Mohbad’s death cost me fans, Naira Marley laments

Nigerian singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, has blamed what he described as false stories about him following the death of his former signee, Mohbad, for the decline in his music career.

The singer spoke during an Instagram Live session, where he said he was doing well in the music industry before the controversies affected his relationship with fans.

Naira Marley recalled how influential he was in music and fashion, claiming that he once inspired people across Nigeria to stop wearing belts.

He also said he was already popular before younger singers such as Asake and Seyi Vibez became famous.

“I was doing well in music. I was there before the likes of Asake and Seyi Vibez. I remember when I influenced the entire country to stop wearing belts,” he said.

The singer said his fans, popularly known as Marlians, stopped listening to his music because they believed reports about him which he described as false.

He added that he tried to explain his side of the story, but Nigerians refused to listen.

“I attempted to explain, but Nigeria did not listen. I remember selling out venues across different regions. It is unfortunate,” he said.Speaking about his relationship with late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, Naira Marley said he genuinely loved and supported him while he was signed to Marlian Music.

He claimed that he personally bought Mohbad a car with his own money and did not use funds from the record label.
“I single-handedly bought him a car with my own hard-earned money, not the record label’s money,” he said.

Naira Marley also expressed sadness over Mohbad’s death, saying he believed Nigerians would continue to doubt his account because the late singer was no longer alive to tell his own side of the story.

“It hurts deeply, and I know y’all won’t believe me because he is no longer here to explain himself. Rest in peace, Mohbad. Even in death, you remain my brother, and your legacy will continue to live on forever,” he said.

Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His death sparked widespread public outrage and raised questions about his former relationship with Marlian Music and its management.

Naira Marley’s latest comments have added to the ongoing public debate about his relationship with the late singer and the circumstances surrounding his death.