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There’s a lot of mythologising around Gen Z in the West, but the term takes on a whole new level of meaning of Nigeria. Over 65 per cent of the country’s 220 million people are under 25 (compared to just 23 per cent in the UK), and their perspectives will be pivotal on the global stage in years to come. They emerged out of the country’s rapid economic growth in the late 90s, encountering a digital and globalised environment wildly different from their parents’ generation, and it is precisely this reality that Lagosian street pop pioneer Zinoleesky represents in his latest album Gen Z.
“Gen Z is my generation, I’m a ‘98 baby,” the 25-year-old tells Dazed. “Being Gen Z means we play by our own rules and traditional customs are out the window. Of course, we still respect them, but there are new, better ways of doing things. That energy shaped the whole album.”
This colliding of local and international influences is writ large across Lagos’ emerging street pop sound, pioneered by Zinoleesky himself as well as notorious Marlian Music label head Naira Marley. There’s afrobeats’ shuffling rhythms, but there’s also trap triplets and 808s, wistful R&B melodies, and the stuttering basslines of South African gqom and amapiano.
“Street pop started from Afrobeats, but it’s really the sound of the streets,” Zinoleesky explains. “What makes it special is how it brings different vibes all into the Afro sound. It speaks the language of the people, the hustle, the vibe, the joy. For me, street pop is a celebration of where we’re from and where we’re going.”
Zinoleesky’s adolescence was also defined by the advent of online video games – doorways into realities far beyond the US and South Africa. “Lagos can be chaotic. Music, social media, gaming, all of that, gives young people a way to escape and express themselves,” says Zinoleesky, who pays homage to this digital upbringing with Gen Z’s CGI-like cover. “That’s what I tapped into with the visuals of this project because gaming is my escape. If I didn’t make music, I’d definitely be a professional gamer and reviewer.”
Despite these youthful references, however, the new release is doubly significant as Zinoleesky’s first since becoming a father himself. He credits the experience with making him more ‘intentional’: “It’s a whole new chapter. It’s not just about me anymore, I’m thinking legacy now.” After all, having already made an astronomical impact on global music, legacy is one thing that Nigeria’s young population are sure to leave.
Below, street pop pioneer Zinoleesky tells Dazed about cultural encounters that underpin the street pop sound, the rise of Nigerian music, and why he loves Call of Duty.
Hey Zinoleesky! How are you feeling about the album release?
Zinoleesky: I feel blessed and excited! I’ve waited so long for this release, even my fans started trolling me to drop. It’s my moment, my story, a looking glass into my life over the past two years. You can really hear my growth, I’m really proud of myself. I can’t wait for the world to hear it.
Courtesy of Zinoleesky
Lagos is looking like the music capital of the world right now. Why do you think this is?
Zinoleesky: Because we are autonomous and fearless with a voice that’s been muted for so long. Thanks to music, we are being heard, and the sound is on max volume. Nigerian artists are hungry, creative, and deeply rooted in culture. We blend tradition with innovation, and the world feels that energy.
What does the term ‘Gen Z’ mean to you?
Zinoleesky: Being Gen Z means being bold, unpredictable and true to yourself. We question everything, we move fast, and we express ourselves with no filter. That energy shaped the whole album. Gen Z to me means youth, advancement, freedom, and a YOLO mentality.
Street pop is raw, real, and from the heart. It speaks the language of the people, the hustle, the vibe, the joy.
– Zinoleesky
Early viral freestyles played a key role in your rise as an artist. Did you spend a lot of time online before you blew up?
Zinoleesky: Not really, I don’t spend a lot of time online these days either. To be honest, I don’t like social media – I barely post. My thing is gameplay. I love being online playing tournaments and Call of Duty with my friends. I like to smack-talk and banter while I’m playing. It’s really my element. If I didn’t make music, I’d definitely be a professional gamer and reviewer.
During the early stage of my career, social media played a part because I took part in online competitions and viral challenges, but I’m really an offline guy.
You’ve helped popularise Lagos’ rising street pop sound. Can you tell us a bit more about the genre?
Zinoleesky: Street pop is raw, real, and from the heart. It speaks the language of the people, the hustle, the vibe, the joy. I grew up in it, so it was only natural for me to carry that sound forward.
This project leans heavily on Yoruba and Pidgin languages. Could you explain some of the song titles and words you use that English readers might not understand?
Zinoleesky: I’d say that ‘Àbánikándá’ is probably the title that’s hardest to pronounce but has the strongest meaning. ‘Àbánikándá’ is a Yoruba phrase that means ‘they are only plotting, they cannot succeed’ or ‘termites can only plot, they cannot eat into stone’. It is often used as a proverb to suggest that, despite enemies plotting against someone, their efforts will be futile.
Other songs such as ‘Jollof’ and ‘Ayamashe’ are notable Nigerian dishes, which also happen to be love and female-focused songs. From as early as I can remember, there has always been a synergy with African men using sweet delicacies to describe women, and that’s what I’ve done too.
What’s your favourite album?
Zinoleesky: I might be biased here, but my sophomore project Grit N Lust is definitely my favourite album. That project means a lot to me, I poured so much of myself into it. You can feel the hunger, the growth, the confidence, it’s all intentional. From ‘Personal’, where I opened up about the pressure and ambition, to the collabs with Ayra Starr and Omah Lay, everything just clicked. Even ‘Call of Duty’ – that one was a moment. It was mad to see it chart on Billboard and get love from the actual game. I wanted to give my fans something solid, and I really believe Grit & Lust is that. It’s more than music to me, it’s a gift.
What about your favourite film?
Zinoleesky: I’m waiting on that Call of Duty live-action movie. Activision and Stefano Sollima are taking forever, though!
Gen Z is out now
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