Over the past fortnight, the Nigerian media has been consumed by the tragic loss of Mohbad, a rapidly emerging Nigerian singer. His untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the entire Nigerian music industry and exposed the darker aspects of the music label scene in Nigeria.
PoliticsNow will delve into the life and journey of this talented artist whose promising career was cut short by fate.
Amidst the grieving, numerous Nigerians are clamoring for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the singer’s untimely demise. The Nigerian police have already conducted an autopsy, and the nation eagerly awaits the release of its findings.
Many are also demanding accountability, calling for the apprehension of Naira Marley and Sam Larry as they believed that their alleged mistreatment of the singer led to his tragic end.
MohBad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was born June 8, 1996, in Lagos. He was a multi-talented artist, excelling as a rapper, singer, and songwriter, with humble beginnings rooted in his family.
His parents, Pastor Joseph Aloba and Mrs. Oladimeji, instilled in him the values that would shape his journey.
His educational journey took place in Lagos, where he completed his Primary and Secondary education, obtaining his first school leaving and SSCE certificates.
MohBad’s passion for music ignited at a young age, and he worked as a carpenter to finance his early musical endeavors.
MohBad’s rise to fame began with the release of unofficial tracks that gained traction within his community and online platforms. This journey took a significant turn in 2019 when he signed with Marlian Music, a label founded by Naira Marley.
Joining Marlian Music was a pivotal moment for MohBad, propelling him into the limelight. His hits such as “Ko Po Ke (KPK)” featuring Rexxie, showcased his growing prominence.
In the Nigerian music industry, MohBad stood out for his unique blend of pop, Afrobeat, and hip-hop, and his fans revered him for his skills as a lyricist and songwriter.
In 2022, MohBad released his debut album, “Imole,” which enjoyed tremendous commercial success. The album featured popular tracks like “See My Benz,” “Kimi,” and “Ronaldo,” solidifying his position as a leading figure in the industry.
Following the success of his hit song “Ponmo,” featuring Naira Marley and Lil Kesh, MohBad released his debut album, “Light EP,” in the fourth quarter of 2020. In 2021, he received five nominations for The Beatz Awards, a testament to his growing influence.
MohBad’s collaborations with renowned Nigerian artists, including Davido, further cemented his status as a sought-after talent in the industry.
However, in February 2022, he faced legal issues with the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) due to the possession of illegal substances. Amidst these troubles, MohBad parted ways with Marlian Music in 2022 over unpaid royalties.
Later, he made allegations of being bullied and harassed by Naira Marley and members of Marlian crew. Those threats allegedly continued until his death on September 12, 2023. Several video evidence of those harassment are now everywhere on social media. It was on the basis of those videos that Nigerians from all parts of the country are demanding justice for Mohbad.
MohBad left behind a son (Liam Light), wife (Omowunmi), mother (Promise) and father (Joseph).
As of the time of writing, the Nigerian police force has initiated a special panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The result of an autopsy conducted on him is being awaited, while prominent voices, including legal icon, Femi Falana, as well as Lagos state government under the leadership of Sanwo-Olu Babajide, have continued to press for the unraveling of the circumstances surrounding his passing at age 27.
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