People

Yemi Eberechi Alade (born March 13, 1989), widely known as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. She rose to prominence after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009, and her career trajectory has made her one of the most influential female artists in Africa, often referred to as "Mama Africa." Early Life and Education Yemi Alade was born in Abia State, Nigeria, to a Yoruba father, James Alade, and an Igbo mother, Helen Uzoma. She is the fifth of seven children. Her upbringing was diverse, exposing her to different cultural backgrounds which later influenced her music. She attended primary and secondary school in Lagos before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where she earned a degree in Geography. While in university, she was part of an all-female musical group, which marked the beginning of her professional musical journey. Career Progression and Notable Works Alade's professional career officially launched after her victory at the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She signed with Effyzie Music Group and released her first single, "Fimisile," in 2010. Her breakthrough came with the smash hit single "Johnny" in 2013, which gained international recognition and became a continental anthem. The success of "Johnny" led to her debut studio album, King of Queens, released in 2014. This album cemented her status as a leading artist in the Afropop scene. In 2016, she released her second album, Mama Africa, which further highlighted her pan-African appeal and featured collaborations with artists across the continent. Subsequent albums include Black Magic (2017), Woman of Steel (2019), and Empress (2020). Her music is characterized by a blend of Afropop, highlife, R&B, and dancehall, often sung in English, Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin, and French. Her work consistently champions African culture and female empowerment. Major Achievements and Impact Yemi Alade is recognized for her energetic stage presence and visually stunning music videos. The video for her song "Johnny" was one of the fastest Nigerian music videos to reach over one million views on YouTube at the time. She is one of the most-viewed African female artists on YouTube. Her achievements include winning the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female Artist in 2015 and 2016, making her the first female to win the award back-to-back. She has also won the Headies Award for Best Perish in 2018. In 2019, she was featured on Beyoncé’s soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift, further extending her global reach. Alade has also been active in social causes, notably serving as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since 2020, focusing on issues of sustainable development and empowering women and youth. Current Status Yemi Alade continues to be a formidable force in the global music scene. She regularly releases new music and performs internationally, maintaining her commitment to promoting African music and culture. She remains dedicated to her advocacy work through her partnership with the UNDP and other philanthropic efforts.

29M+ followers

Yusuf Kadi Babalola (born February 26, 1999), widely known by his stage name YKB (Yusuf Kadi Babalola), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and musician. He is recognized for his genre-blending approach, fusing elements of Afrobeats, R&B, Soul, and Alté music, and for his distinctively smooth vocal delivery and introspective lyrics. Early Life and Education YKB was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up, he developed a profound interest in music, influenced by a diverse range of artists both locally and internationally. He pursued his tertiary education at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, where he obtained a degree in Mass Communication. During his university years, he actively began developing his musical craft, balancing academics with his passion for creating music. Career Progression and Notable Works YKB began his career primarily as a rapper before transitioning to a more melodic and singing-focused style. He gained early attention through covers and freestyle videos shared on social media platforms. His professional career saw a significant uptick following the release of his single “Erepa” in 2020. This track showcased his signature blend of contemporary sounds and Yoruba language lyrics, establishing his presence in the Nigerian music scene. He continued his momentum with the release of his debut extended play (EP), titled *Before I Blow*, which garnered critical praise and further introduced his versatility. YKB is particularly known for his hit single "Broke Boys," which became a viral sensation across various social media platforms in 2021. His notable works include subsequent successful tracks like "Standard" and collaborations with other emerging Nigerian artists. Major Achievements and Current Status YKB has been praised for his songwriting ability and his effort to inject meaningful narratives into his music, distinguishing him within the Afrobeats landscape. His consistency and growing popularity have positioned him as one of the promising acts in the Alté and Afropop genres. As of his recent activities, YKB continues to release new music, tour across Nigeria, and maintain a strong digital presence, further solidifying his fan base and working toward greater international recognition.

200K+ followers

**Young Jonn: Biography** **Early Life and Education** John Saviours Udomboso (born February 16, 1995), widely known as Young Jonn, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. For his basic formal education, Jonn attended Ideal Foundation Primary School in Ibadan and GOF College in Osogbo, Osun State. During his high school years in Osogbo, he developed interests in various activities including basketball, soccer, musical instruments, miming, and dance. He pursued higher education at the University of Ibadan, where he studied Communication and Language Arts. **Career Progression** Young Jonn began engaging with music from a young age, learning to play musical instruments. Early in his career, he formed a musical group called AVG alongside his brothers. His professional journey in music production began in 2012 when he signed with Hit Factory Studio. While working as a producer there, he quickly established himself in the Nigerian music industry, primarily known for producing singles for high-profile artists. **Major Achievements and Notable Works (Producer Era)** Young Jonn gained significant recognition for his production work, earning the nickname "The Wicked Producer." A pivotal moment in his career came with the production of the chart-topping single "Story For The Gods" by Olamide. His collaboration with Olamide and other artists led to a prolific run of successful tracks, including "Koba Koba" (Olamide & Phyno), "Ladi" (featuring Lil Kesh), "Bobo," "Semilore," and "Pepper Dem Gang." He also produced Davido's "Biggest Backside" (featuring B-Red), Kiss Daniel's "Mama," and Flavour's "Loose Guard" (featuring Phyno). His production skills earned him critical acclaim, including a win for African Producer of the Year at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival and a win for Producer of the Year at The Headies 2016. He was also nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies 2015. **Current Status (Transition to Artist)** In more recent years, Young Jonn has successfully transitioned from being primarily a producer to a performing artist, releasing his own songs and focusing on his vocal career. His ability to blend his unique sound with contemporary Afrobeats continues to make him a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. He is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. As of the time of this publication, his following across social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok is substantial, with his Instagram followers standing at 5M+.

5M+ followers

Oniyide Azeez (born April 21, 2000), widely known by his stage name Zinoleesky, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the Nigerian street-pop movement and a key artist signed to Naira Marley's Marlian Music record label. Early Life and Education Zinoleesky was born Oniyide Azeez on April 21, 2000, and was raised in Agege, Lagos, Nigeria. From an early age, he developed an interest in music, with rap serving as his initial creative outlet. He gained early recognition by posting freestyle videos online, which eventually caught the attention of music industry figures. Career Progression Zinoleesky was officially signed to Marlian Music in 2019, a move that significantly accelerated his career. Since joining the label, he has released numerous popular songs, establishing himself in the Afrobeats scene. In a major milestone, he released his debut album, *Gen Z*, in April 2025. His music blends elements of Afropop, Afrobeats, and street-pop, characterized by his distinct voice and relatable lyrics. Major Achievements and Notable Works Zinoleesky’s influence has been recognized through various nominations and awards. In 2024, he won the Best Afrobeat/Afropop award at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards for his song "A1 (Feeling Disorder)." He has also received nominations for prestigious Nigerian music awards, including a nomination for Rookie of the Year at The Headies in 2020 for his song "Mapariwo," and a nomination for the Next Rated award at The Headies in 2022. He maintains a substantial social media presence, with over 7.5 million followers. Current Status Zinoleesky is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria, and continues to be an active recording and performing artist under Marlian Music, contributing significantly to the current wave of Afrobeats and street-pop music.

7.5M+ followers

Zlatan (born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael in 1994) is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper, widely regarded as a pioneer of the Nigerian street-pop genre, specifically the "Zanku" (Zanku is an acronym for *Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us*) movement and dance style. He is a significant figure in contemporary African music, known for blending Afrobeats with high-energy street lingo and indigenous Yoruba language. Early Life and Education Zlatan was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos State. He attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he obtained a National Diploma (ND) in Business Administration. His interest in music started during his secondary school days, and he gained early recognition in 2014 after winning the Airtel One Mic talent show held in Abeokuta. Career Progression Following his talent show victory, Zlatan’s career began to solidify in the Nigerian music industry. He gained national recognition in 2017 with the track "My Body," featuring Olamide. His breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of "Zanku (Leg Work)," which introduced the now-iconic dance that swept across Nigeria and internationally. This success established him as a leading figure in the street-pop genre. In 2019, he founded his own record label, Zanku Records. Major Achievements and Notable Works Zlatan is celebrated for numerous collaborations and hit singles that have defined the Afrobeats landscape of the late 2010s and early 2020s. Notable works include: * "Zanku (Leg Work)" (2018) * "Able God" (featuring Lil Kesh and Naira Marley) * "Osanle" (featuring Davido) * "Killin Dem" (featuring Burna Boy) He released his debut album, *Zanku*, in November 2019, featuring 17 tracks and collaborations with artists like Davido and Tiwa Savage. His music often serves as a voice for the street, chronicling everyday Nigerian life with sharp wit and infectious rhythms.Current Status Zlatan continues to be a highly influential and active figure in music, known for his relentless release schedule and energetic performances. As of his most recent activities, he manages Zanku Records, continues to release singles and albums, and maintains a strong presence across social media platforms, leveraging his popularity and philanthropic efforts to remain connected with his massive fan base.

800K+ followers

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.

11M+ followers