From freestyling in the streets of Agege to lighting up the Billboard charts, Zinoleesky has always made music that feels like a lifeline — honest, unfiltered, and rooted in the realities of his generation. Now, with the release of his long-awaited debut album Gen Z, he’s stepping into a new realm: part sonic diary, part virtual world, and part cultural manifesto. A two-year journey of reinvention, the album reflects Zinoleesky’s evolution from street pop prodigy to world-building storyteller, navigating love, fame, fatherhood, and the emotional contradictions of coming of age in a hyperconnected world. Blending afropop, amapiano, trap, and soulful introspection, Gen Z is a genre-fluid experience that captures the defiance and dreams of a generation refusing to be boxed in.
With features from Ms Banks, Toosii, Didi B, and more, plus production from heavyweights like JAE5 and Babybeats, Gen Z isn’t just an album — it’s a movement. It’s Zinoleesky in his most honest form, using Yoruba, Pidgin, and English not just to entertain, but to connect. At a time when African music is reshaping the global soundscape, Zinoleesky’s voice stands out — not just for its melodic grit, but for the vulnerability and vision it carries. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the heart of Gen Z — exploring the alternate realities that shaped it, the truths behind the tracks, and the legacy Zinoleesky is building, one verse at a time.
In Gen Z, you explore themes of alternate realities and escapism. How do these concepts reflect your personal experiences growing up in Agege, and how have they influenced your musical narrative?
Growing up in Agege, sometimes reality was tough, and you know life itself feels like a game most times; you level up, face challenges, and get rewards. I used that theme to express how I escape pressure through music, but also how I stay focused. Gen Z reflects that desire to dream beyond where you are, to build your own world when the real one feels limiting.
The album blends Yoruba, Pidgin, and English. How do you decide which language best conveys a particular song’s emotion or message?
It comes naturally, and it’s all about the feeling for me. Yoruba is raw and emotional, Pidgin brings street flavor, and English helps the message travel. I follow the vibe of the song to decide what the story needs, so I stay real and let the music travel.
Gifted” delves into pressure and purpose. Can you share a moment when you felt overwhelmed by expectations and how that shaped your perspective as an artist?
There was a period after my early hits when I felt the pressure to keep topping myself. I started second-guessing my sound. But I realized my power is in being authentic and not perfect. That mindset shift helped me create Gen Z with more freedom.
Collaborating with artists like Ms Banks and Didi B brings diverse sounds to the album. How do these collaborations challenge or enhance your creative process?
Collaborating with other artists pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, allowing me to challenge myself, so I always aim to go hard and bring an element of surprise with each feature. Working with artists from different backgrounds adds flavor and fresh energy. It forces me to listen more, experiment more, and trust the process.
Tracks like “Jollof” and “Ayamashe” use food as metaphors. What inspired you to intertwine culinary elements with themes of attraction and authenticity?
Growing up in Agege and Nigeria generally, people tend to associate food with a woman’s beauty; that’s why you hear phrases like my sugar pie, sweet tomato, sugar in my coffee, etc. I like jollof and ayamashe, and using them as metaphors for love or connection makes the song feel more real, more Nigerian, and more relatable.
“Doctor” presents desire in a playful manner. How do you balance vulnerability and confidence in your songwriting to maintain authenticity?
I think the balance comes from being honest or authentic. I don’t always want to be deep or heavy. Sometimes desire is just fun and spontaneous. Doctor, let me show that side without overthinking.
The album touches on the solitude of success, especially in “Mandela.” How do you navigate the balance between public acclaim and personal introspection?
It’s not easy; fame can isolate you, even with all the noise around. For me, I’d say my faith, my parents, and a good support system help keep me in check. I do have moments where I’m not always grounded, like any other human being, but that’s why it’s important to have a good village that will praise, rebuke, and hold you accountable.
You’ve mentioned a love for gaming and virtual worlds. How has this passion influenced the structure or storytelling approach in Gen Z?
Gaming taught me about building worlds, levels, plots, and mood. I applied that to the album, making sure every track feels like a scene in a larger story, with its own mission and emotion. Which is why the cover art and all the album’s creative assets have been designed as my Gen Z gaming world.
As a first-time father, how has parenthood reshaped your understanding of legacy and the messages you wish to impart through your music?
Fatherhood has made me more intentional and everything deeper. I’m thinking long-term now, not just about hits but about meaning. I want my child to listen back one day and hear strength, truth, and growth in my music.
Looking ahead, if Gen Z represents your current chapter, what themes or stories are you eager to explore in your next project?
I am not yet certain, but who knows? For me, I want to explore healing, love in its realest form, and maybe even dive into my roots. Gen Z is about now. The next chapter might be about where I come from and where I’m going.
Listen to Gen Z here:
