Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
In a surprising revelation, Afrobeats sensation and rapper, Zlatan Ibile, recently disclosed that his childhood ambition wasn’t to grace the stage as a musician but to shine on the football field, particularly for La Liga giants, Barcelona. This unexpected twist in his career narrative was unveiled during an exclusive interview with Echo Room.
Zlatan, popularly known for hits like ‘Zanku,’ confessed that his academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in subjects like Mathematics and Accounting, leading to his failure in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams. As a result, he faced the prospect of a year-long hiatus at home.
Recalling his aspirations, Zlatan expressed his fervent desire to pursue a career in football. However, the harsh realities of Nigerian football eventually dimmed his hopes. Despite his efforts while playing for a local club, the dream of donning the illustrious Barcelona jersey seemed increasingly distant.
It was during this pivotal moment of uncertainty that fate intervened. A friend introduced him to the world of music by playing one of Zlatan’s own recordings. Captivated by the experience, Zlatan seized the opportunity to explore this newfound passion further.
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“I was not a bright student in secondary school… All my dreams were to play for Barcelona,” Zlatan recounted. “When I failed WAEC, I was going to sit down at home for a year, and then one of my friends came and played his record for me.”
Driven by curiosity and a hunger for reinvention, Zlatan embraced the unexpected trajectory that led him into the realm of music. Contrary to his initial plans, he found himself venturing into studios, honing his craft, and ultimately carving a niche for himself in the music industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Zlatan emphasized that music wasn’t a premeditated career choice but rather a serendipitous discovery. His meteoric rise from football hopeful to musical icon serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of fate and the resilience of human ambition.
