Zlatan Ibile, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, and dancer. He is best known for the “Zanku” dance step and song, as well as the “Kapaichumarimarichupako” street slang. He is the founder and CEO of Zanku Records.
Early Life and Education
Zlatan Ibile was born on December 19, 1994, in Ilorin, Kwara State, but his family roots are in Ekiti State. In Kwara state, he spent his formative years and received his education. Moshood Abiola Polytechnic awarded him a national diploma in business administration in 2011.
Career
After finishing secondary school, Zlatan decided to pursue a career in music. He won the Airtel-sponsored 2014 edition of the “One Mic Campus Tour” music competition when he was 19 years old, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He rose to prominence in the Nigerian music industry after releasing the Olamide-assisted single “My Body” in 2017. Lawrence Irabor, a co-owner of Alleluyah Boiz Entertainment, signed Zlatan to their record label A.B.E. Record in 2018.
Zlatan gained further exposure following his collaboration with Chinko Ekun and Lil Kesh on the 2018 hit single “Able God”. Shortly afterwards, he dropped “Zanku”, a song that was accompanied by a dance routine of the same name. Towards the end of 2018, Zlatan released the Davido-assisted track “Osanle”. In early 2019, he released “Glory” before being featured on Burna Boy’s “Killin Dem”, a track from the latter’s fourth studio album African Giant. Shortly afterwards, he was featured on Ceeza Milli’s “Flenjo” and Naira Marley’s “Am I a Yahoo Boy”.
In January 2020, he floated his own record label, which he named Zanku Records. One month later, he announced to his fans that he had signed three new artists: Papisnoop, Oberz, and Jamo Pyper. Leading music producer, Rexxie is also signed to the music imprint.
Personal Life
Zlatan Ibile is regarded as one of Nigeria’s top influencers of street pop culture. His impact has been felt in the movement via his songs and fashion sense. Zlatan Ibile’s ex-girlfriend’s name is Seyi ‘Shigh Lofe’ Awonuga, who is the youthful CEO of Bang Mewsic Entertainment. He broke up with his girlfriend Seyi ‘Shigh Lofe’ Awonuga. He has a child named Shiloh Toluwalase Ainoghena Omoniyi with his girlfriend, and baby mama, Davita Lamai.
Manager Jiggy is currently managing him while he hired a PR consultant, Biesloaded, to handle his public relations.
Zlatan Ibile has lent his voice to social activism issues in the past. He participated in the nationwide EndSARS protests and recorded a single, Soro Soke, to express his views on the massacre of innocent lives at Lekki Toll Gate. He is one of the highest-paid artists in the country and is known for living a luxurious lifestyle. He has chosen real estate properties across the country and owns a fleet of luxurious cars.
He is close friends with Nigerian entertainers, some of which are Davido, and Rahman Jago among others.
Controversies
In May 2019, the EFCC arrested Zlatan, Naira Marley, and a few others in connection with an alleged case of internet fraud and money laundering. A few days later, he was released on administrative bail.
Also, in October 2020, during the EndSARS protest, Zlatan released “Soro Soke” to express his concern over the massacre of innocent youths at the Lekki toll gate.
Lastly, the artist tossed in assistance at the youthful web sensation Segun Wire, however, needed to pull back his help for him after a posse of men identified with Segun Wire’s family assaulted him since they accepted that he is utilizing him to bring in cash for himself alone not thinking about the little fellow’s welfare.
Songs
Zlatan Ibile has his name on many songs which have gone on to hit the top charts. Some of which are:
- “Kowope” (HDT featuring Zlatan and GCN)
- “Flenjo” (Ceeza Milli featuring Zlatan)
- Lock Up (Davolee ft. Zlatan)
- “Chacha” (Remix) (Harrysong featuring Zlatan)
- “Onye Eze 2.0” (CDQ featuring Zlatan)
- “Gelato” (DJ Cuppy featuring Zlatan)
- “Chairman” (Remix) (Dremo featuring Zlatan)
- “Pongilah” (Slimcase featuring Zlatan)
- “Egungun” (Remix) (Obesere featuring Zlatan)
- “Of Lala” (Rahman Jago featuring Zlatan and Jamo Pyper)
- “O Por” (Rexxie featuring Zlatan)
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | City People Music Awards | Rookie Of The Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2019 | The Headies | Next Rated | ||
| Best Street Hop Artiste | Zlatan for “Zanku (Legwork)” | |||
| Best Collaboration | Burna Boy and Zlatan for “Killin Dem” | Won | ||
| Song Of The Year | Legwork | Nominated | ||
| African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best New Act | Himself | Won | |
| Best Collaboration | Burna Boy and Zlatan for “Killin Dem” | |||
| Song Of The Year | “Killin Dem” | |||
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Searched Actor | Most played street hop song – “Lagos Anthem” | Nominated |
| Most played street hop song | “Cash App” featuring Zlatan and Lincoln | |||
| Most played hip-hop song | Lagos Anthem” |
Net Worth
He is currently estimated to be having a net worth of US$5 million.
