Nigerian street-pop sensation Zinoleesky —real name Oniyide Azeez—has officially dropped his debut studio album, Gen Z, via Marlian Music, setting a bold new chapter in motion for the breakout star.
With 16 tracks packed into this ambitious project, the album captures Zinoleesky’s evolution since he burst onto the scene in 2019 with hits like Popo and Caro.
From his viral freestyles to fan-favourite EPs like Chrome Eccentric (2020) and Grit & Lust (2022), the release of Gen Z serves as both a reflection of his roots and a leap into his future, blending gritty street narratives with genre-bending sonics.
The rollout began in January 2025 when Zinoleesky teased the project on Instagram with the simple but effective caption: “GEN Z THE ALBUM Coming soon.” Anticipation spiked instantly. A cinematic teaser followed, hinting at themes of perseverance, ambition, and self-discovery.
By April 4, he released Most Wanted, the album’s lead single—a high-energy track produced by his frequent collaborator Niphkeys. The song’s fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and dancehall, backed by a vibrant music video, propelled it to No. 3 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top 100 within days.
The official tracklist, revealed on April 17, revealed heavyweight features that hinted at Zinoleesky’s global aspirations. Guest artists include Naira Marley, Toosii, Donae’O, Ms Banks, Young T & Bugsey, and Didi B, forming a bridge between Naija’s street-pop and the international music landscape.
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Musically, Gen Z is a genre-blending journey. From the suave Suit And Tie featuring Toosii to the Naira Marley-assisted Abanikanda, the album marries street grit with crossover appeal.
Ayamase (with Ms Banks) and Mandela (with Young T & Bugsey) dig into dancehall and trap territory, while tracks like Doctor, Jollof, and Ferrari deliver catchy melodies built for Gen Z ears. The closing number, Lifestyle, stands out as an introspective anthem where Zinoleesky lays bare his story—from Lagos’ Agege streets to global stages.
Lyrically, Gen Z dives into themes of hustle, loyalty, heartbreak, and ambition. Zinoleesky weaves his tales in a mix of Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, giving his music both a raw edge and cultural weight.
Though some fans may miss past collaborators like Ayra Starr and Omah Lay, who appeared on Grit & Lust, the international roster signals a conscious pivot toward a more global identity.
Early streaming numbers back the buzz: the album racked up over 500,000 streams on Boomplay in just two days, and Most Wanted remains a chart-topper.
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Some critics note that the album’s wide-ranging collaborations can occasionally dilute Zinoleesky’s own presence, and it may lack the tight cohesion of his earlier work. Still, Gen Z is undeniably a bold statement of intent—one that showcases his versatility and positions him as a leader in Afropop’s next generation.
With murmurs of a tour on the horizon and multiple nominations at The Headies 2025, Zinoleesky is not just aiming to make noise—he’s aiming to make history.
Listen to Gen Z here.