Nigerian street-pop star Zinoleesky, born Oniyide Azeez, has finally unveiled his highly anticipated debut album, Gen Z, via Marlian Music. The 16-track project marks a significant milestone for the artist, who has made his presence felt in Nigeria’s music scene since his breakout in 2019 with singles like Popo and Caro. After years of building anticipation through viral freestyles, EPs like Chrome Eccentric (2020) and Grit & Lust (2022), and hits such as Ma Pariwo and Kilofeshe, Gen Z arrives as a defining statement of Zinoleesky’s artistry, reflecting his journey, struggles, and ambitions while pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and street-pop.
The rollout for Gen Z began in January 2025, when Zinoleesky announced the project on Instagram with the caption “GEN Z THE ALBUM Coming soon,” sparking excitement among fans. A cinematic trailer followed, teasing the album’s themes of personal growth and resilience. The lead single Most Wanted, released on April 4, 2025, set the tone with its bold fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and dancehall, produced by longtime collaborator Niphkeys. The track’s infectious groove and confident lyricism, paired with an energetic music video, heightened anticipation, and climbed to No. 3 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100 chart within days. The official tracklist, shared on April 17, 2025, revealed a star-studded lineup of guest features, including Naira Marley, Toosii, Donae’O, Ms Banks, Young T & Bugsey, and Didi B, showcasing Zinoleesky’s intent to bridge Nigerian street sounds with global influences.
Gen Z is a melting pot of sounds, blending Zinoleesky’s signature street-pop with elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and dancehall, reflecting his versatility and global ambition. Tracks like Suit And Tie featuring Toosii and Abanikanda with Naira Marley highlight his ability to merge gritty Nigerian narratives with international appeal, while Ayamase featuring Ms Banks and Mandela with Young T & Bugsey lean into dancehall and trap influences. Other standout songs include Doctor with Donae’O, Jollof, and Ferrari, which showcase Zinoleesky’s knack for crafting melodic hooks that resonate with the youth. The album’s closing track, Lifestyle, has been particularly praised for its introspective tone, with Zinoleesky reflecting on his journey through Lagos’ streets to global stages.
Lyrically, Gen Z delves into Zinoleesky’s experiences, from the hustle of Agege to the pressures of fame, love, and betrayal. His use of Yoruba and Pidgin English adds authenticity, making the album a cultural touchstone for Nigerian youth. The project also addresses broader themes of resilience and self-assurance, with Zinoleesky asserting his place as a leader of Afropop’s new wave. Despite the absence of some expected Nigerian collaborators like Ayra Starr or Omah Lay, who featured on his Grit & Lust EP, the international features broaden the album’s appeal, aligning with Zinoleesky’s goal to take street-pop global.
The album is poised to make waves, with its eclectic mix. However, some critics argue that while Gen Z is ambitious, it occasionally lacks the cohesive direction of his earlier EPs, with the diverse features sometimes overshadowing his voice. Still, its early streaming numbers are impressive—Gen Z garnered over 500,000 streams on Boomplay within its first 48 hours, and Most Wanted continues to dominate playlists. As Zinoleesky prepares for a potential album tour, including rumoured performances at The Headies 2025, where he’s nominated in multiple categories, Gen Z cements his status as one of Nigeria’s most exciting talents, ready to carry the torch for the next generation of Afrobeats stars.
