TL;DR: Zinoleesky, the emerging Nigerian street-pop artist, has unveiled his inaugural album, Gen Z, highlighting his artistic journey and broadening global appeal. This 16-track collection fuses Afrobeats, trap, and dancehall, featuring collaborations with notable musicians. The lead single “Most Wanted” has rapidly ascended music charts, indicating his potential for worldwide fame.
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Zinoleesky’s Inaugural Album: Gen Z Represents a New Era
Nigerian street-pop icon Zinoleesky—whose real name is Oniyide Azeez—has officially embarked on a fresh chapter of musical creativity with the launch of his stunning debut album, Gen Z, under the Marlian Music label. This eagerly awaited 16-track project is a reflection of his development since he emerged in 2019 with chart-toppers like “Popo” and “Caro.” As an artist who has garnered a dedicated fan base through viral freestyles and successful EPs, Gen Z resonates with the essence of his experiences and dreams, promising to transform the current Afropop scene.
The Anticipation for Gen Z
The buzz surrounding Gen Z began to build earlier this year. In January 2025, Zinoleesky teased fans with an Instagram update that stated, “GEN Z THE ALBUM Coming soon.” This enigmatic message paved the way for a powerful promotional effort that included a cinematic teaser clip, hinting at the album’s central themes of resilience, ambition, and self-exploration.
On April 4, Zinoleesky released the lead single, “Most Wanted,” produced by collaborator Niphkeys. The song, a lively mix of Afrobeats, trap, and dancehall, swiftly climbed the charts, hitting No. 3 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100 within days of its launch, further propelled by an electrifying music video.
A Glamorous Tracklist
When revealing the official tracklist on April 17, Zinoleesky showcased an impressive lineup of collaborations that highlight his expanding international presence. Gen Z features contributions from artists such as Naira Marley, Toosii, Donae’O, Ms Banks, Young T & Bugsey, and Didi B, emphasizing a remarkable connection between Nigerian street-pop and international sounds.
Musically, Gen Z is a genre-blending adventure. Tracks like “Suit And Tie,” featuring a seamless collaboration with Toosii, illustrate Zinoleesky’s knack for marrying streetwise flair with mainstream appeal. The anthem “Abanikanda,” which includes Naira Marley, further emphasizes his ties to Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. Additionally, dynamic dancehall and trap influences shine in songs like “Ayamase” (with Ms Banks) and “Mandela” (with Young T & Bugsey). For the young Gen Z demographic, catchy tracks like “Doctor,” “Jollof,” and “Ferrari” are crafted to engage and entertain.
Thematic Depth and Meaning
Zinoleesky’s transition from the streets of Agege to global acclaim is poignantly captured in the album’s final track, “Lifestyle.” His lyrics intricately explore themes of hard work, loyalty, heartbreak, and ambition, skillfully interweaving Yoruba, Pidgin English, and English to create a rich tapestry of cultural and emotional storytelling.
Yet, certain fans express nostalgia for previous collaborations with artists such as Ayra Starr and Omah Lay from his earlier EP, Grit & Lust. Nonetheless, this shift towards a more varied artist roster signifies a strategic move aimed at achieving global success.
Immediate Impact and Response
The response to Gen Z has been truly exceptional. Within just two days, the album accumulated over 500,000 streams on Boomplay, demonstrating Zinoleesky’s dedicated fanbase and increasing influence. The lead single “Most Wanted” continues to top multiple charts, reinforcing that Zinoleesky is a rising star worth watching.
Despite some critiques suggesting that the numerous collaborations might overshadow his solo artistry, Gen Z serves as a bold affirmation of his creative range. With rumors of an upcoming tour and several nominations at The Headies 2025, Zinoleesky stands ready not only for success but for a lasting impact in the music industry.
🎧 Listen to Gen Z here.
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This article was initially published on Mp3bullet.ng. Check out the original post for more in-depth coverage of today’s vibrant music scene.
