Nigerian rapper Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has opened up about how becoming a father transformed his outlook on life and money.
Speaking on the “Is This A Safe Space?” podcast, the Zanku crooner reflected on the birth of his son five years ago, describing it as a defining moment that pushed him into a more mature and responsible phase of life.
Zlatan admitted that fatherhood brought both joy and fear, especially with concerns about staying financially stable in an unpredictable industry. He recalled how people often predicted that his musical relevance would fade within three years, a thought that deeply unsettled him.
“The birth of my son changed me. It made me realise that life was getting more serious. I wasn’t prepared. I started paying house rent in London at 25. I was scared I might not be able to keep up with the bills because some people were saying I might not be relevant in the music industry for more than three years,”
— Zlatan said.
To stay grounded, the rapper said he began managing his finances more carefully cutting back on luxuries and focusing on essentials.
“I became more serious with managing my finances. Limited spending and started saving for diapers,”
— he added with a laugh.
Zlatan also noted that fatherhood inspired significant personal growth, making him reflect on his past behavior and drop certain habits that no longer aligned with his new responsibilities.
The rapper, who often celebrates his son on social media, continues to balance his thriving music career with his role as a father, a journey he says has given his life deeper meaning and focus.
“I started paying house rent in London at 25… I started saving for diapers.”
Zlatan speaks about how fatherhood changed him. pic.twitter.com/rgOsJna9qW
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 27, 2025