By Emmanuel Daniji

Nigerian singer Zinoleesky is taking his career beyond making music as he officially steps into the business side of the industry with the launch of his own record label, Zinodict Music.

The Afrobeats star has announced Waziyung as the first artist signed to the new label, marking the beginning of his journey from being the talent to also becoming a talent developer and music executive.

The move comes after Zinoleesky’s departure from Marlian Music, where he spent several years building his reputation and establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent young Afrobeats acts.

His new chapter had already begun earlier in 2026 with the release of “Nostalgia,” his first song under Zinodict Music. The release signalled that Zinoleesky was beginning to operate independently after his exit from Marlian Music.

Now, with Waziyung joining the label, Zinodict Music is moving beyond being a platform for Zinoleesky’s own music.

Waziyung becomes the first artist on the label’s roster and will release his first song under the imprint, “Fuji Vibe,” on October 2, 2026, according to reports on the signing.

The announcement was made on Thursday, October 1, with Zinoleesky sharing a video showing him alongside Waziyung during the signing process.

For Waziyung, the deal provides an opportunity to take his music to a wider audience while working under an artist who has already experienced the pressures and opportunities that come with navigating Nigeria’s competitive music industry.

Waziyung is associated with the Lagos street-pop scene and has released songs including “FESTIVO,” “Olomi” featuring Lil Shappi, “My Life” and “Happiness.” He has also been associated with NBV Squad and has built a presence on digital music platforms.

His catalogue also includes the 2023 project “Determination And Focus”, as well as collaborations with other emerging acts.

For Zinoleesky, however, the bigger story is the new role he is taking on.

After years of being managed and promoted as an artiste, he now has the responsibility of identifying talent, developing an artist and building a music brand from the ground up.

That transition means his attention will no longer be limited to recording songs, performing and promoting his own catalogue. He will also have to make decisions around the career of another artiste and the direction of his growing label.

The signing of Waziyung therefore offers the first glimpse into what Zinoleesky wants Zinodict Music to become.

With “Fuji Vibe” set to introduce Waziyung to the label’s audience on October 2, attention will now turn to how the young imprint develops its first artist and whether Zinoleesky can successfully balance life as a recording artiste with his new responsibilities as a record label CEO.