Zlatan’s ‘Symbol of Hope’: The Streets’ Prophet Comes Full Circle
Two years in the making, Symbol of Hope, Zlatan’s third studio album, has finally arrived, and it’s everything the Zanku pioneer promised: raw, introspective, unfiltered, and full of heart.
This isn’t just an album; it’s a living testament to endurance, grit, and the unshakable belief that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you end up.
From the very first note, it’s clear that Symbol of Hope is more than a music project, it’s a philosophy. Across 15 tracks, Zlatan turns his life story into a sonic blueprint for survival, equal parts cautionary tale and motivation manual.
The album’s title isn’t just symbolic; it’s deeply personal. In a candid sit-down featuring his son Shiloh, Zlatan revealed how his own struggles growing up in Ikorodu shaped the spirit of the project.
“When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to. I saw people who made it from nothing to something,” he shared. “They were symbols that gave me hope. And now, a lot of people look up to me too, including you. I’ve become a symbol of hope to many.”
That sentiment echoes through the entire project. On “Pay Day,” Zlatan fires back at his doubters with calm defiance, while “Oyoyo” finds him in a reflective mood, embracing patience and self-belief. These are the words of a man who’s seen both the hustle and the harvest.
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Of course, Zlatan doesn’t walk this journey alone. Symbol of Hope reads like a celebration of the Afrobeats family tree. Davido, Olamide, Flavour, Victony, Mayorkun, Shallipopi, Bhadboi OML, Qing Madi, Lojay, Idowest, TerryTheVoice, and FOLA all join the movement. Yet, their appearances feel organic, not strategic, like friends returning home for a long-awaited reunion.
One of the album’s most striking moments comes on “Gimme Your Love,” where Zlatan reconnects with Olamide, his early supporter and collaborator from 2017’s My Body.
Their synergy is effortless, gritty, emotional, and nostalgic. Meanwhile, Davido jumps on “Hip Hop Messiah” to co-sign Zlatan’s claim to cultural leadership, and Flavour blesses “Genesis” with a soulful layer of Highlife depth. Rising star Qing Madi brings tenderness and introspection to “Demons,” confronting fame’s mental toll with poise beyond her years.
Musically, Zlatan sounds sharper than ever. He balances his trademark street bravado with maturity, gliding between chest-thumping anthems and heartfelt storytelling.
Tracks like “Odeshi” and “Happy Day” bang hard for the hustlers, while “Diamond” explores love through the lens of survival, a poetic confession from someone who’s learned that in the streets, affection and ambition often collide. “Alpha & Omega” with Bhadboi OML peels back the layers, revealing a spiritual side that’s rarely seen but deeply felt.
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What ties it all together is Zlatan’s evolving artistry. His delivery remains fierce, but now there’s restraint and clarity where there once was chaos. You can feel the discipline of a man who’s not only rapping to survive anymore but also to inspire.
Symbol of Hope follows 2019’s Zanku and 2021’s Resan, but this time, Zlatan isn’t just chasing hits; he’s cementing a legacy. Every verse, feature, and beat feels intentional, a culmination of everything he’s learned since his Ikorodu days.
In the end, Symbol of Hope isn’t just about Zlatan’s triumph; it’s about everyone who sees themselves in his journey. It’s a love letter to dreamers, hustlers, and believers who refuse to be defined by struggle.
The Zanku Boss hasn’t just dropped an album; he’s delivered an anthem for a generation that never stops pushing. The message is clear: hope isn’t found; it’s created.
Listen to Symbol of Hope HERE.