Nigerian rap star Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, better known as Zlatan Ibile, has opened up about why he’s very selective when it comes to investing his hard-earned money in upcoming artists.
Speaking candidly on the Adesope Live show, the “Zanku” hitmaker didn’t mince words. For him, the music business is exactly that: business. And when it comes to putting serious capital behind untested talents, Zlatan says the risks are simply too high.
According to him, financial security will always come first.
“I will rather go buy a house than put money on these artistes that I’m not sure will be successful or not,”
Zlatan stated bluntly, highlighting how unpredictable artist development can be.
He went on to explain that his approach is shaped by personal experience. Earlier in his career, he battled pressure and anxiety while trying to find his footing.
That phase taught him the importance of stability and making calculated decisions.
“The reason I am making music is for financial stability. My goal is to be able to be responsible and financially stable. In the beginning of my career, I wasn’t balanced. I suffered from pressure and anxieties,”
he shared.
However, Zlatan made it clear that he’s not shutting the door on young talents. While he may not be writing checks, he’s more than willing to give them the kind of support that truly counts: collaborations, guidance, and visibility.
He noted that big names helped him in the same way when he was coming up, and he’s committed to paying that goodwill forward, just without the financial gamble.
“I’ll rather go buy a house rather than put money on these artistes that I’m not sure will be famous or not.”
— Zlatan Ibile. pic.twitter.com/2hKFZnRpnt
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) November 19, 2025