Zlatan Ibile is one of Nigeria’s most recognizable street-hop stars, celebrated for popularizing the viral Zanku dance craze and for his gritty, street-influenced brand of Afrobeats.
From freestyling as a teenager to founding his own record label, Zlatan’s story is a classic tale of grassroots hustle turning into national stardom. Here is everything you need to know about him.
Who Is Zlatan Ibile?
Zlatan Ibile, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer best known as the pioneer of the “Zanku” (Legwork) dance movement that swept across Nigeria and beyond in 2018.
He is also the founder and CEO of Zanku Records, a record label he launched to nurture new talent in the Nigerian street-pop scene.
Profile
| Full Name | Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael |
| Stage Name | Zlatan Ibile |
| Born | December 19, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria (some reports cite Lagos/Ikorodu) |
| State of Origin | Ekiti State (family roots in Ijurin, Ekiti) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Label Executive |
| Education | National Diploma/HND in Business Administration, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) |
| Genre | Street-hop, Afrobeats, Afropop |
| Relationship | In a relationship with Seyi “Shigh Lofe” Awonuga |
| Children | Shiloh Toluwalase Ainoghena Omoniyi |
| Record Label | Zanku Records (founder) |
| Net Worth | $2 million and $5 million |
Early Life
Zlatan Ibile was born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael on December 19, 1994.
While several sources place his birth and upbringing in Ilorin, Kwara State, others report he was raised in Ikorodu, Lagos State; what is consistent across accounts is that his family roots trace back to Ijurin in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria.
He grew up in a modest household and, like many Nigerian boys of his generation, initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer rather than a musician. In fact, his stage name “Zlatan” was inspired by the Swedish football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović, whom he admired growing up.
His love for music began in his secondary school days, where he would freestyle in Yoruba to entertain friends and classmates. He gradually developed his craft, blending Yoruba lyricism with Pidgin English, and spent much of his free time writing songs and visiting local recording studios in Ilorin and Ogun State.
Education
Zlatan completed his primary and secondary education before proceeding to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he obtained a National/Higher National Diploma in Business Administration in 2011. It was around the time of his graduation that he began pursuing music more seriously.
Career
Zlatan’s big break came in 2014 when, at 19 years old, he won the Airtel-sponsored “One Mic Campus Tour” talent competition held in Abeokuta. The victory gave him the confidence to pursue music professionally, and he became a regular at studios around Ilorin and Ogun State.
His mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of “My Body,” featuring YBNL boss Olamide, a track that earned him a record deal with Alleluyah Boyz Entertainment (A.B.E). In 2018, he further cemented his rising profile with “Able God,” alongside Chinko Ekun and Lil Kesh, before releasing “Zanku,” a song that introduced the now-iconic Zanku (Legwork) dance. The dance quickly overtook the popular “Shaku Shaku” as Nigeria’s leading street dance craze.
Riding on this wave of popularity, Zlatan released his debut studio album, “Zanku” (an acronym for “Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us”), on November 1, 2019. The album featured collaborations with major stars including Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido, on tracks like “Gbeku” and “Osanle.” He followed this up with a sophomore album, “Resan,” in 2021. Beyond his own discography, Zlatan founded Zanku Records in January 2020, signing acts such as Papisnoop, Oberz, and Jamopyper to build out his own musical stable.
Awards & Nominations
- Winner, Airtel “One Mic Campus Tour” music competition (2014)
- Multiple nominations at major Nigerian entertainment award shows for his contributions to street-hop and Afrobeats
- Recognition for popularizing the viral Zanku dance movement across Africa and the diaspora
Social Media
Zlatan Ibile is active on social media, where he regularly shares updates about his music, business ventures, and lifestyle. His official handles include:
- Instagram: @zlatanibile
- Twitter/X: @zlatan_ibile
Personal Life
Zlatan Ibile is currently unmarried but is in a relationship with Seyi “Shigh Lofe” Awonuga, CEO of Bang Mewsic Entertainment, with whom he shares a child named Shiloh Toluwalase Ainoghena Omoniyi. In May 2019, he was arrested alongside fellow artist Naira Marley in connection with an alleged internet fraud and money laundering investigation, though he was later released on administrative bail. He has also been vocal about social issues, notably participating in Nigeria’s nationwide EndSARS protests. His lifestyle is closely followed on social media, with frequent showcases of his luxury car collection, which reportedly includes a Lamborghini Urus, a Bentley Bentayga, a Range Rover Vogue, and multiple Mercedes-Benz models.
Net Worth
Zlatan Ibile’s net worth is unofficially estimated to fall somewhere between $2 million and $5 million, depending on the source. His income streams include music sales and streaming royalties, live performances, brand endorsement deals with companies such as Coca-Cola, and revenue from his record label, Zanku Records.
Discography
- Zanku (2019) — debut studio album
- Resan (2021) — sophomore studio album
- Notable singles: “My Body” ft. Olamide, “Able God” ft. Chinko Ekun & Lil Kesh, “Zanku (Legwork)”, “Osanle” ft. Davido, “Gbeku” ft. Burna Boy, “Killin Dem” (Burna Boy feat. Zlatan)
FAQs
What is Zlatan Ibile’s real name?
His real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael.
How old is Zlatan Ibile?
He was born on December 19, 1994, making him 31 years old as of 2026.
Where is Zlatan Ibile from?
He hails from Ekiti State, though he was raised in Ilorin, Kwara State (or Lagos, per some accounts).
What is Zlatan Ibile famous for?
He is best known for popularizing the Zanku (Legwork) dance and for his contributions to Nigerian street-hop music.
Does Zlatan Ibile have a record label?
Yes, he founded Zanku Records in 2020.
Conclusion
From freestyling in his Ilorin neighborhood to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential street-pop stars, Zlatan Ibile’s journey reflects the power of authenticity and hustle.
With a thriving music career, a record label of his own, and a cultural dance movement bearing his name, Zlatan remains a defining voice in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
