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Nigerian singer Oniyide Azeez, popularly known as Zinoleesky, has officially ended his association with Marlian Music, bringing an end to a seven-year run with the record label that helped shape his rise in the Afrobeats industry.
The singer’s exit, confirmed on April 23, 2026, marks a major turning point in his career as he transitions into full independence. While neither Zinoleesky nor Marlian Music has released a detailed public statement outlining the terms of his departure, sources close to the situation suggest the split followed unresolved internal disagreements between the artiste and the label’s management led by Naira Marley.
Marlian Music, founded by singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has been home to several rising stars in the Nigerian music scene since its establishment. Zinoleesky joined the label as one of its early breakout acts, gaining recognition for his distinctive sound, melodic delivery, and ability to blend street-inspired lyrics with Afrobeats and amapiano influences.
During his time under the label, Zinoleesky released several successful singles and collaborated with top Nigerian artistes, building a strong fan base both locally and internationally. His growth under Marlian Music played a key role in positioning him as one of the most promising voices in the new generation of Afrobeats artists.
Following his departure, Zinoleesky wasted no time in unveiling his own record label, Zinodict Music. The announcement was made across his social media platforms, where he also updated his profile to reflect the new imprint, signaling a fresh direction in his professional journey.
Alongside the launch of Zinodict Music, the singer released a new single titled Nostalgia, which serves as his first official project as an independent artiste. The track has already generated attention from fans, many of whom view the move as a bold step toward creative and financial control over his music career.
Industry observers note that Zinoleesky’s decision reflects a growing trend among Nigerian artistes who are increasingly opting for independence after gaining experience within established record labels. This shift is often driven by a desire for greater ownership of masters, creative freedom, and long-term revenue control.
Speculation about tension between Zinoleesky and Marlian Music is not entirely new. In November 2025, rumours of a possible fallout between the singer and Naira Marley circulated on social media, sparking conversations among fans. At the time, Zinoleesky publicly dismissed the claims, maintaining that he remained loyal to the label and focused on his music.
However, his latest exit suggests that underlying issues may have persisted behind the scenes, eventually leading to the decision to part ways. Despite the reported tension, there has been no public exchange of insults or direct confrontation between both parties as of the time of filing this report.
Zinoleesky’s departure adds to a growing list of artistes who have moved on from record labels to establish their own platforms. For many in the industry, such moves represent both risk and opportunity, as independence offers control but also demands increased responsibility for promotion, distribution, and business management.
With Zinodict Music now officially launched, fans and industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how Zinoleesky navigates this new phase of his career. His ability to sustain momentum without the backing of a major label will likely determine his long-term position in the competitive Afrobeats landscape.
For now, the singer appears focused on building his brand and expanding his creative reach, signaling that his journey in the music industry is entering a new and more self-directed chapter.
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