Zinoleesky has had a difficult period in his career. Following the controversy surrounding his former record label and allegations made against its CEO, the singer has been trying to find his footing again. He has released a few records since then, but “Dantata” feels different.
At 2 minutes and 51 seconds, “Dantata” is a compact record, but Zinoleesky manages to pack a surprisingly detailed story into its short runtime. The song combines a hip hop influenced flow with contemporary Afrobeats, creating a record that can easily work in the club while still rewarding listeners who pay attention to what Zinoleesky is actually saying.
The Beat Is One of the Song’s Strongest Points
The production is arguably the biggest attraction on “Dantata.”
The drums carry a trap inspired character, while the rhythmic lead gives the song an underlying hip hop feel. In fact, if that rhythmic pattern were placed over a more traditional hip hop drum arrangement, the song could easily move into straight hip hop territory.
Instead, the production keeps one foot firmly in contemporary Afrobeats.
That balance gives Zinoleesky enough room to experiment with his delivery. He does not have to force himself into the conventional Afrobeats vocal pattern. His flow moves naturally across the beat, allowing the record to feel energetic without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
Beatwise, “Dantata” is top tier.
It is the kind of production that can make someone enjoy the song on a first listen without necessarily understanding the depth of the story being told.
Zinoleesky Turns His Lifestyle Into the Story
The subject matter of “Dantata” is one of the more interesting things about the song.
Zinoleesky presents himself as a man who has money, women and an appetite for both that seems difficult to control. Rather than simply presenting the lifestyle as something glamorous, he builds the song around his apparent struggle with his own greed for women.
This is where the title becomes important.
Dantata is a name strongly associated with wealth and business success in Kano and Nigeria generally. By comparing his financial capacity to that of the legendary Dantata business family, Zinoleesky creates an exaggerated picture of what his money allows him to do.
The result is almost humorous, but there is also a clear element of self confession in it.
He knows exactly what he is doing, and he knows that he is doing too much.
The Storytelling Is Surprisingly Detailed
The opening section introduces a woman from Babylon who is attracted to Zinoleesky’s style and sexual performance. The story continues with her giving him the nickname Papilo, a reference to legendary Nigerian footballer Nwankwo Kanu.
It is a strange comparison, but that is part of what makes the record entertaining.
Zinoleesky does not tell the story like someone trying to write a serious love song. He throws together money, women, sex, football references and Nigerian street language to create a character who is almost larger than life.
The chorus then changes the mood slightly.
Instead of simply celebrating this lifestyle, Zinoleesky asks God for mercy. He has just been involved with another woman, while also mentioning a lover named Onome from Delta and still having his attention on Nene from Ghana.
The result is a man essentially asking God to help him control his appetite for women while simultaneously admitting that his wealth gives him the opportunity to continue living that way.
That contradiction is what makes the record interesting.
The Afrobeats Vibe Can Hide the Lyrics
One of the most impressive things about “Dantata” is that you can listen to it casually and completely miss the story.
The production is infectious enough to make the listener concentrate on the rhythm, the flow and the overall vibe. But beneath that is a song with a fairly detailed narrative.
This is something Zinoleesky has always been good at.
He has the ability to make street influenced music that does not sound like it is trying too hard to prove that it is street music. His melodies remain accessible, while his choice of words and references give the records personality.
“Dantata” benefits heavily from that ability.
Zinoleesky Still Has Something to Prove
There is an unfortunate timing to Zinoleesky’s career.
He appeared to be reaching another level when the controversy surrounding his former label and its CEO became a major issue. Whatever the circumstances surrounding that period, the disruption clearly created an obstacle at a time when Zinoleesky needed consistency.
Now, the question is whether he can regain the momentum he appeared to be building.
“Dantata” suggests that the talent is still there.
The record does not sound like an artist desperately trying to remind people that he can make music. It sounds like someone who understands his strengths and is willing to have fun with them.
What he needs now is the right promotional machinery behind the music.
Verdict
“Dantata” is one of those records that can work on two different levels.
On the surface, it is a lively Afrobeats record with trap influenced drums, a hip hop inspired flow and enough energy to work in clubs and street playlists.
Underneath, it is a funny and slightly chaotic story about money, women and a man who knows that his appetite has become excessive.
The biggest achievement is how much Zinoleesky manages to communicate in just 2 minutes and 51 seconds without making the record feel overloaded.
With the right promotion, airplay and support from DJs and the street, “Dantata” has the ingredients to become a club and street favourite.
Zinoleesky has never really lacked talent. What he needs is the consistency, exposure and momentum to remind the wider audience why they paid attention to him in the first place.
