Rapper Zlatan Ibile has explained why he is reluctant to invest financially in rising artistes, saying the music industry is too unpredictable for such risks.
The Zanku Records founder spoke on the Adesope Live show, where he stated that he prefers putting money into real estate rather than gambling on artistes whose success cannot be guaranteed.
“I will rather go buy a house rather than put money on these artists that I’m not sure will be successful or not,” Zlatan said.
According to him, the decision is tied to his desire for stability.
“The reason I am making music is for financial stability. My goal is to be able to be responsible and financially stable. In the beginning of my career, I wasn’t balanced. I suffered from pressure and anxieties,” he added.
Zlatan, however, said he is open to collaborations, noting that musicians who were already established once supported him, and he feels a responsibility to extend that same opportunity to new artistes.
Away from the interview, the rapper recently advised rising musicians to set aside funds for mental health support, saying the industry can be overwhelming.
“If you get brother or sister wey be fast-rising artist… as una dey keep money for marketing and promo make una dey keep therapist money for one side tooo cos lol!!!” he wrote in a post that sparked wide reactions.
Earlier this year, Zlatan also announced a mentorship plan for five emerging artistes ahead of his album Symbol of Hope (SOH), saying he would spend up to 12 hours daily with each of them in the studio, at lunch and during shopping as part of the mentorship experience.
Zlatan is best known for hits like Zanku, Bolanle and Lagos Anthem, and for collaborations with top artistes including Burna Boy, Naira Marley and Davido.
