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Nigerian singer Zinoleesky has firmly shut down swirling rumours suggesting he has cut ties with Marlian Records, reaffirming both his loyalty to the label and his continued association with its founder, Naira Marley. The singer, who has grown into one of the most recognisable voices in Nigeria’s new-generation music wave, calmed the controversy after a series of social media posts initially triggered widespread speculation about internal issues within the label.
The rumours began on Saturday when Zinoleesky posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story, a message many interpreted as a subtle expression of frustration and possible tension with his management. The since-deleted post read, “I am standing up not just for myself but for every artist who’s ever felt powerless or taken advantage of. We deserve better. We deserve transparency, fairness and respect.”
Given the sensitivity surrounding the late singer Mohbad’s past allegations of mistreatment at Marlian Records—a narrative that has remained a hot-button topic online—many fans quickly linked Zinoleesky’s statement to possible grievances with the label. The fact that he later deleted the message added even more fuel to the speculation, prompting discussions across X (formerly Twitter), blogs, and entertainment forums.
Observers noted that his tone resonated with broader industry concerns about artist management, exploitation, and transparency within record labels. As a result, fans and commentators began to wonder whether the singer was finally speaking out about undisclosed issues behind the scenes.
However, Zinoleesky wasted no time addressing the growing assumptions. In another Instagram story shortly after the initial post, he made it clear that the rumours of a fallout or exit from Marlian Records were unfounded. In a mix of English and pidgin, he wrote, “NM for life… Make una Dey whine una sef,” essentially advising fans to ignore the speculation. He strengthened this stance by posting, “Marlian Forever,” on X, sending a direct signal that he remains committed to the label.
The 24-year-old singer, whose real name is Oniyinde Azeez, has been signed to Marlian Records since 2020. His arrival marked one of the label’s biggest signings at the time, and he quickly lived up to expectations with a series of successful releases. His debut EP, Chrome Eccentric, introduced him as a fresh, melodic voice capable of blending street-inspired rhythms with soft, reflective tones.
In 2022, he expanded his artistry with the project Grit & Lust, which featured standout collaborations with stars like Omah Lay and Ayra Starr. The project solidified his place as one of the leading talents of his generation and earned him significant streaming success and international attention.
In April 2025, Zinoleesky released his debut studio album, Gen Z, further elevating his status in the Afrobeats landscape. The album showcased his growth, versatility, and deeper storytelling abilities, marking a major milestone in his career.
His swift clarification regarding his loyalty to Marlian Records appears to have settled the tension, at least for now. While his initial post raised questions about the state of artist-label dynamics—especially within the controversial Marlian camp—Zinoleesky’s reassurances suggest he remains firmly rooted where he is.
Still, the episode has reignited broader discussions about the pressures Nigerian artistes face behind the scenes, the need for fairer contract structures, and the importance of transparency within the music industry. For Zinoleesky, however, his message is clear: despite the noise, he is not leaving Marlian Records anytime soon.
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#NollywoodTimes
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