognitions, including a 2018 "Song of the Charts" nomination, securing 3rd place overall, and an "Artist of the Year" nomination at the Gospel Xplosion in the UK.

2021 Highlight

In 2021, Paul Payne837’s international success was further recognized when he won the "International Artist of the Year" Award at the Gospel Xplosion Awards in the UK.

Recent Achievements

Paul Payne837 continues to make waves in the music industry, both locally and internationally:

• 600k Streams on Boomplay (2024): A testament to his consistent artistry and strong global fanbase.
• Social Media Growth: With surging engagement on TikTok and Facebook, along with climbing streams on Apple Music, his influence continues to expand.
• Creative Ventures: Beyond music, he’s delved into podcasting with The Paul Payne837 Podcast and the BeOfficial Podcast, offering inspiring insights into creativity, life, and purpose.

Looking Ahead

With every release, Paul Payne837 pushes boundaries and explores new creative territories. As he continues to evolve as an artist and creator, his dedication to authenticity and innovation ensures that his story and music will resonate for years to come.

He continues to keep the fire burning and getting bigger with every new release he puts out & there’s no sign of him slowing down.