In a conversation with Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1, the Zanku hitmaker described the project as deeply personal, saying it was driven by his wish to remind people from disadvantaged backgrounds that their dreams are valid.
“I used to listen to music before I even knew I was going to make music,” Zlatan said. “I was already a fan of so many artistes and saw them as symbols—people whose lives changed from nothing to something. Now, being in this position myself, I see how my music inspires others not to give up. That’s why I decided to call the album Symbol of Hope. It’s my way of saying, ‘If I can do it, you can too.’”
Born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, Zlatan recounted how his path to music began unexpectedly after failing to gain university admission due to poor grades in mathematics and accounting.
“I was supposed to go to university in 2011 or 2012, but I didn’t have my complete papers,” he explained. “My dad is a pastor, and I used to play drums in church, but I never thought I’d become an artiste. When I failed my exam, I started going to the studio with a friend. The first song I recorded was rubbish, but when I played it for my siblings, they made me feel like Jay-Z that day.”
Encouraged by that small spark of belief, Zlatan kept experimenting with music, initially treating it as a hobby. His turning point came while he was in his first semester at university, when he entered and won a rap competition that changed the course of his life.
“I didn’t even believe anyone could win a car through music,” he recalled. “Out of 140 contestants, I won. I was just 19, and it was only three weeks into school. That was when I started taking rap seriously. I was writing every day and night. That moment changed my life.”
Zlatan also reflected on the creation of his iconic dance move, Zanku—an acronym for Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us—which became a viral sensation across Africa and beyond.
“That’s Africa to the world,” he said proudly. “The most interesting thing is that I attached my name to it. There’s no way you’ll mention Zanku without mentioning Zlatan. Growing up, I always wanted to have my own dance move, and when it happened, it went viral globally.”
From a church drummer in Ekiti State to an award-winning artiste known for his electrifying performances and street anthems, Zlatan’s story continues to resonate with fans who see him as a symbol of perseverance and possibility—just as he once saw his idols.