Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile has never seemed like an album artist, and when he has released them in the past, they haven’t elicited much reaction. His latest project, however, seems to have defied such odds. It’s a long list of songs supported by a huge guest list. Afrobeats legend Davido makes a notable appearance, marking his return to all of Zlatan’s albums—a testament to their strong friendship.
After extensive promotion, Symbol of Hope was released yesterday, marking Zlatan’s first major release in four years. Much has changed for him in that time: he appears fresher, his diction has improved, his dress sense has evolved, and he has founded his own clothing company. Even his music videos and imagery have shed their overtly “street” aesthetic. He has embraced finesse, and his music reflects this transformation. On this album, Zlatan shows he has matured as an artist. The clarity of purpose is evident throughout the project; when he raps about past suffering, he does so from a place of comfort, success, and prestige. For him, suffering has become a memory to look back on.
The guitar strings and shakers on “Pay Day” welcome listeners to Zlatan’s world of success and riches. He claims to “breathe money.” With support from backup singers, Zlatan tells his story. This narrative trend continues on “Demons,” where he gets more personal, rapping about the responsibilities that come with family, business, and work. The emotionally driven song is elevated by Qing Madi’s vocals, which are kept minimal and beautiful.
The early songs on the album find Zlatan telling his story from similar angles, focusing on lost friends, naysayers, and the aftermath of success, as he does on “Oyoyo.” “Jeserawa” features the largest array of stars on the album—Idowest, Shallipopi, and TerryTheVoice—for a risqué tune. The Amapiano-themed “Hip Hop Messiah” reflects on Zlatan’s work ethic and mastery as an artiste. He replicates this reflective mood on “Get Better,” where the brilliant FOLA comes through with alluring vocals. “Diamond” celebrates love; while not Zlatan’s typical strength, it is still a lovely track with production rooted in a classic Afrobeat sound reminiscent of Lagbaja.
As a ghetto disciple, Zlatan often reverts to his quest for money. “Paypal,” featuring Mayorkun, addresses this, and when he wants to taunt, he does so in a comical and petty way. “Odeshi” is a letter to naysayers who try to harm him. “Till Thy Kingdom Come” is a celebratory track about Zlatan’s achievements, creating a joyous mood. “Genesis” marks the second collaboration between Flavour and Zlatan; it’s a Highlife-blending track that continues the joyous mood of the previous song. As expected, Flavour outperforms him. “Happy Day” continues the light-hearted atmosphere. Victony continues his run of collaborations on “Bebe,” which feels like unfamiliar terrain for Zlatan. Olamide, the Nigerian rap legend, delivers a fantastic 16 bars on the pleasure-seeking “Gimme Your Love.” The album closer, “Alpha & Omega,” is built around the Galala rhythm, with Zlatan Ibile and Bhadboi OML seeking God’s protection as they forge ahead.
Symbol of Hope wears a new tag: the prophet of good tidings. Having experienced life’s ups and downs, the rapper keeps hope alive and dispatches it to his followers in the streets. The days of merely hoping for the best seem to be over. While recording this album, Zlatan seems to have been on cloud nine.
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