- Words Millie Dunn-Christensen
Following the release of his highly anticipated debut album Gen Z, Nigerian streetpop star Zinoleesky opens up about the personal evolution behind the project, blending afro-futurism with street realism.
Few artists capture the spirit, ambition, and contradictions of a generation quite like streetpop sensation Zinoleesky. With Gen Z, his long-awaited debut album, the Nigerian streetpop star offers his boldest and most expansive work yet – a genre-blurring, emotionally charged project that fuses afropop, amapiano, R&B, trap, and alté into one rich, immersive world. Shaped over two transformative years, Gen Z is a portal into Zinoleesky’s evolving mind – a space where resilience, escapism, love, and cultural pride collide. From the swagger of tracks like ‘2 Baba Flex’ and ‘Steph Curry’ to the introspective depths of ‘Gifted’ and ‘Born Survivor,’ he navigates the thrill and solitude of success with unflinching honesty, bringing a rare emotional depth to his genre-fluid sound.
As he embraces the next chapter of his career, Zinoleesky is no longer simply a rising star – he’s defining what it means to be young, African, and global today. Singing in Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, and pulling influences from gaming, afro-futurism, and street culture, he creates music that feels both intimately personal and vividly universal. With collaborations featuring the likes of Ms Banks, Toosii, Young T & Bugsey, and Donae’o, ‘Gen Z’ cements Zinoleesky’s ability to bridge borders and generations alike. In this conversation with Notion, he opens up about the personal journey behind Gen Z, finding grounding amidst fame, the meaning of cultural authenticity, and why this album is the most fearless expression of himself to date.
Your debut album ‘Gen Z’ has been in the works for two years. What personal or artistic shifts shaped the final project?
A lot changed in two years, musically, mentally. I evolved from just vibes to telling real stories, becoming a father of two now. I started paying attention to the world around me, the pressures, the wins, the losses. All that growth is in the album.
The album explores a world inspired by gaming and virtual escapism. How does that theme mirror your real-life journey or mindset today?
Life feels like a game sometimes, 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, like a player on a mission.
You have described Gen Z as a bold artistic statement. What does this album allow you to say or show that previous releases didn’t?
Gen Z shows the full range of who I am, beyond street bangers. I’m vulnerable, reflective, and experimental. It’s the first time I fully owned my narrative from sound to storytelling.
On tracks like ‘Movie’ and ‘Mandela’, you explore both the thrill and isolation of success. What helped you stay emotionally grounded while navigating fame?
I’d say my faith, my parents, and a good support system. 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 sing in Yoruba, Pidgin and English. Was that multilingual approach intentional and how do you balance local authenticity with global reach?
It’s natural for me, that mix is how we talk back at home. But it also connects globally, emotions and vibe translate beyond language, so I stay real and let the music travel.
Collaborators like Ms. Banks, Toosii, Young T and Bugsey, and Donaeo’s bring diverse influences. What did working with such a global cast teach you musically?
Collaborating with other dope artists allows me to challenge myself. I understand some of their fans may be hearing about me for the first time, so I always aim to go hard and bring an element of surprise with each feature.
It also taught me how I can approach sounds differently and incorporate familiar and unfamiliar sonics / melodies that I may not have thought about initially. Everyone brought their energy and creativity, and I learnt to flow with different energies without losing my sound. It pushed me creatively and made the project richer.
Songs like ‘Jollof’ and ‘Ayamase’ turn food into metaphors for love and identity. What inspired you to bring those cultural symbols into your storytelling?
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 sweet tomato, sugar pie, sugar in my coffee etc. I like jollof and ayamashe and it fits the narrative of the song.
‘Gifted’ and ‘Born Survivor’ dig into pressure, purpose, and spiritual reckoning. How do you personally manage the expectations that come with your platform?
I’ve come to a stage in life where I am comfortable in who I am and I have peace knowing my truth. I welcome people into my world through my music, which can be a gift and curse. People will always have expectations and opinions of your life, how you look, what you do, but at the end of the day, I live an autonomous life, my way, my rules, governing my own happiness. With all challenges being in the spotlight, I know who God bless no man can curse.
Gen Z blends amapiano, afro pop, trap, and R&B seamlessly. How do you approach genre? Do you even think in genres when creating music?
I don’t record with a particular sound in mind, I genuinely just create and hopefully it’s a hit. There is no method to the madness, the only thing I like to do is make sure I work with amazing producers that creates an environment for hitmaking.
Now that the album’s out, what do you hope your fans, especially your fellow Gen Z listeners, take away from this body of work?
I want my fans and new listeners to have a temporary escape when listening to my music, allowing the vibes to take over whether on the commute to work, in the library or in the clubs. My album is called ‘Gen Z’ because it’s my time and generation but it’s a project for everybody to enjoy, dance and be merry. There’s something for everyone.