By Guest Writer
I do not write this piece in justification of the recent contretemps that loom up in the Marlian record label and nor do I write this piece to provide the rationale behind the sudden demise of Mohbad, one of the signees in the Marlian record label. But I write this article to cast the spotlight on the values and virtues of Oniyide Azeez popularly known as Zinoleesky, one of the artistes in the Marlian record label. While it is the crux of this piece to highlight the values and virtues of Oniyide Azeez (Zinoleesky), it is not outside the purview of this article to foreground some lessons on how to maintain stardom amidst the rigours of life. Subsequent paragraphs will provide some insights into the natural power of calling which makes Zinoleesky relevant even up to this present moment.
If not the youngest, Zinoleesky is one of the youngest Afro-beat artistes in Nigeria whose unexpected emergence does not only come with laurels but also with lashes. Not only with blessing, but also with bashes. Not only with medals but also with mockery. Against all of these, Zinoleesky remains a good template for up-and-coming Nigerian artistes that there is no age barrier in attaining musical stardom and notwithstanding their age, any competent artiste who is driven by passion and resilience can attract the limelight without being bothered about age and time limitation. This is not to exhibit a gesture of exaggeration. Zinoleesky attracts musical stardom at the age the like of Wizkid, Olamide, Davido and whatnot are unsure of attaining musical accomplishments in life and this further reinforces the lesson that age is never a limitation to becoming accomplished in life. And everyone who desires success must start the striving as early as possible for to be successful in life is not age bound.
Having attained the limelight, just like many other accomplished musicians, Zinoleesky is faced with many adversities that will prompt a right-thinking individual to generously offer the emotional statement that this man is too young to bear all of these battering. Many Nigerians swayed by half-truths pounce on him like vultures criticizing his bodily stature and claiming that he sacrifices his body parts for the increment of his glory. When Zinoleesky flaunts his expensive houses and cars, many claim the property belongs not to him but to his record label. The greatest of them are the torrents of criticisms that come with the death of Mohbad, one of the signees in the Marlian record label which nearly send Zinoleesky out of musical stardom and make him lose some opportunities that accompany his musical carrier. This incident does not only affect the Marlian record label, but also prevent Zinoleesky from releasing songs for some months and further causes a great deal of musical mischief in the journey of his career. All of these and many others can be said to have sent an important message that any man who craves success must get ready for inconveniences and there is a war for every win. The fact that Zinoleesky attains musical stardom at a tender age does not make him too young to escape the lashes that walk hand in hand with laurels. But his ability to stand tall in the face of a constant backlash teaches the lesson that anyone who wants to enjoy everlasting triumph must remain strong amidst all odds.
As characteristic of many Nigerians, an artiste displays an undiluted talent untouched with imperfections but we poke around to reveal its shortcomings. If none is found, we invent one. Zinoleesky has been an artiste with great artistic craftsmanship. He doesn’t only sing to entertain; he sings to preserve his musical style which is meant to be maintained. His artistic show is one that leaves all jaw-dropping ruminating the place of grace in the absence of race. Zinoleesky is one of the most talked about Nigerian artistes, quite so young yet his musical rigour is enough to reclaim lost recognition and also add an artistic flavour to any songs he is being featured. From “Don’t Call Me” where his verse reclaims Lil-Kesh’s deserved recognition, to “Party No Dey Stop” where his collaboration adds massive musical exploits to Adekunle Gold’s music carrier, to “Loving You”, “Mapariwo”, “A1 Feeling Disorder”, “Many Things”, to his recent album titled “Gen Z” which blisteringly competes with Wizkid’s and Davido’s albums on Apple Music, Zinoleesky has showcased prodigious artistic productivity that preaches the fact that behind every calling, there is a talent with which such a calling sustains relevance. Everyone who desires greatness must understand that it is not just all about grace but about a race goaded on by fierce ambition.
It is not out of place to sum up this piece with a warning note that while it is so natural for accomplished artistes to go through difficult times, heightening such periods for them is highly against the doctrines of African cultures and western religions. Zinoleesky is one artiste whose pathetic life story from grass to grace will touch the hearts of many and souls of all. He doesn’t attain musical stardom just by chance but by intense diligence accompanied by grace. Consequently, the lessons highlighted above serve as a reminder that success has no age and time limit and any man who desires greatness should get ready for inconveniences.
Kenny Ola writes from the Department of English Language, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
