Zinoleesky, known for his emotive vocal delivery, expresses devotion and vulnerability, while Ms Banks counters with a sharp, self-assured verse that reframes the narrative on her terms.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Nigerian Street Pop star, Zinoleesky, has released the official video for “Ayamase”, one of the standout tracks from his debut album Gen Z, released in April this year. The fan-favourite single features British-Nigerian rapper, Ms Banks, and was produced by Niphkeys.
Blending Street-Pop, Afrobeats, and melodic rap, “Ayamase” explores themes of love, desire, and mutual respect through a distinctly Nigerian lens. Zinoleesky, known for his emotive vocal delivery, expresses devotion and vulnerability, while Ms Banks counters with a sharp, self-assured verse that reframes the narrative on her terms.
Directed by Mediakid with creative direction from Dir. Ley, the visuals were shot in Lagos and unfold with cinematic precision. Set on a sun-soaked street corner, the video captures a stylised face-off between two crews—Zinoleesky’s on one side, Ms Banks’ on the other. The scenes draw inspiration from West African street culture and frame the story with tension, subtle humour, and visual flair.
Titled after a spicy Yoruba delicacy, “Ayamase” uses food as a metaphor, transforming a common dish into a symbol of emotional intensity, romantic tension, and cultural pride. The video, like the song, leans into the dynamics of power and vulnerability in relationships, while celebrating connection on equal terms.
For a song that was released earlier this year, “Ayamase” has emerged as a standout from Gen Z, the album that debuted at #9 on the Billboard World Albums chart, topped the Official Nigerian Top 100 for two consecutive weeks, and has already amassed over 100 million global streams. With “Ayamase”, Zinoleesky continues to assert his voice in the Afro-Pop landscape, pairing authenticity with experimentation and bringing Lagos culture to a global audience.