Popular Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky, has opened up about the challenges he faced in his journey to becoming a music star.
In a recent interview with SB Live, the Afrobeats sensation revealed that he made bold and “crazy” decisions to follow his passion for music — including running away from home at a young age.
Choosing music over convention
The Marlian record label singer, whose real name is Oniyide Azeez, explained that his decision to pursue a music career was met with strong resistance from his family. Like many Nigerian parents, he was more comfortable with traditional career paths, such as law, medicine, engineering, or learning a trade.
“Nigerian parents are always in denial whenever you want to do stuff like music,” he said during the interview. “They want you to go for a professional course or learn a skill. So you just have to find your way. For me, I did some crazy things. I ran away from home to do music.”
His story reflects the reality of many young Nigerian talents who struggle with parental expectations and societal norms that discourage careers in the entertainment industry. But Zinoleesky knew what he wanted and was determined to chase it.
Starting with rap
Before his fame in Afrobeats, Zinoleesky began his music journey as a rapper. According to him, his early days were shaped by rap music, but he later transitioned to singing as he explored different styles and found his voice in Afrobeats.
This shift paid off, as it allowed him to connect with a wider audience and build a unique sound that blends street vibes with catchy melodies. His talent soon caught the attention of social media users, and his freestyles started making waves online.
Zinoleesky’s rise to fame through social media
Zinoleesky became a household name in 2017 after several of his freestyle videos went viral. His growing popularity online quickly turned into real-world fame, as fans embraced his energy and street-inspired lyrics.
Many were drawn to his raw talent and relatable stories, which mirrored the daily lives of Nigerian youth. His ability to blend street slang with emotion-filled vocals helped him carve a niche for himself in a highly competitive industry.
Record labels offer, breakthrough
As his fame grew, so did the interest of top players in the Nigerian music scene. There were reports that Zinoleesky received an offer to join Davido’s record label, DMW, but he reportedly turned it down. Instead, he chose to sign with Marlian Music, the label owned by controversial street-pop artist, Naira Marley, in December 2019.
The partnership marked a turning point in Zinoleesky’s career. With the support of Marlian Music, he was able to release more polished work and reach a larger audience. The move proved to be a wise decision.
Debut album and hit songs
In 2020, Zinoleesky released his debut extended play (EP) titled Chrome Eccentric, which featured popular tracks like “Ma Pariwo” and “Kilofeshe.” The songs quickly became street anthems and helped cement his place in the Afrobeats scene.
His unique sound, catchy hooks, and consistent delivery have kept him at the forefront of Nigeria’s new generation of music stars. Today, Zinoleesky continues to release chart-topping singles and collaborate with other major artists, further expanding his reach both locally and internationally.
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