Gen Z: Zinoleesky’s Comeback Album?

In September 2023, the Nigerian music industry was deeply shaken by the tragic death of Mohbad. His passing dominated timelines, provoked public outrage, and left many asking tough questions. One of those questions centered on Zinoleesky, Mohbad’s former label mate whose silence during the singer’s ordeal drew widespread criticism.

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 Zinoleesky’s 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?
Will the gatekeepers break their silence because the demand is simply too loud to ignore?

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?