By Felix Otabon

When Zlatan dropped his six-track Omo Ologo EP in April 2023, the excitement across Afrobeats circles was immediate.

Featuring standout names such as Odumodu Blvck, Jeriq, Seyi Vibez, and Young Jonn, the record quickly became a talking point for its street energy, lyrical sharpness, and global reach.

But behind the sound that fans streamed millions of times lies the craft of a songwriter whose name is only beginning to get the attention it deserves, Omolola Omoniyi.

Omolola is credited as a songwriter across all six tracks on Omo Ologo. While Zlatan’s charisma and  delivery take centre stage, much of the storytelling that drives the EP flows from her pen.

Songs like Omo Ologo and Oganigwe (featuring Odumodu Blvck and Jeriq) bear her signature style: witty, culturally rooted, and emotionally resonant. “Omolola brings a different kind of energy to every session, ” Zlatan says.

“She understands how to write for the streets, but also how to make the music travel. That’s a gift not many have.”

Global Reach

The commercial performance of the EP reinforces Omolola’s growing reputation. Oganigwe has attracted a global audience with several million streams across platforms, with strong listener bases in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ghana. Omo Ologo itself has been streamed many millions of times worldwide, underscoring the wide appeal of her songwriting. For a writer still early in her career, such reach is a remarkable achievement.

Storytelling With Rhythm

For Omolola, songwriting is about more than just creating catchy hooks. In a recent conversation, she described her process as “storytelling with rhythm.” She explained: “I try to write songs that reflect everyday life, the struggles, the humour, the ambition, but in a way that feels musical and uplifting. Afrobeats is powerful because it tells our story, and I want my songs to carry that truth while reaching people everywhere.”

Her approach has made her a trusted collaborator within Zanku Records and beyond.

Colleagues note her ability to balance creativity with professionalism, often bringing structure and clarity to the writing process while still encouraging spontaneity.

Shaping the Future of Afrobeats

Zanku Records itself is no small platform. With over 150 million streams on Apple Music, more than 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, 7 million Shazams, and 80 million YouTube views, it is one of the most influential Afrobeats labels globally. For Omolola to have contributed across an entire EP within such a powerhouse speaks volumes about her standing in the industry.

“She is part of the new generation of voices shaping Afrobeats,” says a Zanku Records executive.

“Songwriters like Omolola ensure the music stays fresh, rooted in our culture, but still able to cross borders. Her work on Omo Ologo is a clear example of that.”

Beyond the Credit Lines

What makes Omolola’s story even more compelling is that she is part of a movement of songwriters, often working behind the scenes, who are redefining how Afrobeats is made and received. As the genre continues to top charts in the UK and the U.S., her contributions show that Nigerian creatives are not only performing on the global stage but also shaping the very sound of the music.

For Omolola, the success of Omo Ologo is not an endpoint but a step in a journey. With more collaborations already in the pipeline and growing recognition at home and abroad, she represents the future of Afrobeats: authentic, innovative, and globally connected.