“I Ran Away from Home to Do Music” – Zinoleesky Opens Up on Struggles and Sacrifices for His Career

Afrobeats sensation Zinoleesky has revealed the extreme lengths he went to to chase his music dreams, including running away from home as a teenager.

In a recent interview with SB Live, the Marlian Music signee shared that his decision to pursue music was met with stiff resistance from his parents, who, like many Nigerian parents, preferred he study a professional course or learn a trade.

“Nigerian parents are always in denial whenever you want to do stuff like music. They want you to do a professional course or learn a trade. So, you just have to find a way. Me, I did some crazy stuff. I ran away from home to do music,” Zinoleesky confessed.

The ‘Kilofeshe’ hitmaker also revealed that he started as a rapper before transitioning into singing — a switch that proved pivotal for his breakout.

Zinoleesky shot to fame in 2017 after freestyle videos he posted online went viral. Despite rumours that he turned down a record deal from Davido’s DMW, he officially signed with Naira Marley’s Marlian Music in December 2019.

His debut EP Chrome Eccentric propelled him to mainstream success, with fan-favourite tracks like ‘Ma Pariwo’ and ‘Kilofeshe’ solidifying his place in the Afrobeats scene.

Now one of the genre’s rising stars, Zinoleesky’s story reflects the tough choices and sacrifices many young Nigerian talents face in defying societal expectations to follow their passion.