IN CONVERSATION WITH ZINOLEESKY
Interview by Samo Šajn
Zinoleesky is one of afropop’s most exciting new voices, blending streetpop, trap, and afrobeats into a sound that’s both global and deeply personal. With over a billion streams and growing international recognition, he’s now entering a new chapter with his highly anticipated debut album Gen Z.
Most Wanted is such a strong track. What inspired you to make this song?
'Most Wanted' came from a place of confidence and reflection. It’s about knowing your value, but also feeling the weight of being in demand from the streets, fans, even fame. It tells the story of pressure and pride wrapped into one.
You’ve been working on Gen Z for a while. What does this album mean to you?
Gen Z is an album that reflects my growth mentally, emotionally, spiritually and musically. Gen Z isn’t just a generation, it’s a mindset: bold, creative, restless and honest.
Your sound blends afrobeats, trap and dancehall. How do you bring those styles together so naturally?
I don’t force it. I flow with the vibe. I mix them based on emotion and message, not formula. It’s in me.
Why did you name the album Gen Z? What is the meaning of the name?
I’m a ’98 baby. Gen Z is my generation and I feel like I’m championing African talent from my age group. Z is also short for my name. Gen Z is a way of speaking for myself and for this new generation of youth who are fearless, creative and deeply layered. We might escape online, but we feel everything offline too.
You’ve had huge success around the world. How has that changed the way you make music?
It’s made me more intentional. I know people from different countries are listening now so I still keep my roots but I make sure the message and sound can travel globally. Growth doesn’t mean forgetting where you’re from.
Your music feels really emotional and real. Where does that come from?
It’s really just me wanting to share my experience and story of love, pain and wins. I don’t just make music to trend. My intention is for honesty to always find its way into my lyrics. Also, I’m a Taurus lol.
You've worked with some amazing artists and producers. What have you learned from them?
I’ve learned to trust the process and respect different perspectives. Every artist and producer brings their own energy. Sometimes the best songs come from just vibing with no pressure.
You started by going viral with freestyles. Do you still freestyle when you're making songs now?
Yeah, my songwriting process always starts with freestyles. Freestyling keeps things raw. Most of my melodies and hooks still start from freestyles. It’s how I tap into the honest part of my creativity.
Your song Fuji Garbage was more personal. Is it important for you to show that side of yourself in your music?
Absolutely. I don’t want to just make feel-good music. I want to tell my story too. Fuji Garbage isn’t on the album but it was a great lead-up to it.
Afropop is getting bigger every year. Where do you see the genre going next and how do you see yourself in that future?
Afropop is going global but also getting more experimental. You’ll hear more fusion, more storytelling and bigger production. I see myself at the center of that repping my hood but also pushing my sound into new territories.
Listen to the album here!
