Nigerian music sensation Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, has opened up about the declining influence of record labels in the country's music industry, revealing why investors are becoming increasingly hesitant to fund artists.
The Investment Dilemma in Nigerian Music
During a recent appearance on the popular show Live with Adesope, Zlatan provided candid insights into the changing dynamics of music investments. The artist explained that potential investors are now more cautious about putting money into record labels or individual artists due to uncertainty about returns on investment.
"Many investors would rather purchase cars and houses than risk their funds on an artist who might not achieve commercial success," Zlatan revealed during the interview published on November 20, 2025. He emphasized that the financial landscape has shifted significantly from earlier times when sharing videos on social media could generate sufficient attention without substantial marketing budgets.
Personal Journey and Family Values
The interview also delved into Zlatan's personal life and upbringing, with fans praising his down-to-earth nature and strong family values. He shared details about his challenging journey to homeownership, revealing that he initially purchased a house in Lekki through installment payments before facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic period was particularly tough," Zlatan confessed. "When funds stopped coming in, I nearly became depressed while still paying for the house." His fortunes turned when he secured a deal during the pandemic that enabled him to complete the payments.
In a heartwarming decision, Zlatan chose to move his parents into the new property despite having lived with up to 16 friends previously. He disclosed that his parents, who are both pastors, insisted on reviewing his bank statements and consulted a lawyer to ensure the money used for the purchase was legally obtained.
Family Agreements and Fan Reactions
The music star further revealed that his parents made him sign an agreement prohibiting additional tattoos or piercings. Following their due diligence, his parents fasted and prayed to confirm they were making the right decision by moving in with him.
Fans responded enthusiastically to the interview, with many commending Zlatan's maturity and family values. One fan, @MayowaFalola-b7n, commented: "Really love Zlatan, he's a cool guy NGL. And his relationship with his parent is worthy of emulating."
Another supporter, @BeeVal-c3, noted: "Maturity is knowing that your fans are growing with you and deciding to grow too. Zlatan is a clear definition of that."
The interview highlights the evolving challenges facing Nigeria's music industry while showcasing the personal growth and family values of one of its prominent artists.
