When headlines branded him "canceled," Zinoleesky answered with the biggest comeback of the year.In September 2023, Mohbad’s death ignited the #Justice4Mohbad movement, and several media platforms pulled every Marlian Music record from their playlists. Zinoleesky, a rising star on the label, found himself caught in the fallout without a formal charge or hearing, effectively leading to silencing Zinoleesky’s mainstream exposure despite his rising profile.
Despite radio bans and tour cancellations in the wake of the controversies around his record label recently, his debut album ‘Gen Z’ has exploded across streaming platforms, proving that true fan loyalty can’t be silenced. The swift banning of Zinolessky’s music and tour cancellations reflect industry sensitivity to public sentiment, but also highlight a lack of due process, as he has not been formally charged. This raises questions about fairness and the role of social media in amplifying cancel culture.
Where mainstream channels went quiet, digital streams roared. Lead singles "Element," "Fuji Garbage" and "Abanikanda" have collectively surpassed 200 million plays, all while underground listening parties and pop-up Lagos street concerts sold out in minutes. The message was clear: "Gen Z" isn't just an album title, it's a movement powered by a generation that refuses to be gatekept.
On tracks like "Gifted," Zinoleesky explores the psychological toll of fame, offering a poignant meditation on expectation and spiritual reckoning: "They say I'm blessed but why do I feel cursed?" Similarly, "Born Survivor" and "On Go" double down on themes of discipline and hustle, framing success as a relentless journey rather than mere happenstance.
Beyond personal struggle, "Gen Z" amplifies collective consciousness. "Jollof" and "Ayamashe" use iconic Nigerian foods as metaphors for authenticity and attraction, bridging traditional culinary with modern romance.
In interviews, Zinoleesky frames "Gen Z" as both a generational manifesto and a fusion of global influences, blending afrobeats, amapiano, R&B and trap to mirror how Nigerian youth navigate hybrid identities.
Zinoleesky's resurgence is more than a comeback; it's a case study in reclaiming narrative control. With no formal inquiry or charge, the industry's swift silencing of his music laid bare the pitfalls of cancel culture. Yet by embracing digital platforms, direct streaming, social media engagement and guerrilla marketing, he turned adversity into opportunity. He invited fans into private listening sessions, livestreamed behind-the-scenes studio sessions and leveraged TikTok challenges to maintain momentum.
In doing so, he demonstrated that authenticity and community engagement are the ultimate antidotes to cancellation. When gatekeepers fall silent, artists can and will find new megaphones. "Gen Z" stands as a blueprint for turning adversity into artistry. Zinoleesky's fearless response to boycott and backlash signals a shift in power from traditional gatekeepers to a generation who will not be silenced. As streaming numbers continue to climb and sold-out shows light up Lagos streets, one truth emerges: Power has shifted. It no longer resides solely with radio programmers, festival bookers or label executives. It belongs to the artist who refuses to be sidelined and to the fans who refuse to let them be unheard.
