Afrobeats sensation Zlatan Ibile has shared the story behind his forthcoming third studio album, Symbol of Hope, revealing it as a reflection of his personal journey from humble beginnings to stardom.
In a heartfelt interview alongside his son, Shiloh, Zlatan explained that the album’s title symbolizes resilience and determination, traits that guided his rise through life’s challenges.
“When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to. I saw people who made it from nothing to something. They used their talent, they hustled right, and got to the top,” Zlatan said.
He continued, “They were symbols that gave me hope. And now, a lot of people look up to me too — including you. I’ve become a symbol of hope to many.”
Zlatan also revealed how his childhood struggles, particularly the difficulty of affording three meals a day, shaped the themes of his new project.
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“When I was young, it was really hard to eat three times a day. The life experience influenced this album. It was like a process. I had to work hard. When others were sleeping, I had to motivate myself and tell myself that I want to be great,” he added.
The highly anticipated album, set for release on October 17, 2025, is the result of a two-year-long effort, with Zlatan carefully recording and refining each track to ensure it captures his story and message of hope.
