Albums
Zlatan Channels Grit, Faith & Glory in New Album “Symbol of Hope”
Zanku Records / ONErpm proudly announces the release of ZLATAN’s highly anticipated third studio album, Symbol of Hope. The street-hop trailblazer and creative mogul delivers a powerful and intimate sonic memoir that channels resilience, faith, and ultimate triumph.
Fresh off the global success of his 2025 Afrobeats standout, “Get Better” (featuring Fola), which climbed to the Billboard US Afrobeats Top 10, spent eight weeks in the UK Afrobeats Top 20, and peaked at #2 on Nigeria’s Official Top 100, Zlatan offers a collection rooted in his compelling personal journey.
“I made it out of the hood, and that means anyone can make it out too,” Zlatan notes, reflecting on the album’s core inspiration. Symbol of Hope is a lush, candid soundtrack for the progressive thinker, neatly packaged within Zlatan’s signature melodic street-hop world.
The 12-track project opens in a celebratory mood with ‘Payday’, setting the stage for a victorious narrative. Zlatan dives into raw introspection on ‘Demons’ alongside Afropop star Qing Madi, stripping back the glamour to confront mental pressure, self-doubt, and the heavy burden of responsibility.
The album features high-profile collaborations that cement Zlatan’s standing in the Afrobeats scene:
‘Hip Hop Messiah’ reunites Zlatan with Afrobeats heavyweight Davido for a bold, energetic anthem.
‘Paypal’ is a grit-filled street-pop fusion that sees Zlatan team up with Mayorkun, delivering an urgent, undeniable banger.
Displaying his loverboy side, ‘Diamond’ is a charming homage to Lagbaja’s 2005 classic ‘Never Far Away.’
The album hits its second gear with ‘Odeshi’, a vibrant toast to the soft life and a prayer for divine protection, before flowing into the praise-filled ‘Till Thy Kingdom Come.’ The triumphant close is highlighted by ‘Alpha & Omega’ featuring Bhadboi OML, where Zlatan powerfully recounts his early struggles in Ketu, including the sacrifice of selling his only phone to chase his dream, and his subsequent rise as a true symbol of hope.
Produced by longtime collaborator Chechdaproducer, the album’s sound is both cathartic and joyous, designed to spark reflection while simultaneously keeping spirits high on the dancefloor. Symbol of Hope is a masterclass in motivational music, channeling Zlatan’s multifaceted persona: the motivator, the hitmaker, the street preacher, and the cultural voice. For loyal fans, it’s the evolved Zanku DNA; for newcomers, it’s a front-row view into the vibrant, resilient energy of Lagos street culture.
At its core, Symbol of Hope teaches a simple but powerful truth: resilience can be learned, hope spreads easily, and courage pays.
Listen below;
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