Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner

Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner, popularly known as Zoro, was born on March 20, 1990, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Although born in Onitsha, he hails from Awgu Local Government Area in Enugu State. Zoro was raised in modest circumstances, growing up in a one-room apartment shared with his parents and five siblings. His mother ran a small restaurant, while his father worked as a butcher—an upbringing that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a determination to uplift his family’s living conditions.

Zoro attended St. Mary’s Primary School in Onitsha, where he excelled academically. He topped his class in the Common Entrance Examination and later proceeded to the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) in Enugu for his secondary education. He earned an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Public Administration from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and later enrolled at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). However, his growing interest in music led him to relocate to Lagos in 2014 to pursue a full-time music career.

Music Career

Zoro’s journey into music began in his teenage years, when he would often entertain classmates with energetic freestyles during and after school hours. From early on, he distinguished himself by rapping in his native Igbo language, a bold choice at a time when English and Nigerian Pidgin were the dominant languages in the country’s hip-hop and Afrobeat scenes. This commitment to linguistic authenticity became a defining feature of his artistic identity.

His professional music career took shape around 2010, as he began participating in local talent shows, freestyle competitions, and small-stage performances across southeastern Nigeria. These grassroots experiences helped him develop his lyrical agility, stage presence, and cultural messaging.

Zoro’s breakthrough moment came in 2016 with the release of the hit single “Ogene,” featuring veteran highlife singer Flavour N’abania. The song uniquely blended traditional Igbo instrumentation, especially the ogene gong, with modern hip-hop beats. “Ogene” was more than a hit—it became a cultural anthem that celebrated Igbo identity, language, and pride, garnering widespread attention across Nigeria and the diaspora. The track’s success catapulted Zoro into the national spotlight and established him as a rising force in indigenous Nigerian rap.

Following “Ogene,” Zoro released several singles that reinforced his signature Afro-indigenous sound. Among these was “Kulture” (2020), a track that showcased his fusion of contemporary African rhythms with native Igbo storytelling and percussion. The song was praised for its originality, cultural richness, and rhythmic depth.

Although Zoro has not released a full-length studio album as of 2024, he has consistently delivered critically acclaimed singles, built a loyal fanbase, and collaborated with top-tier Nigerian artists such as Phyno, Oxlade, Mayorkun, and Peruzzi. His continued relevance in the Nigerian music industry stems from his ability to merge cultural heritage with modern musical trends, offering a sound that is both authentic and contemporary.

Through his music, Zoro has positioned himself as not just an entertainer, but a cultural ambassador—a voice for Igbo youth and a champion of indigenous art forms in an increasingly globalized music landscape.

Artistic Identity

Zoro is known for his commitment to indigenous language rap, blending traditional Igbo instruments like the ogene gong and flutes with trap, highlife, and Afrobeat. His music resonates for its cultural depth and modern appeal, positioning him as one of Nigeria’s most distinctive artists.

Awards and Recognition

Zoro has received several awards and nominations for his cultural contributions:

• 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) – Best Indigenous Concept (“Ogene”)
• 2016 City People Entertainment Awards – Best Collaboration (“Ogene”)
• 2016 Primetweets Inc. – Artiste of the Month (September)
• 2017 City People Entertainment Awards – Revelation of the Year (Nominee)
• 2017 AFRIMA – Group in African Traditional (Nominee)
• 2018 AFRIMA – Best Rap Act (Nominee)
• 2018 The Headies Awards – Next Rated (Nominee)
• Nigeria Entertainment Awards – Best New Act to Watch, Best Indigenous Rapper (Nominee)

Industry Recognition:

• Pulse Nigeria (2016) listed Zoro among the “5 Hottest Nigerian Rappers of the Year.”

Personal Life

Zoro keeps his private life out of the public spotlight. As of recent reports, he is not publicly known to be in a relationship and has not disclosed information about having children. He prefers to let his music speak for him.

Lifestyle and Assets

With a growing music career, Zoro has acquired several luxury vehicles, including:

• Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
• Range Rover Sport
• BMW X6
• Chevrolet Camaro

His estimated net worth is between $400,000 and $1.5 million, derived from music, live shows, streaming revenue, and endorsements.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Zoro is deeply committed to youth empowerment and community development, particularly in the southeastern region of Nigeria. He supports education-focused initiatives and uses his platform to inspire young people to pursue their goals.

Controversy

In June 2020, Nigerian rapper Zoro (Owoh Chimaobi Chrismathner) was publicly accused of rape by a woman identified as Yachit, who used the Instagram handle @mystic_sweetness. In a detailed social media post, she alleged that Zoro raped her in April 2015 at a friend’s house located in Magodo, Lagos. According to her statement, the incident occurred after Zoro invited her into a room under the pretense of having a private conversation, during which he allegedly forced himself on her.

The accusation quickly gained attention on social media, with various blogs and online platforms sharing the story. In response, Zoro categorically denied the allegation in a statement issued via his verified Instagram account. He described rape as a “nasty and inhumane act” that he has never engaged in and would never condone. Expressing both shock and confusion, he stated that the accusation was completely false and questioned the motives behind it.

Taking the matter seriously, Zoro filed an official petition with the Nigerian Police Force, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the allegation. In his statement, he emphasized the need to protect the integrity of real victims of sexual violence while also condemning false accusations, which he said could cause irreparable mental, emotional, and reputational harm to the wrongly accused. He also stressed the importance of due process and his willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities to clear his name.

Zoro’s handling of the situation drew mixed reactions from the public. Some commended him for taking a legal and transparent approach, while others expressed caution, urging the public to allow the law to take its course. The incident sparked broader conversations online about sexual assault, consent, and false allegations, particularly within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

As of the time of writing, no public updates have been released regarding the outcome of the police investigation. The case appears to have gone quiet in public discourse, and no legal charges have been filed against Zoro. He has since continued his music career, maintaining his innocence and focusing on his artistic and philanthropic pursuits.

Popular Songs

Zoro has released several successful singles, including:

• “Ogene” (feat. Flavour)
• “Achikolo” (feat. Phyno)
• “Landlady”
• “Mbada”
• “One on One”
• “Kulture”
• “Two”
• “African Girl Bad” (feat. Oxlade)
• “Winner”
• “Naira to Pounds”
• “Good Life” (feat. Mayorkun)
• “Diamond” (feat. Peruzzi)
• “Double Tap” (feat. Klem)
• “Fashionista”
• “Picture Me”
• “Glow”
• “Egowo”
• “Gangan”
• “Show More Love”
• “She Want Show for My New Video”
• “Oga Adviser”
• “Waka Waka”
• “Millions”

Conclusion

Zoro has established himself as a powerful voice in Nigerian music by fusing tradition with innovation. His unwavering dedication to Igbo culture, delivered through modern rap and Afrobeat, makes him not just a musician but a cultural ambassador. From humble roots in Onitsha to national acclaim, Zoro’s journey reflects resilience, authenticity, and pride in heritage.

References

1. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Zoro (musician). Wikipedia. Retrieved May 6, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoro_(musician)
2. Kashgain. (2021). Zoro Biography, Net Worth, and Career Achievements. Retrieved from [URL not available]
3. AnaedoOnline. (n.d.). Biography of Zoro: Fast-Rising Indigenous Igbo Rapper. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/anaedoonline/posts/zoro-swagbag-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-igbo-rapperby-choice-arukwewhenever-/2705570256395665/(Log in or sign up to view)
4. TrendyBeatz. (2023). Zoro Discography and Latest Music. Retrieved from https://trendybeatz.com/artists/zoro(trendybeatz.com)
5. Pulse Nigeria. (2016, December 20). 5 Hottest Nigerian Rappers of the Year. Retrieved from https://www.pulse.ng/articles/pulse-nigeria/pulse-list-2016-5-hottest-nigerian-rappers-of-the-year-2024080302154548757(Pulse Nigeria)
6. 9jaflaver. (2020, June 10). Nigerian Rapper, Zoro, Petitions Police Over Rape Allegation Leveled Against Him. Retrieved from https://9jaflaver.com/nigerian-rapper-zoro-petitions-police-over-rape-allegation-leveled-against-him/(9jaflaver)
7. ProfileAbility. (n.d.). Zoro: Biography and Net Worth. Retrieved from https://profileability.com/zoro/(Profile Ability)
8. PM News Nigeria. (2020, June 6). Rapper Zoro Denies Rape Allegations. Retrieved from https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/06/06/rapper-zoro-denies-rape-allegations/(PM News Nigeria)

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