Nigerian Afrobeats star, Zlatan, whose real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, has revealed that his globally successful music career began unexpectedly after he failed to gain university admission. The rapper, celebrated for co-pioneering the viral Zanku dance, shared this personal history while discussing his latest album, “Symbol of Hope”.
Zlatan discussed his journey on Apple Music 1, explaining that music was initially a detour from his educational aspirations. He was unable to secure university admission around 2011 or 2012 due to insufficient grades in mathematics and accounting. This setback redirected him toward the recording studio, where he transformed his hobby into professional focus.
My dad is a pastor, and I used to play drums in church, but I never thought I’d become an artist. I was supposed to go to university in 2011 or 2012, but I didn’t have my complete papers. When I failed my exam, I started going to the studio with a friend
The rapper’s subsequent success started when he finally made it through into the university, winning a major rap competition and was given a car prize, just three weeks into his first semester at the university. He stated that his siblings made him feel like Jay-Z after hearing his first song.
He created the internationally recognized Zanku movement, an acronym for “Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us”. He has become a figure of grass-to-grace inspiration for many youths in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The new album, “Symbol of Hope”, is explicitly designed to inspire and motivate youths from challenging academic, social, and economic backgrounds. The artist stated that the album “Symbol of Hope” is his own way of saying,”If I can do it, you can too.”
Zlatan stressed that the initial academic failure he experienced, was not a defeat, but an unforeseen catalyst for his true calling.
Zlatan after this setback has promised to continuously use his platform and music to champion the theme of perseverance, among young people.
Leave a comment