BILLBOARD-CHARTING STREET POP SENSATION ZINOLEESKY AND UK RAP STAR MS BANKS LINK UP FOR ‘AYAMASE’ MUSIC VIDEO
Still riding high on the success of his critically acclaimed debut album Gen Z, which debuted at #9 on the Billboard world albums chart, topped the Official Nigerian Top 100 albums chart for two weeks, and has amassed over 100 million global streams, Agege street pop sensation ZINOLEESKY is excited to reveal the music video for fan-favourite track ‘AYAMASE’ featuring South London rap star MS BANKS. The infectious melodic rap, street pop and afrobeats fusion track explores love, desire, and mutual respect through a uniquely Nigerian lens. Produced by Niphkeys (Stormzy, Rema, Asake), the track sees Zinoleesky in confessional form, declaring his loyalty and longing to a lover who he hopes will choose him in return, with Ms Banks delivering a sharp and assertive verse that reclaims the narrative, asserting her value and setting her own terms. With its layered rhythm and cultural nuance, ‘Ayamase’ is a modern love song that simmers with tension, humour, and chemistry.
The accompanying video – shot in Lagos and directed by Mediakid (Tiwa Savage, Shallipopi, Joeboy) with creative direction from Dir. Ley (Jordan Adetunji, Roy Woods) – brings the track’s resonant themes to life through a cinematic and textural lens, with stylised street realism. Set on a sunlit Lagos street corner, the visuals pay homage to West African street culture, with two crews facing off in silent confidence – Zinoleesky and his crew on one side, Ms Banks and her girls on the other. Named after a beloved Yoruba delicacy, the track uses food as a rich metaphor for romantic desire and commitment – an everyday dish transformed into a layered symbol of inner fire and emotional authenticity. But beyond its metaphors, ‘Ayamase’ speaks to the power dynamics in relationships, the tenderness of vulnerability, and the cultural pride that grounds both artists. Together, the song and video celebrate connection on equal terms, with flavour, flair, and undeniable Lagos energy.
‘Ayamase’ is one of the standout tracks on Zinoleesky’s new album Gen Z, which has been championed by Rolling Stone, Billboard, Dazed, and Notion, among others. The project is a statement of identity, escapism, resilience, and reinvention, as Zinoleesky ushers in his most defining era yet. The deeply resonant album reflects Zinoleesky’s singular ability to connect raw street energy with melody, vulnerability, and vision. Tapping into his passion for gaming and virtual escapism, the album explores alternate realities and afro-futuristic themes, while championing Afican music sub-genres such as afropiano and afroswing. As he unveils Gen Z, Zinoleesky not only cements his place in Nigeria’s rich musical legacy, but also bridges the gap between street pop and global stages, offering the world a new lens through which to view African youth culture. With over a billion global streams under his belt, Zinoleesky is not just representing the voice of his generation, he’s defining it.
MORE ABOUT ZINOLEESKY
Zinoleesky is a bold culture-shifting voice redefining the sound of street pop in Nigeria and the rest of the world. From viral freestyle clips that caught the attention of Davido, Kizz Daniel, and Naira Marley, to signing with Marlian Music in 2019 and releasing chart-topping hits like ‘Kilofeshe’, ‘Gone Far’ and ‘Personal’, Zinoleesky has carved out a unique lane within the afrobeats and global music landscape. With a sound that blends afropop, amapiano, trap, afroswing, and R&B, rooted in raw emotion and streetwise authenticity, the Agege native has earned over one billion global streams, and cultivated an online community of over four million social media fans. His music is widely recognised and revered for its ability to merge heartfelt storytelling with genre-blurring soundscapes, reflecting both his Nigerian heritage and global ambitions.
After a quieter 2024 marked by personal reflection and artistic recalibration, Zinoleesky closed the year with the introspective ‘Fuji Garbage’, a track that reaffirmed his lyrical honesty and sonic curiosity. Now, with his long-awaited debut album Gen Z finally here and setting the standard, Zinoleesky is ready to enter a new era. The project promises to capture the spirit, contradictions, and emotional complexity of a generation, combining his signature vocal style with fearless experimentation. With co-signs from heavyweights like Central Cee and tastemaker institutions like The Headies, essential collaborations with Ayra Starr, Omah Lay and Tiwa Savage, among others, and critical acclaim from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, Dazed, BBC 1Xtra, and NME, Zinoleesky stands at the forefront of afrobeats’ next global wave – defiant, dynamic, and destined for greatness.
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