Zlatan Ibile Biography, Net Worth, And Career Achievements

Zlatan Ibile, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael on December 19, 1994, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, dancer, and rapper who has become one of the most influential artists in the Afrobeat and street-hop music scene. Known for his infectious energy, unique style, and trendsetting dance moves, Zlatan rose to fame with his hit single Zanku (Legwork), which introduced the viral Zanku dance craze. Over the years, Zlatan has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry, with numerous hit songs and collaborations with top artists.

Early Life and Education

Zlatan Ibile was born and raised in Ilorin, Kwara State, though his family hails from Ekiti State, Nigeria. Growing up in a modest household, Zlatan had a humble upbringing, and his interest in music did not begin until he was a teenager. He initially aspired to be a footballer, a dream shared by many young Nigerian boys, but life took a different turn for him when he started exploring music.

After completing his secondary education in Ilorin, Zlatan moved to Lagos, where he attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Ogun State. He graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration. While at MAPOLY, Zlatan started experimenting with music and developed a deep passion for it. His first encounter with fame came in 2014 when he won the Airtel One Mic talent show, a competition that provided him with exposure and an opportunity to kickstart his music career.

Music Career

Despite his early win at the Airtel One Mic competition, Zlatan’s journey to stardom was not immediate. He faced several challenges and rejections before his big break came in 2017. His breakthrough came with the release of his single My Body, which featured Olamide, the CEO of YBNL Nation and one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars. The song garnered attention and established Zlatan as an artist to watch.

However, it was in 2018 that Zlatan truly exploded onto the Nigerian music scene with his hit single Zanku (Legwork). The song was accompanied by the Zanku dance, a high-energy, street-inspired dance move that quickly went viral across Nigeria and beyond. The Zanku dance craze swept through the African music scene, making Zlatan a household name. His ability to create a dance style that resonated with the youth, coupled with his unique musical style, earned him widespread popularity.

Following the success of Zanku (Legwork), Zlatan released other hits, including Osanle featuring Davido, Jogor, and Killin Dem featuring Burna Boy. The song Killin Dem became a massive success, dominating airwaves and dance floors across Africa. Zlatan’s partnership with Burna Boy solidified his status as one of the hottest artists in the Nigerian music industry.

Zlatan is also credited with popularizing Shaku Shaku, another dance style that had taken over the streets of Lagos. His ability to connect with the streets and create danceable tunes quickly earned him the title of “King of Street-Hop,” and his style became synonymous with energetic, fast-paced Afrobeat.

In 2019, Zlatan released his debut album, Zanku, which was a commercial success. The album featured several hit tracks, including Yeye Boyfriend and Bolanle. The project highlighted Zlatan’s versatility as both a rapper and singer, with a sound that fused Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street-hop elements. His ability to blend infectious beats with catchy lyrics continued to win him new fans.

Apart from his solo success, Zlatan has collaborated with several top artists in the Nigerian music industry, including Naira Marley, Tiwa Savage, and Wizkid. His collaborations have further expanded his reach, making him one of the most sought-after artists for features.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Zlatan Ibile’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His income comes from various sources, including music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and his record label, Zanku Records, which he launched in 2020. Zlatan’s success in the Nigerian music industry, combined with his savvy business ventures, has made him one of the wealthiest street-hop artists in Nigeria.

In addition to his music career, Zlatan has signed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Coca-Cola and Lotto9ja, further boosting his financial standing. His ability to connect with the masses and his reputation as a trendsetter have made him a desirable brand ambassador.

Career Achievements

Zlatan Ibile’s career is marked by several achievements, both as a solo artist and through his contributions to the Nigerian music scene. Some of his most notable achievements include:

Popularizing the Zanku Dance: Zlatan’s introduction of the Zanku (Legwork) dance marked a turning point in Afrobeat culture. The dance quickly became a global phenomenon, with people from all over the world sharing videos of themselves performing the Zanku dance on social media platforms.

Winning the Airtel One Mic Competition (2014): This was Zlatan’s first major recognition in the music industry, and it provided the foundation for his future success.

Collaborations with Top Artists: Zlatan has worked with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian and African music industries, including Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage. His collaboration with Burna Boy on Killin Dem is one of the most significant highlights of his career, as the song became an anthem across the continent.

Launch of Zanku Records (2020): Zlatan took his career to the next level by starting his own record label, Zanku Records. Through this venture, he has not only secured his position in the industry but has also begun to nurture and promote new talent, contributing to the growth of Nigerian music.

Multiple Award Nominations and Wins: Over the years, Zlatan has received numerous nominations and awards, including the Best New Act at the 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards and the Street-Hop Artiste of the Year at the Headies.

Debut Album Success (Zanku): The release of his debut album Zanku in 2019 was a major achievement for Zlatan, as it showcased his versatility as an artist and solidified his status as a leading figure in the Afrobeat and street-hop scenes.

Conclusion

Zlatan Ibile’s rise from the streets of Ilorin to becoming one of Nigeria’s top music stars is a testament to his talent, determination, and ability to connect with the masses. His impact on Nigerian music culture, particularly through the Zanku dance and his infectious street-hop sound, has earned him a place among the most influential artists in Africa.

With a net worth of around $2 million, multiple hit songs, and a record label under his belt, Zlatan continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeat while staying true to his street roots. His future in the music industry looks promising, and as he continues to evolve, fans can expect even more ground-breaking music and cultural contributions from the energetic and innovative Zlatan Ibile.