Zlatan Ibile Shares His Music Beginnings Following Academic Setbacks

Nigerian rapper and Afrobeat sensation Zlatan Ibile has opened up about the unexpected twists that led him to pursue music as a full-time profession.

During a candid conversation with Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1, the “Zanku” hitmaker revealed that his academic struggles—particularly in Mathematics and Accounting—became the catalyst for his musical journey after university admission slipped out of reach.

The artist, whose latest album is titled ‘Symbol of Hope’, emphasized how his story serves as motivation for those facing adversity. “Music found me when I least expected it,” he shared. “Growing up, I idolized artists who rose from nothing—they were my symbols of hope. Now, through my own music, I get to be that symbol for others. Fans message me daily saying my journey keeps them pushing forward. That’s the energy I poured into this album.”

Zlatan recounted his humble beginnings: “My father’s church was my first stage—I played drums there but never dreamed of being an artist. After failing those crucial exams, a friend took me to the studio. My first track was terrible, but my family’s reaction made me feel unstoppable. Their support kept me going even when I saw music as just a side hustle.”

The turning point came unexpectedly during his brief university stint. “Winning that rap competition changed everything,” he recalled with a laugh. “140 rappers, and a 19-year-old kid who’d been on campus for three weeks walked away with a car! From that day, I knew this wasn’t just luck—it was my destiny calling.”

The interview also touched on his viral dance craze, Zanku (Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us), which took the global stage by storm. “Creating Zanku was like planting my flag in music history,” Zlatan beamed. “Every time someone does that move anywhere in the world, they’re saying my name. That’s African creativity reaching every corner of the planet.”