Just like the title suggests, ‘Symbol of Hope’ sees a milder, introspective delivery from Zlatan as he moves to share a somber narrative of resilience and hope in a relentlessly motivating way. Considered a voice that resonates with the streets, ‘Symbol of Hope’ is an album specially crafted for listeners in a space Zlatan once found himself. The album sits at the intersection of pop music and hip hop, with traces of highlife and Afrobeat. Across its 15 tracks, Afrobeats influences dominate over hip hop elements, even on a song like “Hip Hop Messiah”. Zlatan collaborates with a robust lineup of features to execute a melodic rap album in the Afrobeats sense, one that fuses lightcore rap with a sufficient amount of melody.
Zlatan, who has had one of the most successful breakout year in Nigerian music, rose to prominence after collaborating with Chinko Ekun and Lil Kesh on “Able God”, and later releasing the smash single “Zanku” in October 2018, a song that birthed a viral dance and cemented his name in the mainstream. That success culminated in the release of his 17-track debut studio project of the same title, ‘Zanku’. Although, it wasn’t Zlatan’s first foray into the music scene, having previously participated in rap competitions and released a record with Nigerian rap veteran Olamide in 2017 titled “My Body”, ‘Zanku’ marked a significant turning point in his career.
For a rap artist in Nigeria, his newfound success in the years 2018/2019 and its subsequent ripple effect were rare. Only a few rappers have managed to break the mold and attain the kind of mainstream success that allows them to rival popstars. Save for Olamide (Baddo), who redefined the possibilities for rap artists in an industry dominated by Afrobeats, only a select few including Zlatan have managed to replicate such success. Known for his gritty lyrics and energetic delivery, Zlatan has sustained a strong presence in the music scene by leaning into a familiar hip hop template that cleverly infuses pop sensibilities, producing what can be regarded as “melodic rap” in the Afrobeats context.
However, with his success came a change in social standing, one that mirrors a grass-to-grace story that unfolded before the eyes of some of his listeners in real time. Born into a low-income family in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Zlatan defied all odds with nothing but his talent, determination, and a burning desire to succeed, a tale that many would consider the Nigerian dream. It is from this state of reflection that Zlatan delivers his third studio album, ‘Symbol of Hope’. He reaches deep into the well of self-reflection with the vulnerability of a therapy session, musing on his life’s journey and crafting a 15-track album that reads like pages from a personal diary. On ‘Symbol of Hope’, Zlatan acknowledges and chronicles the many milestones in his career — his growth as a son, father, and friend. But beyond the self-awareness and documentation of his transformation, Zlatan is intentional about his message: this third studio album is meant to serve as a nudge to keep going; a beacon of light, a Symbol of Hope.
A Review of the Album: Symbol of Hope
The 42-minute album opens with the tuneful “Pay Day”, where Zlatan reflects on his newfound financial stability. Together with Chechdaproducer, he creates a soulful opener; a beautiful blend of sing-rap delivery, choral backups, and uplifting progressions that elevate both the lyrics and the listener. ‘Symbol of Hope’ soon dives into its recurring themes of introspection and life’s harsh realities, particularly on “Demons” featuring one of this generation’s vocal powerhouses, Qing Madi. The track opens with stirring guitar chords that set a somber mood, while Qing Madi’s piercingly rich vocals create a haunting backdrop for Zlatan’s 32-bar verse.
“Oyoyo” finds Zlatan in celebratory mode, delivered over an upbeat production laced with heavy percussions and log drums by Telz. Here, he reflects on his humble beginnings, the challenges he’s overcome, and his gratitude for how far he’s come. He raps, “From Ikorodu to America,” painting vivid pictures with the scantiest words. The energetic “Jeserawa” carries the delivery flair of vintage Zlatan, crafted for the dancefloor with persistent adlibs evocative of his 2019 sound. It’s also the only track that assembles multiple guest features, with Zlatan and Idowest delivering raw, street-hop energy that balances out Shallipopi’s and Terrythevoice’s lighter contributions. Produced again by Chechdaproducer, “Jeserawa” is buoyed by familiar bounce and a club-ready feel that fits its recklessly sensual tone.
On the fifth track, “Hip Hop Messiah” a heavy Amapiano collaboration with Afrobeats hitmaker Davido, Zlatan makes a statement, though not in the way rap purists might expect. Contrary to the title, the track leans into pop territory, with Zlatan opting for a sing-rap template that has consistently worked for mainstream rappers. Davido anchors the song effortlessly, creating a balance between star power and melodic depth.
The album maintains a steady flow, playing it safe without veering into experimental or overly climactic territory. It transitions smoothly into “Get Better”, featuring Fola, one of the most commericially successful artists of the year. Helmed by Chechdaproducer, “Get Better” continues Zlatan’s grass-to-grace narrative, offering glimpses of his inner monologue during moments of struggle, perseverance, and mental tenacity. Fola’s somber yet motivating chorus complements Zlatan’s reflective tone, creating a resonant piece about resilience.
Seventeen minutes into ‘Symbol of Hope’, the project takes an intriguing turn on “Diamond”, an Afrobeat-inspired track deeply nostalgic and evocative of Lagbaja’s folk soundscape. With its fusion of percussions, saxophone, flute, and rich bass guitar, “Diamond” marks one of the most complete songs on the project, and a testament to Chechdaproducer’s range. The album’s newly found momentum continues with “Paypal”, where Zlatan delivers braggadocious verses in a melodic cadence that almost outshines Mayorkun’s contribution. The Semzi-produced track is sleek and confident, further showcasing Zlatan’s position as an artist who effortlessly straddles rap and pop.
“Odeshi” follows, maintaining the album’s pulsating energy, while “Till Thy Kingdom Come” pivots to a more spiritual tone, a gratitude-filled track layered with trumpets, log drums, and gospel-inspired backup vocals that give it a Pentecostal edge.
Zlatan introduces a new flavour on the 11th track, “Genesis”, incorporating percussion and flute peculiar to Nigeria’s southern region to craft a highlife/Igbo-pop fusion. Here, Flavour thrives within his natural sonic terrain, while Zlatan continues to explore his recurring themes of reminiscence, gratitude, motivation, and resilience. The project then moves into the fourth of its six lead singles, “Happy Day”, a playful, celebratory record built on bouncy percussion and intentional rap verses.
“Bebe”, featuring Victony, opens with a smooth, flirtatious vibe that’s pure Afro-fusion charm, as Zlatan and Victony trade verses over a breezy beat laced with melodic hooks and subtle percussive elements. Building on that momentum, “Gimme Your Love” dials up the energy into a high-octane party anthem that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Reuniting with his mentor Olamide, Zlatan crafts a record brimming with Afro-fusion rhythms, infectious ad-libs, and a chorus begging for replay — “Come gimme your love, fún mi je.” Olamide’s verse, dripping with swagger and wit “The boy’s hot dripping Gucci, not mad”, steals the show.
The reflective closer shifts gears into introspective street gospel, weaving faith, grind, and gratitude into a soul-stirring anthem. Over a blend of Afro-fusion and subtle highlife nods, Zlatan delivers authoritative bars on perseverance and divine favour, looking back at his Ikorodu roots with raw honesty. BhadBoi OML’s emotional vocals and storytelling chorus adds haunting depth with his tone transforming the hook into a mantra of triumph. The production is sparse yet powerful, allowing the lyrics to breathe while building to euphoric drops that evoke old-school Galala vibes with modern polish, and ties the project’s ethos together.
For Zlatan, every taste of success drawn from Afrobeats’ influence has come with a degree of conformity that distances him slightly from the essence of a rap artist. Hence, it remains debatable whether Zlatan is truly rap’s messiah, as he claims to be on the album. However, his journey, from a child born into a low-income household to one of Nigeria’s most successful mainstream rappers, objectively positions him as a ‘Symbol of Hope‘, not only to the rap scene but to anyone who believes in light at the end of the tunnel.Ultimately, ‘Symbol of Hope’ is Zlatan reaffirming his place as a cultural figure whose story continues to inspire. It’s a sonic diary of survival, gratitude, and growth that thrives on sincerity. For listeners, it serves as both mirror and motivation; for Zlatan, it stands as proof that success, when earned against the odds, becomes more than personal victory, it becomes a symbol of hope.
