In the ever-expanding universe of Afrobeats, where chart-toppers bask in streaming numbers and festival headlines, a quieter but equally powerful force works behind the scenes. Zlatan Ibile, the street-hop innovator and founder of Zanku Records, has evolved far beyond his initial image as a dance craze originator. Today, he is increasingly seen as a foundational figure in shaping the future of Afrobeats particularly its raw, street-bred offshoots.
Zlatan, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, burst onto the scene with explosive charisma and an unmatched knack for turning viral moments into music. Songs like “Zanku (Legwork)” and “Bolanle” didn’t just dominate playlists they defined a cultural moment. Yet, as his fame grew, so did his instinct for curation and mentorship.
From the inception of Zanku Records in 2020, Zlatan made his mission clear: empower the streets. His label, unlike many star-owned vanity imprints, has consistently delivered on that promise. Artists like Jamopyper, Oberz, and Papisnoop were not only signed they were embedded in Zlatan’s ecosystem, groomed through collaboration, visibility, and the credibility his name brings.
“He’s not just featuring them,” says Lagos-based music journalist Tola Fadeyi. “He’s building them. Zlatan lends more than a verse he lends momentum.”
Beyond the Label: Zlatan’s Unofficial A\&R Role
Zlatan’s reputation as a talent scout extends beyond his immediate roster. He is often credited with championing now-established artists during their early days. Bella Shmurda’s breakout track “Vision 2020” gained widespread attention following a Zlatan-assisted remix in 2019, widely regarded as a turning point in Bella’s career. Similarly, Portable, the controversial but magnetic street-hop sensation, rode a Zlatan co-sign into national relevance with the viral hit “Zazoo Zehh.”
It’s a pattern that repeats: Zlatan spots talent, shares his platform, and watches careers take off.
A Cultural Conduit
Zlatan’s genius lies in his intuitive understanding of Nigeria’s urban youth culture. His music is laced with the slang, style, and sensibilities of the streets from Agege to Bariga. His viral dances are more than gimmicks they’re reflections of real movement and mood within local communities.
That deep cultural connectivity has made him a rare breed: a commercial artist who still moves like a grassroots curator. His work doesn’t merely reflect the streets it amplifies them, preserving their rawness while packaging them for wider appeal.
No Plaques, No Problem
Despite his growing influence, Zlatan has often been left out of industry honors and award ceremonies. He doesn’t always headline the shows, nor does he dominate year-end critics’ lists. Yet his impact is undeniable.
“He’s like the executive producer of a movement,” says A\&R consultant Sade Afolayan. “Zlatan isn’t trying to be the biggest; he’s trying to build something that lasts.”
That ethos has earned him a deep well of respect among insiders and fans alike. For many young artists navigating Nigeria’s unforgiving music terrain, a Zlatan feature or even an Instagram repost can be a career-altering endorsement.
Looking Ahead
As Afrobeats continues to globalize, with stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems breaking into international markets, Zlatan’s model offers a crucial counterbalance: a reminder that the genre’s power still flows from the streets. While others chase Grammys, Zlatan remains committed to grooming the next vanguard from the ground up.
With a new wave of artists bubbling under and the sounds of indigenous rap and street-hop gaining renewed traction, Zlatan’s blueprint looks more visionary than ever.
Zlatan may not always stand at the center of the Afrobeats stage, but he’s the force moving the spotlight. In a genre built on rhythm, he’s the pulse.
