“My First Song Was Terrible” – Zlatan Ibile Shares How Failing Exams Led Him to Music

Nigerian rapper and singer, Zlatan Ibile, has reflected on his early struggles and how failure eventually steered him toward a career in music.

In an interview with Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1, Zlatan revealed that his journey into music began after he failed to gain admission into university due to poor grades in Mathematics and Accounting.

He explained that his upcoming album, ‘Symbol of Hope’, is inspired by his desire to motivate people from similar humble beginnings.

> “I used to be just a music fan before I even knew I’d make music. I admired artists whose lives changed from nothing to something, and now I see how my songs inspire others not to give up. People message me saying my music keeps them going, and that’s why I named the album Symbol of Hope — to show that if I could make it, anyone can,” he said.

Recalling how it all started, Zlatan added:

> “I was supposed to go to university in 2011 or 2012, but I didn’t have all my papers. My dad is a pastor, and I played drums in church, but I never imagined I’d be an artist. After failing my exams, I started visiting the studio with a friend. The first song I recorded was rubbish, but when I played it for my siblings, they made me feel like Jay-Z that day.”

Motivated by his family and friends, Zlatan continued making music, though it started as a hobby. His breakthrough came during his first semester at university when he entered — and surprisingly won — a rap competition.

> “I didn’t believe anyone could win a car through music,” he recalled. “Out of 140 contestants, I won. I was just 19, and it was only three weeks into school. That moment made me take rap seriously. I started writing every day and night — that was the turning point.”

Zlatan also reflected on creating his signature dance move, Zanku (Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us), which went on to gain international recognition.

> “That’s Africa to the world. The best part is that my name is attached to it — you can’t mention Zanku without mentioning Zlatan. I always dreamed of having my own dance move, and when it happened, it went viral globally.”