Nigerian rapper and Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile has opened up about the inspiration driving his soon-to-be-released third studio album, “Symbol of Hope.”
In a recent interview featuring his son Shiloh, Zlatan revealed that the project tells the story of his transformation from a struggling youth to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists. The album, he said, embodies resilience, self-belief, and perseverance.“When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to. I saw people who made it from nothing to something. They used their talent, they hustled right, and got to the top,” Zlatan explained. “They were symbols that gave me hope. And now, a lot of people look up to me too — including you. I’ve become a symbol of hope to many.”
The rapper shared that his difficult childhood, including the challenge of affording three meals a day, shaped both the sound and message of the album.“When I was young, it was really hard to eat three times a day. The life experience influenced this album. It was like a process. I had to work hard. When others were sleeping, I had to motivate myself and tell myself that I want to be great,” he added.
According to Zlatan, “Symbol of Hope” took two years to produce and refine. The album is scheduled for release on October 17, 2025, and promises to deliver a blend of personal storytelling, Afro rhythms, and motivational themes.
With this project, Zlatan aims to inspire young Africans facing similar struggles — reminding them that perseverance can turn adversity into greatness.
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