Zlatan Ibile

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael (born 1994), widely known by his stage name Zlatan Ibile, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper. He is recognized as a pioneer of the popular "Zanku" dance and music genre, blending Nigerian street-pop with Afrobeats, and is a significant figure in the contemporary Nigerian music scene.Early Life and Education Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael was born in 1994 and grew up in Agbede, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He was raised in a Christian household with four siblings; his father was a pastor and his mother was an entrepreneur. The nickname "Zlatan" originated from his childhood passion for football, referencing the Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose name was often on the back of his jersey. His path to a music career began unexpectedly after facing challenges with his education. He revealed that he failed mathematics and accounting, which prevented him from gaining university admission in 2011/2012. Despite this setback, he pursued a National Diploma in Business Administration at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State. During his time studying, Zlatan was active in the church choir as a drummer and won the Airtel One Mic Talent competition in 2014, a major stepping stone in his career.Career Progression and Major Achievements Zlatan’s breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of the hit single "My Body," featuring Olamide. This was quickly followed by "Omo Ope," and the viral song "Osanle," featuring Davido. However, his rise to national prominence was cemented with the introduction of the infectious "Zanku" (Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us) dance and its accompanying track in late 2018. The Zanku movement, characterized by energetic footwork and street slang, dominated Nigerian popular culture. In 2019, he further solidified his status with the successful track "Killin Dem," a collaboration with Burna Boy, and established his own independent record label, Zanku Records. His debut studio album, *Zanku*, was released in November 2019. Since then, he has consistently released successful singles and collaborations, maintaining his reputation as a vibrant voice in street-pop music.Notable Works and Current Status Zlatan’s notable works include the singles "Zanku (Leg Work)," "Yeye Boyfriend," and the acclaimed albums *Zanku* (2019) and *Resan* (2021). His music is noted for its energetic delivery, relatable lyrics, and fusion of Afrobeats with indigenous Nigerian languages and street culture. As of his current status, Zlatan Ibile remains a highly influential artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. He is active on major social media platforms including Instagram (@zlatan_ibile), X (@Zlatan_Ibile), and TikTok (@zlatanibile), where he maintains a significant following of over 11 million followers across these platforms. He continues to tour globally and release new music under his Zanku Records imprint.