Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile has shared the inspiration behind his soon-to-be-released third studio album, Symbol of Hope.
In an interview featuring his son, Shiloh, the rapper said the project captures his life journey — from humble beginnings to fame and success. He explained that the album’s title represents the resilience and determination that defined his rise from hardship to prominence.
“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.
“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.”
The rapper revealed that his difficult childhood experiences, including struggling to afford three meals a day, inspired much of the album’s content.
“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.
Zlatan disclosed that the album took two years to complete, involving a detailed process of recording and refining tracks. Symbol of Hope is set for release on October 17, 2025.
