Through the two years, 2020-2022, Zinoleesky has steadily been on the come-up, utilising the Amapiano log drums and horns from South Africa to heighten his already established street credibility to the mainstream Nigerian media and by extension, the globe. Through that period, Zinoleesky was concerned mainly with creating a vibe for his audience to enjoy, and truth be told, that has worked unerringly.
It is December, but like his debut EP, the talented singer (born Azeez Shina Oniyide) waited till the last month of the year before unveiling yet another astounding body of work; moving past the glitz and glamour of “Chrome”, Zinoleesky speaks on the “Grit & Lust” associated with fame and romantic relationships respectively.
In the ultimate promotional single, “Personal”, leading up to “Grit & Lust”, Zino moves away from the party-themed Amapiano sound. Striking gold with the upbeat hip-hop production of Baby Beats, he sheds a little light on how fame has been treating him thus far, singing to needing just the protection of his Maker, and prayers of his beloved parents, Zinoleesky shared the grit side of fame. A similar message is delivered in “Yanyanyan”, the third song of the project, in which he speaks on the doubters during his come-up, and how unsettled his headspace is.
The other six tracks on this project serve as an ode to Zinoleesky’s love life. Sex, intimacy, fantasies, and heartbreak—all the facets of romantic relationships are dwelled on by the singer. Zino is a very vocal person, which he uses to his advantage in “Grit & Lust”.
“And me I no dey cum on time / Now she want it time to time”, and “I go knack am raw” are boastful claims by the street-hop act about his sexual stamina as heard on “Odinaka”. As for how long-term he foresees the relationships, Zinoleesky paints the real picture on “Rocking”, when he said “Baby let’s do that thing / Maybe if you cum, you’ll come to your senses”, plainly telling that he is in for a short but sweet while.
As for his fantasies, Zinoleesky sings to wanting more than a monogamous relationship with the lyrics of “Rocking”, “Link me with your friends and sister the best thing / I’mma do the both of you, no need to fight”.
When Zinoleesky is not flourishing in his playboy persona, he happens to be a one-woman type of guy, even promising quality time, expensive gifts, and marriage in some of these songs like “Many Roads” with Ayra Starr, “Call of Duty”, and “Last Time” with Omah Lay.
Baby Beats (“Personal”, “Run It Up”, “Many Roads”), Niphkeys (“Last Time”, “Rocking”, “Call of Duty”), Medua (“Odinaka”), SKondatrack (“Yanyanyan”), and Young Jonn (“Run It Up”) all worked with Zinoleesky in producing the soundtrack to his compelling love life.
Make time to listen to Zinoleesky’s presentation of “Grit & Lust” on his first project since 2020. Enjoy!