Belize’s Rising Reggae Artist: Phynxxx

Belizean reggae artist Phynxxx, known offstage as Jeremy Lizama, combines Caribbean influences with heartfelt lyrics to create a sound that resonates with his audience. As he gears up for the release of new tracks, Phynxxx shares insights into his music style and creative process.

Cultural Roots and Influences

Growing up in Belize, Phynxxx has been profoundly influenced by the rhythms and vibes of his surroundings. “I try to keep it as real as I can,” he shares. His music celebrates Belizean culture, blending traditional reggae elements with local sounds that make his work distinctively authentic.

Phynxxx draws inspiration from reggae legends like Gregory Isaacs, whose smooth delivery and heartfelt lyrics have shaped his musical journey. In an interview with News 5, he cited his latest track, “New Day,” produced by his brother. “That one just reached another level for me… the sky’s been the limit since,” he explains, emphasising how it encapsulates uplifting themes of new beginnings and positive energy.

 

 

The Creative Process and Artistic Growth

Phynxxx approaches songwriting as a meditative experience, often freestyling to find the right flow. “I consider myself more of a guide,” he explained, adding, “I tend to just put myself into a mode or a meditation.” With a growing listener engagement, Phynxxx says his writing process has shifted to more intentional messaging: “Now, I have to know what I’m saying and what I’m influencing; what are they going to listen to when I’m singing? So I try to keep it uplifting and positive.”

He candidly shared his early struggles, emphasising that even the most talented artists face doubts and setbacks. His breakthrough song, “Only One,” which recently gained traction on platforms like TikTok, serves as a reminder that success can come unexpectedly. “You just got to work… Don’t stop. No matter what you hear or how you feel, if this is what you love, you don’t stop,” he shared, encouraging young artists to believe in their potential and keep pushing forward, regardless of challenges.

 

 

Manager’s Insights: The Modern Music Landscape

His manager, Joe Arrivi, has been managing rising artist Phynxxx for about a year. “I was in an industry in the nineties… And I never thought I’d ever get back in the entertainment industry… but it was refreshing to see Phoenix… and the amount of raw talent that he had and the amount of commitment, heart, and charisma,” Arrivi said, emphasising the importance of authenticity and collaboration in today’s music landscape. 

Artists from Belize, a small Caribbean country, often struggle for visibility in the global music scene. Phynxxx’s manager stated that social media allows artists to amplify their talent and reach a wider audience without traditional gatekeepers. “You have to be a little bit savvy these days with social media, but it’s a lot easier than it was in the 90s and 2000s because you have this medium now,” Arrivi stated. “In the past, you would need a whole team of people to do that for you. And you would have to rely on a record label to provide that for you.”