Oniyide Azeez (born 21 April 2000),[3][4] professionally known as Zinoleesky, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper.[5][6] His rise to fame began with the launch of his debut album Chrome Eccentric featuring hit tracks like "Ma Pariwo" and "Kilofeshe.".[7][8]

Zinoleesky
Birth nameOniyide Azeez
Born (2000-04-21) 21 April 2000 (age 24)
Agege, Lagos state, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
LabelsMarlian Records

Early life

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Zinoleesky, born on April 21, 2000, in Lagos State to Mr. and Mrs. Oniyide, originally hails from Ogun State, Nigeria.[9][10] Raised in Agege, Lagos State, Azeez attended Lively Kiddies Nursery and Primary School for his primary education, and later, State high School Oyewole Agege, Lagos State, for his secondary education.[11]

Career

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Zinoleesky found his love for music during his adolescence, initially venturing into freestyle rap. However, his breakthrough came in 2017 when his videos gained viral traction online, propelling him to popularity.[12][13]

Several reports showed that he was offered a record deal by Davido's DMW label but refused to accept the offer and chose to work as an independent artist.[14][15] On 23 December 2019, he was signed to the record label "Marlian Records" which is owned and managed by Nigerian singer, Naira Marley.[16]

Zinoleesky released his debut studio album titled Chrome Eccentric in 2020, a year after signing with Marlian Records. The album comprised six tracks, including the songs "Mapariwo" and "Kilofeshe".[17] In September 2020, Ma Pariwo ranked as No. 14 on Apple Music Chart and No. 12 on YouTube Chart.[18]

A year after the release of his first album, Zinoleesky created a remix to the hit song "Kilofeshe" featuring Maryorkun and South African singer, Busiswa.[19]

In December 2022, he released his first EP Grit and Lust, containing tracks such as "Call of Duty" and "YanYanYan".[20]

Personal life

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In October 2021, Zinoleesky and Naira Marley's sister, Shubomi made headlines with several speculations that they were dating.[21][22] In January 2023, he announced that he was single.[23][24][25] In December 2023, he welcomed his first child, a daughter named Zendaya.[26]

Discography

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Album

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Title Album Details Ref
Grit and Lust
  • Released: 23 December 2022
  • Label: Marlian Records
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
[27][28]

Extended plays (EPs)

Title EP Details Ref
Chrome Eccentric
  • Released: 13 December 2020
  • Label: Marlian Records
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
[29]

Singles

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As the lead artiste
Year Title Album Ref
2019 Joromi [30]
POPO [31]
Firi Yoyo [32]
Money (featuring Zlatan) [33]
Who Knows

(featuring Lil Frosh)

[34]
2020 Caro [35][36]
End Sars [37]
2021 Kilofeshe (Remix) Chrome [38][39]
Naira Marley
Gone Far
Blessings [40]
Loving You [41][42]
2022 Call of Duty [43]
2023 Sunny Ade [44]
2024 Element [45]
2024 Abanikanda (featuring Naira Marley) Single [1]

Official videos

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  • "Caro" (2020)[35]
  • "Kilofeshe" (2021)
  • "Naira Marley" (2022)
  • "Gone Far" (2022)[46][47]
  • "Rocking" (2022)
  • "Loving You" (2022)[48]
  • "Call of Duty" (2022)[49]
  • "Personal" (2023)
  • "YanYanYan" (2023)
  • "Last Time" (2023)[50]

Tours

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UK Tour[51][52]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominee/Work Result Ref
2020 The Headies Rookie of the Year "Mapariwo" Nominated [53][54]
2020 City People Music Award Next Rated Artiste (Male Category) Himself Nominated [55][56]
2022 The Headies Next Rated Himself Nominated [57][58]

References

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  1. ^ Ezema, Patrick (2023). "FOR ITS NEXT LAP, NIGERIA'S STREET POP IS PUSHING INTO EXPERIMENTAL FIELDS". The Native Mag. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (2023). "Zinoleesky: Nigerian street pop pioneer with a world domination plan". NME. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  3. ^ Sare, Watimagbo (2023). "Zinoleesky debunks claim of being 23 years old, reveals real age (Video)". Gistreel.com. Archived from the original on 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  4. ^ Sare, Watimagbo (2023). "PHOTOS: Singer Zinoleesky marks 23rd birthday in style". Tribuneonlineng.com. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
  5. ^ Jide, Sola (September 20, 2024). "Zinoleesky Biography, Career, Net worth & Achievements". Np Media.
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