Over the last half-decade, Street pop has been at the center of Afropop’s zeitgeist, providing stars like Naira Marley and Zlatan who have effortlessly bolstered the rowdy, dance-ready culture that makes music from west Africa so irresistibly catchy.  A new array of stars have emerged on the scene led by Agege-breed artist, Zinoleesky, whose dynamic melodies and silky delivery have earned him a place on the roster of Nigerian artists to look out for. 

 

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Last year, the NATIVE cover star had a stellar year, releasing two singles – “Naira Marley” and “Gone Far” – that confirmed his peerless talent while other features on songs like “Blessings” and “Don’t Call Me” showed an artist on the cusp of becoming a legitimate kingmaker. On his latest song, “Rocking,” Zinoleesky keeps the party going with an amapiano-inspired maelstrom orchestrated by Niphkeys. 

While “Rocking” has a party-starting essence, it is essentially guided by introspection by Zinoleesky that sees him reflect on his relationship with the women in his life, money, an almost-obsessive desire to keep the party going. As usual, Niphkeys’ majestic instrumental is layered with percussive dials that rise and fall with the pace of Zinoleesky’s voice while he urges his audience to keep on rocking. 

Between lyrics like “Man no go fit resign” and “Me I wan free my mind, so no dull the vibes,” Zino is straddling the line between resignation and euphoria while transforming his thoughts into poignant music that is as fresh as it is addictive. 

Listen to “Rocking” here.