Zinoleesky: The Show Killer with Some Fuji Vibe. How much of him do you know?

 Zinoleeskyis one of the many Nigerian musicians with a Fuji vibe. Zino the Show Killer. Although it's been a while now that we have been familiar with "Who Knows" melody, since his Instagram days with Lil Frosh. The studio version is really an upgrade. 

As we proceed, remember Zinoleesky is not on his birth certificate. So this is what you will find there: Oniyide Azeez. He was born on the 21st of April, 1995. He grew up in Agege. The blessed area that gave us “sonto, laii, firiyoyo, kaito, etc.”

That's Zinoleesky and mum above.

The Fuji mix in his vibe has made his music appealing. Thereby, appealing to the street audience and the ones indoors too; to the elderly and the youths too.

Not to mention, yet, that he has a really unique voice that makes you wait and press pause to properly listen to his lyrics. I believe his lyrics game has been 'upped' due to his relationship with Lil Frosh since their "Firi Yahoo" days. 

Don't forget that his looks ain't that bad too. (I can see the ladies nodding an "amen").

Well, not that the guys are indifferent. They just agree with Marlian Music that it's a bankable asset that suits his personality so well. 

Zenoleesky with Naira Marley earlier this year when they signed the deal

Oya, back to the Fuji vibe. 

 *Important notice*  Listen to Zinoleesky’s "Kilofeshele" 

While jamming to the vibe; read on. 

The evident Yoruba accent in his use of English, infusion of Yoruba words and lamba, (I'll come back to that "lamba" some other times) are components of the music genre: Fuji. Apparently, Fuji music is peculiar to Yoruba culture, and its inherent appeal and acceptance is innate. It is hard to explain why many artists of the Yoruba descent have this “Fuji Colouring” in their songs.  

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For Zino, that’s the character name in a Yoruba movie that caught his fancy that afterwards he decided to name himself Zinoleesky. Sound Russian, right? Maybe we might have to ask him if he is a Mafian. Well, I think his former pal, Lil Frosh is on…  Did he act like that on his beautiful girlfriend recently?

The mere act of an artist singing with a Yoruba accent, or spitting Yoruba words, is Fuji. Although there are other genres of music exclusive to the Yoruba folks, Fuji still stands out because it easily blends with Hip hop. It’s analogous to rap too because, oftentimes, Fuji musicians chant some ewi, incantations or proverbs in their songs. 

I believe the explanation for this “Fuji Colouring” of Zinoleeski’s is that he is Yoruba. That is, he speaks Yoruba and lives in a neighbourhood where Yoruba is spoken and Fuji music is blasted through their speakers. These are the criteria to having this “Fuji Colouring”. 

If one then is to give a full musical description of his sound, one can point out the employment of fuji elements on his sound. First, one can always catch the use of the bopping sound elements in his sound which is peculiar to fuji.

This is that he pauses and continues, so as to make his lyrics or sound more a percussive instrument. The fuji music is known to be one that is overlaid heavily with percussion. The use of this element gives his music much rhythmic element than the usual singing style of afro pop artists. 

Another element to point to is the use of the fuji slurring vocal elements. Often, the use of this element is easily noticeable in street musicians in Nigeria. They learnt this as young as a child. It is not surprising because Zinoleesky was born in the ghetto suburb of Lagos, Agege. 

by Olamilekan Ayeojuyo and Oluwole Adebowale