Zlatan (musician)


Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, known professionally as Zlatan Ibile or simply Zlatan is a Nigerian rapper and singer. He is the CEO and founder of Zanku records. In 2014, he won the Airtel-sponsored One Mic talent show held in 2014, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He named himself after the famous footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović, as he earlier dreamt of a career in soccer.
Towards the end of 2018, ZLATAN released a single titled "Zanku", with a flagship dance routine of the same name. Based on the acceptance of the song, the name and the dance, on the 3rd of November 2019, Zlatan released his debut studio album with the same name Zanku, an acronym meaning “Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us”.

Early life and career

Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael was born and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos State but has family roots in Ijurin, Ekiti State. In 2011, he graduated with a national diploma in business administration from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Raphael decided to pursue a career in music after graduating secondary school. When he was 19 years old, he won the Airtel-sponsored 2014 edition of "One Mic Campus Tour" music competition, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He gained recognition in 2017 after releasing "My Body", which features Olamide. In 2018, Lawrence Irabor, co-owner of Alleluyah Boiz Entertainment, signed Zlatan to the record label after hearing "My Body".
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 viral 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 Lil kesh "Flenjo" and Naira Marley's "Am I a Yahoo Boy". On 26 July 2019, Zlatan signed an endorsement deal with Coca-Cola.

2020–present: Zanku Records and EndSARS protest

On January 1, 2020, Raphael took to his Instagram page to announce the launch of his record label 'Zanku Records' with no artists unveiled. Down to February 25, he celebrated his birthday while he announced the numbers and names of acts he signed. He listed three artists named: Papisnoop, Oberz and Jamopyper. He also announced the official signing of a Videographer/Cinematographer named Visionary Pictures, his Manager 'Manager Jiggy', his Music Producer Rexxie and a PR ConsultantBiesloaded'. He made this announcement with a picture of him and seven other people via his Instagram page.
In October 2020, during the EndSARS protest, Zlatan released "Soro Soke" to express his concern over the alleged massacre of innocent youths at the 2020 Lekki shooting.

Personal life

Arrest and release

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.

Discography

Studio albums
  • Zanku
  • Resan
  • Symbol of Hope
EPs
  • ''Omo Ologo''

    Singles

;As lead artist
YearTitleAlbumRef
2016"Odun Yi" rowspan="9"
2017"Omoge"-
2017"My Body" -
2018"Jogor" -
2018"Zanku "-
2018"Oja"-
2018"Osanle" -
2019"This Year"-
2019"4 Days in Ekohtiebo"-
2019"Killin Dem" African Giant
2019"Shotan" Zanku
2019"kokosa"
2019"Bolanle"
2019"Gbeku" Zanku
2019"Yeye Boyfriend"Zanku
2020"Quilox"rowspan="2"
2020"Unripe Pawpaw" -
2020"The Matter"Non-album single
2020"Soro Soke"Non-album single
2020"Lagos Anthem"Non-album single
2021"Alubarika" Resan
2021"Ale Yi"Resan
2023"Omo Ologo"Non-album single
2024"10 Bottles"Non-album single
2024"Bust Down" Non-album single
2024"Gimme your Love" Non-album single
2025"Get Better" Non-album single
2025"Happy Day"Non-album single

;As featured artist
YearTitleAlbumRef
2019"Jo" rowspan="12"
2019"Am I a Yahoo Boy" -
2019"Kowope" -
2019"Flenjo" -
2019Lock Up -
2019"Chacha" -
2019"Onye Eze 2.0" -
2019"Gelato" -
2020"Chairman" -
2020"Pongilah" -
2020"Egungun" -
2020"Of Lala" -
2020"O Por" Afro Street Vol. 1
2022Robby Law – No Money No Konji ft. Zlatan x DennyB

Filmography

Awards and nominations