The Rise of Zlatan: From Talent Show Prize to Transport Business and Music Stardom

Nigerian music star Zlatan Ibile (born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael) has often shared the inspiring story of his early hustle, which included using the car he won from a talent show to run a small transport business to survive.

This anecdote highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience before achieving massive success in the music industry.

In 2014, at the age of 19 and while studying at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, Zlatan entered and won the Airtel One Mic Talent show. The grand prize was a brand new Kia Picanto. This win was a significant moment for the aspiring artist, giving him a glimpse of success and prompting him to take his music career seriously.

Despite winning a car, Zlatan's financial struggles were far from over. He revealed in interviews that he lacked the money for basic necessities like food and maintenance for the car. Rather than letting the vehicle sit idle or selling it off immediately, he took the initiative to turn it into an income source.

He used the car to operate as a taxi or cab service, primarily at night.

He would often run trips from Abeokuta to Shagamu (in Ogun State, Nigeria).

This period of his life demonstrates a resourceful determination, utilizing a prize meant for a music star as a necessary tool for survival and to stay afloat while he continued to pursue his musical dreams.

Zlatan's major career breakthrough didn't come immediately after the talent show win. It took another four years of persistent work before he gained widespread recognition.

His turning point came in 2017 with the release of his song, 'My Body,' which featured fellow Nigerian music icon Olamide.

This collaboration became his "breakthrough song," which he has credited as a "life-changing" moment that officially launched his career into the mainstream, paving the way for hits like "Zanku" and establishing him as the CEO of Zanku Records.

The story serves as a powerful testament to Zlatan's journey from a student using his prize car as a taxi to a multi-award-winning artist known globally, showcasing that initial success doesn't always translate to immediate stability.