Zlatan Ibile

About Zlatan Ibile

Zanku was still echoing across Nigeria when Zlatan Ibile stepped into the studio to cement his place in the rap game.

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael was born on December 19, 1994. He would later adopt the stage name Zlatan Ibile, naming himself after the famous footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović. As a young man, he had dreamt of a soccer career before music pulled him in a different direction.

In 2014, Zlatan won the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The victory gave him the platform he needed. He began building momentum in the Nigerian music industry.

Towards the end of 2018, Zlatan released a single that would change everything. The song was called "Zanku," and it came with a flagship dance routine of the same name. Audiences embraced both immediately.

On November 3, 2019, Zlatan released his debut studio album titled Zanku. The acronym stood for "Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us"—a phrase that captured the song's spirited energy. The album marked his official arrival as a major force in Nigerian rap and pop.

Beyond his music career, Zlatan established himself as a businessman. He founded and became CEO of Zanku Records, his own record label. The label became a vehicle for developing new talent and expanding his influence in the industry.

Zlatan's journey from soccer dreams to rap stardom reflected a common story in Nigerian music. Yet his execution was distinct. He brought an aggressive, innovative energy to the genre that resonated with fans across the country.

By the time Zanku dropped, Zlatan had already proven himself as more than just a rapper. He was a performer, entrepreneur, and trendsetter. His dance routine from "Zanku" became a cultural moment, imitated in clubs and on streets nationwide.