Still riding high on the success of his debut album, Gen Z, Billboard-charting street pop star Zinoleesky returns with the gripping visuals for “Ayamase,” his collaboration with UK rap heavyweight Ms Banks. The track—equal parts fiery and tender—simmers with metaphor and cultural resonance, taking a Yoruba delicacy as a metaphor for love, desire, and emotional power plays. With its richly cinematic video shot in Lagos and creative direction from Dir. Ley, “Ayamase” captures the pulse of Lagos street life and the layered experience of modern romance. Let’s dive in!
“Ayamase” is such a layered track, from food metaphors to power dynamics in relationships. What inspired you to frame love and desire through this specific cultural lens?
I’ve always believed the best stories come from things we know deeply, and for me, food is culture, comfort, and communication. Ayamase, the stew, is layered, spicy, intense—just like love. Using it as a metaphor helped me paint a picture of desire that felt both familiar and fresh. It’s also a nod to how love in Naija is never plain; it’s full of drama, flavor, and power plays.
The video captures a rich slice of Lagos street life. What was the most meaningful part of shooting in your hometown, and how did that location shape the energy of the visuals?
Shooting in Lagos wasn’t just about visuals; it was about soul. There’s a rhythm on those streets you can’t fake. From the danfo buses to the market women shouting prices, everything added raw energy to the video. The most meaningful part was seeing the kids gather and dance between takes—it reminded me why I started, and who I’m doing it for.
Ms Banks brings a sharp contrast to your delivery on “Ayamase.” What made her the right collaborator for this track, and how did you two approach balancing your perspectives?
Ms Banks has that fire—confident, bold, and unapologetic. I knew “Ayamase” needed a female voice that could go toe-to-toe with mine, not just vibe along. She brought the right delivery to the track that balanced my street delivery perfectly. We approached it like a dialogue: two people in a love situation, each holding their ground. That chemistry made it dynamic.
The Gen Z album dives into themes like identity, escapism, and afro-futurism. How does “Ayamase” fit within that broader vision?
“Ayamase” is like one of the flavors of Gen Z. The track represents how we Gen Z folks express love, tension—even rebellion—through pop culture. It’s playful but layered, just like our generation. And in the bigger picture, it’s a reminder that tradition (like Nigerian food and slang) can sit side-by-side with new-age sounds and ideas. That’s the afro-futurism I’m talking about—redefining culture on our own terms.
There’s a cinematic quality to the “Ayamase” video, especially with the creative direction from Dir. Ley. How involved were you in shaping the storyline and visuals?
Very involved. I wanted the video to feel like a short film, not just a performance video. It was important to show that behind the beat and metaphors, there’s a real story of love, ego, and Lagos hustle.
Street pop is evolving quickly — what do you think Gen Z as a project says about the next phase of the genre and your place in it?
‘Gen Z’ is a message that street pop can be global and futuristic. I’m showing that the genre doesn’t have to stay in one lane—it can expand without losing its roots. This project is my way of pushing boundaries while staying relatable. I want people to know that street pop isn’t just survival music anymore, it’s innovation, fashion, tech, and culture too. And I’m here to lead that evolution.
With over a billion streams and major co-signs behind you, how do you stay grounded and connected to the core street energy that defined your early career?
I stay connected by never forgetting where I started—from Agege freestyle sessions to studio runs with no generator. I still go back to my hood, still talk to the same guys that were there before the charts. And musically, I always make sure at least one track on every project carries that raw, street emotion. That’s not marketing—it’s home.
The sonic world of Gen Z blends Afroswing, amapiano, trap, and even gaming culture. Is there a genre or sound you’re still hungry to explore that fans wouldn’t expect?
Yeah sure, not yet certain about which I would explore next. Don’t be surprised if you hear a Zinoleesky track one day that feels like it came from a smoky jazz club in 1960s Lagos, just with my twist.
