Afrobeats sensation Zinoleesky has opened up about the drastic steps he took to pursue his music career, including running away from home at a young age.
In a candid interview with SB Live, the ‘Kilofeshe’ hitmaker shared how he defied his parents’ expectations to follow his passion for music.
According to Zinoleesky, many Nigerian parents often resist their children’s interest in the entertainment industry, preferring more traditional or professional career paths.
“Nigerian parents are always in denial whenever you want to do stuffs like music. They want you to do a professional course or learn a trade. So, you just have to find a way,” he said.
“Me, I did some crazy stuffs. I ran away from home to do music.”
Zinoleesky also revealed that he began his music journey as a rapper before transitioning to Afrobeats singing, which eventually launched his mainstream success.
He first gained widespread attention in 2017 after his freestyle videos went viral online, showcasing his raw talent and unique style. Although there were reports that he turned down a recording offer from Davido’s DMW, Zinoleesky eventually signed with Naira Marley’s Marlian Music in December 2019.
His debut project, Chrome Eccentric, solidified his position in the industry with chart-topping singles like ‘Ma Pariwo’ and ‘Kilofeshe’.
Zinoleesky’s story reflects the sacrifices and bold moves many young artists make to break into Nigeria’s competitive music industry. Today, his rise from freestyling teen to Afrobeats star serves as an inspiration to many dreamers chasing their own creative paths against the odds.
