The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, on Wednesday, July 1, came alive with music, excitement and unforgettable performances as afrobeats sensation Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, known professionally as Zlatan Ibile or simply Zlatan, returned to the institution —his alma mater — to host a free concert for students and unveil a brand-new music studio aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative talents.

Tagged ‘Homecoming’, the concert drew a large crowd of students, staff and fans, who gathered to welcome the award-winning artiste back to the institution where he once studied. The founder and CEO of Zanku Records delivered an energetic performance, treating attendees to some of his biggest hits, supported by his friends, including Bella Shmurda, Oladip, Small Doctor, Seun Puzzle, Kashcoming, Folarin Olorin, Bahdboi Muller, Carter Efe and Kolu.

The event, organised as a celebration of community, youth culture and musical excellence, transformed the campus into a vibrant entertainment hub, with fans turning out in large numbers to witness some of Nigeria’s biggest street-pop stars perform on one stage.

For the fans and students in attendance, the performance was more than just a homecoming; it was a powerful narrative of redemption and endurance. They described the event as one of the biggest entertainment gatherings ever hosted on the MAPOLY campus, praising both the quality of the performances and the organisers’ commitment to creating an inclusive experience.

Earlier, while announcing the concert on social media platforms via his handles, Zlatan revealed that it was designed as a gesture of appreciation to fans and communities that have supported his remarkable journey from the streets of Lagos to becoming one of Afrobeats’ most influential voices.

Speaking during the well-attended event, the singer moved beyond the spectacle of his performance to offer a rare, vulnerable glimpse into his formative years. The Zanku (Leg Work) pioneer used the stage to strip away the glitz of his current success, grounding the evening in the reality of his past as a struggling student.

“I didn’t just wake up here,” he said, reminding the crowd of students who see him as a symbol of aspiration, emphasizing that the very grounds he stood on were once the site of his deepest insecurities and tireless grind. He framed his journey not as a shortcut to fame, but as a testament to persistence, encouraging his audience to find value in their own current struggles.

The concert reflects Zlatan’s continued dominance in the Afrobeats space, as over the past few years, he has expanded his reach beyond music, venturing into acting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, while maintaining a steady stream of chart-topping releases. “Homecoming” appears to be the next chapter in that evolution: a full-circle moment that merges gratitude with global ambition.

As the headline act, the singer, whose electrifying performance reminded fans why he remains one of the country’s most captivating live performers, delivered a string of hit songs from his catalogues, while the audience sang along and danced from start to finish, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments.

Bella Shmurda followed with an energetic set that showcased his unique blend of Afrobeats and street-inspired melodies.

His emotionally charged performance resonated strongly with the youthful audience, who enthusiastically sang along to every hit.

Comedian-turned-musician Carter Efe also thrilled the crowd with his lively stage presence, combining humour and music to keep the atmosphere vibrant, while emerging artiste Kolu impressed with a confident performance that highlighted his growing potential as one of the industry’s rising talents.