Zlatan has explained why he has never been interested in signing or funding artistes, stressing that he refuses to put money into talent he cannot fully trust
Speaking on the Afrobeats podcast, he revealed that his decision is deliberate and rooted in financial discipline, personal experience, and the realities of the music business.
According to him, the idea of signing artistes has never appealed to him because it feels like a risky investment with no guaranteed outcome. “I’d rather just go buy a house rather than put money on this artist that I’m not sure of, if the artist is going to blow up or not,” he said.
Zlatan made it clear that while some artistes choose to build labels and develop new acts, he has always preferred collaboration over financial commitments. He explained that working with both older and younger artistes gave him the boost he needed early in his career—something he believes is more reliable than gambling money on untested talent.
“Collaboration has played a vital role in my career. Collaborating with artists, be it the older generation or the new generation, is part of the music business. Facts. Understand. That’s how I got the big dogs. That was how they collaborated with me during my own time when I came, I popped out.”
For him, choosing not to sign artistes isn’t selfish—it is about safeguarding his stability. Zlatan revealed that his early years in the industry were filled with pressure and anxiety, and he vowed never to return to that stage. “Above all, the reason why I’m doing this is more of taking care of myself and being able to be stable financially in life. In the beginning I was not balanced. It was pressure, there was anxiety.”
He added that being financially comfortable boosts his creative energy. “If I have money, I’m good. If I have money, if I go to the studio, the way I’m going to be busting like this is money.”
Zlatan also mentioned that he stopped smoking in 2019 and remains grateful for the massive support he receives from fans, especially those from the East. His recent collaboration with Flavour further reminded him of how powerful strategic partnerships can be. “I saw that collaboration with Flavour on a banyan, crazy. As a big man that’s rich now, can you jump up and down with him?” he teased.
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