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zinoleesky

zinoleesky

Quick Info

  • Genres: afrobeats, afro adura, afrobeat, afropiano, afropop
  • Spotify Popularity: 64/100
  • Followers: 2,404,486
  • Born: Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria (birthplace); Ogun State, Nigeria (origin)

Biography

Zinoleesky, born Oniyide Azeez on April 21, 2000, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper celebrated for his contributions to the afrobeats and street pop genres[1][3]. Raised in a vibrant yet challenging neighborhood, he attended Lively Kiddies Nursery and Primary School and later Boys Secondary School in Agege, where his passion for music began to flourish[1][3]. His early career was marked by viral freestyle videos shared on social media with childhood friends Lil Frosh and Ibradosky, which caught the attention of established artists and propelled him into the spotlight[1][3][4].

Zinoleesky's breakthrough came in 2017 when his online presence attracted significant attention, including a pivotal moment when Kizz Daniel followed him on Instagram and reposted his work[3][4]. In 2019, he declined a record deal from Davido's DMW label, choosing instead to sign with Naira Marley's Marlian Records[1][3]. His debut EP, 'Chrome Eccentric,' released in 2020, featured hit tracks like 'Ma Pariwo' and 'Kilofeshe,' which charted on Apple Music and YouTube[1]. He continued to build his discography with collaborations and remixes, notably with Mayorkun and Busiswa, and released his first full EP, 'Grit and Lust,' in December 2022[1].

Musically, Zinoleesky is known for blending afrobeats, street pop, and afropiano, infusing his work with relatable narratives and energetic rhythms. His legacy is defined by his rapid ascent from social media freestyles to mainstream success, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian artists with his authenticity and resilience[1][3][4].

Enhanced with Perplexity AI research

Sources: Source1, Source2

Fun Facts

  • Zinoleesky turned down a record deal from Davido's DMW label to maintain his artistic independence before joining Marlian Records[1][3].
  • His first major hit, 'Ma Pariwo,' reached No. 14 on Apple Music and No. 12 on YouTube charts in Nigeria[1].
  • He welcomed his first child, a daughter named Zendaya, in December 2023[3].
  • Zinoleesky's early rise was fueled by viral freestyle videos with friends Lil Frosh and Ibradosky, showcasing his raw talent before formal releases[1][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Naira Marley - Label boss, mentor, and frequent collaborator; signed Zinoleesky to Marlian Records and featured on his debut single 'Caro'. (Caro, Chrome Eccentric, various singles) [2019–present]
  • Kizz Daniel - Early inspiration; followed Zinoleesky on Instagram and reposted his freestyle, motivating him to pursue music professionally. (Social media engagement, inspiration) [2017–2019]

Key Collaborators

  • Lil Frosh - Childhood friend and frequent collaborator; appeared together in viral freestyle videos and joint tracks. (Freestyle videos, singles) [2017–present]
  • Ibradosky - Close associate and collaborator in early social media freestyles. (Freestyle videos) [2017–present]
  • Zlatan Ibile - Collaborated on the track 'Money' in 2019, which helped Zinoleesky gain mainstream attention. (Money) [2019]
  • Mayorkun - Featured on the remix of 'Kilofeshe'. (Kilofeshe (Remix)) [2021]
  • Busiswa - Featured on the remix of 'Kilofeshe'. (Kilofeshe (Remix)) [2021]
  • Lyta - Collaborated on singles and performances. (Various singles) [2020–present]
  • Mohbad - Label mate and collaborator at Marlian Music. (Various singles) [2019–2023]

Artists Influenced

  • Emerging Nigerian street pop artists - Inspired by Zinoleesky's social media-driven rise and authentic storytelling, many young artists have adopted similar promotional strategies and musical styles. (Social media freestyles, street pop releases) [2020–present]

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
DIYILEM & BAZARHOFF : GENIUS 2025-04-05 Album
Grit & Lust 2022-12-23 Album
Intergalactic Dreams 2025-04-03 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Party No Dey Stop (with Zinoleesky) (Tequila Ever After)
  2. Abanikanda
  3. Good Vibes
  4. Jo Vibe Remix
  5. Sunny Ade
  6. Party No Dey Stop
  7. Many Things
  8. Kowope
  9. Last Time (Grit & Lust)
  10. Close To Me (feat. Bnxn)

Heard on WWOZ

zinoleesky has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Oct 18, 202517:39odinakafrom grit & lustWorld Journeyw/ Logan

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