Zlatan (musician)
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Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael (ⓘ; born 19 December 1994), 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 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 (2019)
- Resan (2021)
- Symbol of Hope (2025)
EPs
- Omo Ologo (2023)
Singles
As lead artist
| Year | Title | Album | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Odun Yi" (featuring Spaceboi) | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | "Omoge" | ||
| "My Body" (featuring Olamide) | |||
| 2018 | "Jogor" (featuring Lil Kesh and Naira Marley) | ||
| "Zanku (Legwork)" | |||
| "Oja" | |||
| "Osanle" (featuring Davido) | |||
| 2019 | "This Year" | ||
| "4 Days in Ekohtiebo" | |||
| "Killin Dem" (with Burna Boy) | African Giant | ||
| "Shotan" (featuring Tiwa Savage) | Zanku | ||
| "kokosa" (featuring Juls, Damibliz, Jorlasi) | |||
| "Bolanle" (with IVD) | Non-album single | ||
| "Gbeku" (featuring Burna Boy) | Zanku | ||
| "Yeye Boyfriend" | |||
| 2020 | "Quilox" | Non-album single | |
| "Unripe Pawpaw" (featuring Papisnoop, Jamo Pyper and Oberz) | |||
| 2020 | "The Matter" | Non-album single | |
| "Soro Soke" | Non-album single | ||
| "Lagos Anthem" | Non-album single | ||
| 2021 | "Alubarika" (featuring Buju ) | Resan | |
| "Ale Yi" | Resan | ||
| 2023 | "Omo Ologo" | Non-album single | |
| 2024 | "10 Bottles" | Non-album single | |
| "Bust Down" (featuring Asake) | Non-album single | ||
| "Gimme your Love" (featuring Olamide) | Non-album single | ||
| 2025 | "Get Better" (featuring Fola) | Non-album single | |
| "Happy Day" | Non-album single |
As featured artist
| Year | Title | Album | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | "Jo" (Dammy Krane featuring Zlatan and Olamide) | Non-album single | |
| "Am I a Yahoo Boy" (Naira Marley featuring Zlatan) | |||
| "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) | |||
| 2020 | "Chairman" (Remix) (Dremo featuring Zlatan) | ||
| "Pongilah" (Slimcase featuring Zlatan) | |||
| "Egungun" (Remix) (Obesere featuring Zlatan) | |||
| "Of Lala" (Rahman Jago featuring Zlatan and Jamo Pyper) | |||
| "Olopa" (Qdot featuring Zlatan) | |||
| "O Por" (Rexxie featuring Zlatan) | Afro Street Vol. 1 | ||
| 2022 | Robby Law – No Money No Konji ft. Zlatan x DennyB |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gangs of Lagos | Kash | Supporting role |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | City People Music Awards | Rookie of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |
| 2019 | The Headies | Next Rated | Nominated | ||
| Best Street Hop Artiste | Zlatan for "Zanku (Legwork)" | Nominated | |||
| 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" | Won | |||
| Song of the Year | "Killin Dem" | Won | |||
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Searched Actress | Most played street hop song - "Lagos Anthem" | Nominated | |
| Most played street hop song | "Cash App" featuring Zlatan and Lincoln | Nominated | |||
| Most played Hip Hop song | "Lagos Anthem" | Nominated |