Gen Z: Zinoleesky’s Comeback Album?

That silence came at a cost. Fans withdrew their support. His music lost traction. Bookings dried up. The energy around Zinoleesky shifted almost overnight. For a while, it seemed like he had been quietly sidelined.

But in April 2025, he made a move. Gen Z — his latest album  dropped with little noise but has since gained serious momentum. The project is currently enjoying strong numbers across streaming platforms. Songs from the album have crept back into playlists, onto dance floors, and into conversations.

It raises an important question:

Is this the beginning of Zinole resurgence? And even more critically:

Will the industry gatekeepers — OAPs, DJs, and show promoters  bring him back into the mainstream ?

The music scene in Nigeria doesn’t forget easily. Actions have consequences. We’ve seen it before, take the case of Terry G. When he slapped a DJ on stage, the DJ community responded with a unified front. The fallout from that moment marked the beginning of a long decline in his mainstream relevance. That decision by key players wasn’t loud, but it was final.

Zinoleesky’s situation is different. He wasn’t blacklisted with press releases or official statements. But the silence was clear: his songs stopped spinning. His name was missing from event flyers. His presence faded.

Now, his music is speaking for itself. Gen Z is resonating with listeners, especially the very audience that once distanced themselves. It’s a shift worth paying attention to.

But let’s be honest: fan love alone doesn’t guarantee a full return. In this industry, visibility depends on systems — radio airplay, club rotation, and stage time. Without the support of DJs, OAPs, and promoters, even the hottest songs can fizzle out fast. So far, those systems have remained quiet.

And that brings us here:

Can Gen Z force the industry to reconsider?

Will performance bookings return?

Time will tell. But right now, the numbers are climbing, and the streets are watching. 

The ball is in the court of those who once paused him. Will they press play again?