Zlatan Issues Warning to Blogger for False Family Claims

Nigerian Rapper Zlatan Ibile Refutes False Claims About His Family

Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile has publicly denounced viral social media posts containing fabricated information about his relationship with Davita Lamai. The false narrative claimed that Lamai was distraught after Zlatan allegedly stated he would never marry her, and incorrectly asserted that the couple has two children together.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zlatan expressed frustration at the spread of misinformation, writing, “Y’all know I hate to shalaye,” using Nigerian slang that roughly translates to explaining oneself unnecessarily. He emphatically declared “THIS IS FAKE!!!” and questioned why people continue to share and react to unverified information in 2026.

The rapper, known for hits like “Zanku” and “Bolanle,” didn’t stop at simply denying the claims. He issued a stern warning to the originator of the false narrative, writing, “Banger boy, your time is coming soon,” suggesting potential consequences for the creator of the fabricated story.

This incident highlights the growing problem of misinformation in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where celebrities frequently become targets of false stories designed to generate clicks and engagement. As social media platforms continue to serve as primary news sources for many Nigerians, the spread of unverified information has become increasingly problematic.

The false claims about Zlatan’s relationship status come at a time when Nigerian artists are increasingly protective of their private lives. Many performers in Nigeria’s thriving music industry, which has gained significant international recognition in recent years through the popularity of Afrobeats, have become more guarded about their personal relationships due to such incidents.

Fans quickly rallied around Zlatan following his denial. One supporter, identified as Ọmọ Akin, encouraged the artist to take further action against the false claims. Another user criticized the fabricated narrative, pointing out how easily misinformation spreads across social media platforms in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

“These bloggers just wake up and decide to destroy someone’s happiness and peace of mind,” wrote one supporter named Simply Amaka, reflecting the growing concern among fans about the impact of false stories on celebrities’ wellbeing and reputations.

The incident has sparked broader conversations about digital literacy and media verification in Nigeria. As one of Africa’s most digitally connected populations, Nigerians consume vast amounts of content daily across various platforms, creating fertile ground for misinformation campaigns. Entertainment news, in particular, often spreads rapidly without fact-checking.

Media experts have previously called for greater responsibility from content creators and social media users in verifying information before sharing it. This case exemplifies the challenges facing Nigerian celebrities who must regularly combat false narratives while maintaining their public image.

Zlatan Ibile, whose real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, rose to prominence in 2017 and has become one of Nigeria’s most recognizable music stars. Known for creating the “Zanku” dance and his distinctive style, he has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists including Burna Boy and Davido.

While Zlatan typically maintains privacy regarding his personal relationships, the aggressive nature of this particular false claim prompted his unusual public response. Industry observers note that such direct denials from artists have become increasingly necessary in Nigeria’s fast-paced digital media environment where rumors can quickly damage reputations and relationships.