Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Mohbad | Zikoko!
It’s been over 100 days since Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba AKA Mohbad passed away. The singer, who died in October 2023 would’ve been 28 on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. As fans around the world mark his posthumous birthday, we join in the celebration by highlighting some of his motivational lyrics.
“My grace na automatic”
The motivation you need to believe you’ll receive everything you desire this year. Things will fall in place with little to no effort on your part.
“Been through many things, though I still find my peace”
Life is hardly ever a bed of roses, especially for Nigerians living in Nigeria. But will you allow your situation define you or will you consciously choose peace through everything that happens this year?
“Survivor, mi o nigba”
“No gree for anybody” is the unanimous mantra for Nigerians in 2024, but it seems Mohbad already knew this. Whatever situation you find yourself in this year, make sure you come out a survivor and refuse to accept defeat.
“This kind life e tire me”
Write down this Mohbad’s lyric as a daily reminder to pick a battle against the life you don’t want.
“Iku to pay teacher, o le pe awon nigga”
In all you do, remember tomorrow isn’t promised. Live your life fully. Laugh, love and make lasting memories that’ll cuddle your loved ones when you’re gone.
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“If them no want you on top, make you go to church, make you pray to God”
Your cue to cling to God or whatever you believe in. Your enemies aren’t pressing pause, neither should you.
“I’m not a womanizer”
This should be your daily word of affirmation if you’re finally ready to leave your philandering ways in 2024. When you get the urge to enter that DM or ask for that number, remind yourself that’s not who you are.
“Music no need permission to enter your spirit”
Music is therapeutic and spiritual. Whatever you go through this year, always remind yourself to turn on the music. It might just be the perfect escape you need to get through the shege.
“Punch won, ko check won”
If anyone tries you this year, they should be ready to find out. Vawulence is needed in some Nigerian contexts.
“I know there’s a day all my pains will go away, till then, I party away”
No condition is permanent. Even if the year isn’t off to a good start or it gets weird in the middle, be grounded in the knowledge that your situation isn’t permanent. So, don’t forget to live while coping with the shege.
The Nigerian Police recently declared singer Primeboy wanted amid investigations into the death of late singer, Mohbad. The announcement has since stirred mixed reactions about the individual alleged to have been a close friend of the deceased.
Here’s all we know about Primeboy.
Who is Primeboy?
Source: Instagram/@officialprimeboy
According to information gleaned from his official Instagram page, Owodunni Ibrahim AKA Primeboy is a recording artist.
He has a number of singles to his credit including Balance, a collaboration with Seyi Vibez. Primeboy is also a friend of deceased singer, Mohbad, as pictures and videos that have circulated on social media over the last few days show.
Two viral video mashups feature throwback-to-recent pictures of the two singers.
Why is he trending?
On Wednesday, October 4, SP Benjamin Hundeyin in an announcement titled: “Mohbad: Lagos State Police Declares Primeboy” announced a ₦1 million reward for anyone with useful information that can lead to Primeboy’s arrest.
The police revealed that Primeboy had refused to honour an invitation to answer questions to aid the investigation into circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise.
“Following his failure to honour a police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, the Lagos State Police Command hereby declares wanted Owodunni Ibrahim aka Primeboy.”
MOHBAD: LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND DECLARES PRIMEBOY WANTED
Following his failure to honour police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, the Lagos State Police… pic.twitter.com/2DE84ahwfZ
On Thursday, September 14, prior to being declared wanted, Primeboy, released videos on his official Instagram, stressing his innocence in the circumstances that led to his friend’s demise.
According to Primeboy, he had no issue with Mohbad, and they were together on Sunday, September 10, at the singer’s Ikorodu gig.
“I keep seeing a lot of rumours out there, that something happened on Sunday, maybe that led to the death of Mohbad. Nothing happened on Sunday. Nothing happened between me and my friend, we were fine from the Island.”
Primeboy, however, claimed that Mohbad was highly intoxicated at the Ikorodu gig and became grumpy after his performance.
“So he sat down in his car after we came down from the stage. His wife was sitting in our middle, so I do not know anything that happened. He was just grumpy. He wanted to get out of the car, and I was like, ‘Do not get down. Wait, let me go and clear the road’.”
Sharing the videos, he wrote:
“Please, I know nothing about it. I didn’t even touch MOH. He hit me. I didn’t even do anything, God knows. His wife was there also, and the Prado man and security. Please, do not say what you don’t know. Make your investigation. I did not have any issues with Moh. He called me all the time. I don’t stay with them. Please and please, I know nothing.”
Primeboy’s last post on Instagram was shared on Tuesday, September 26, and there’s been no update from him since then.
Prime detained by police
On Thursday, September 5, SP Hundeyin announced on Twitter that the singer turned himself in and has been taken into custody for interrogation.
Following his being declared wanted, Owodunni Ibrahim Oluwatosin aka Primeboy has turned himself in. He has, immediately, been taken into custody for interrogation and other necessary actions.
The Lagos State Police Command once again assures family, friends, fans of Mohbad and… https://t.co/lp0gkOJB3B
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27-year-old singer Mohbad’s death has been a topic of discussion in the Nigerian media over the last few days. His fans, colleagues and friends amongst others have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Unfortunately, the issue has now led to several social media users sharing clickbaity, unconfirmed stories about everything from the singer’s struggle with his old label, Marlian Records, to activities that may have led to his demise.
Here are 14 verifiable events we’ve gleaned from the situation so far.
Naira Marley signed Mohbad in October 2019
Mohbad was a part of Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Records, until his exit in October 2022. He was signed in 2019 alongside Cblvck, Zinoleesky and Fabian Blu. In October 2020, the singer celebrated his one-year anniversary with the record label in a Twitter post.
Today makes it a year i got signed into Marlian Music..Thanks for believing in me @officialnairam1 🙏❤️🤴
Mohbad terminated his contract with Marlian Records in October 2022
Mohbad officially parted ways with Marlian Records in October 2022, following a series of call-outs on social media. He accused the label boss, Naira Marley, of orchestrating attacks against him.
The events of the last two days have left indelible scars in my heart.
I have always just wanted to create good music and to provide for my family and myself through my music. As an Artiste from the street, I thought the Marlian Family would be a good place for me.
Mohbad launched his own music outfit in November 2022
After departing Marlian Records and terminating his contract, Mohbad announced Imolenization and released hit songs like Weekend, Ask About Me, Peace and Beast in the months that followed.
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Mohbad was an emergency hypertensive patient
In October 2022, Mohbad revealed in a Twitter post that he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed as an emergency hypertensive patient.
I’ve been admitted as an emergency hypertensive patient but I’ll be back later to say my own bit of the situation.
Quick flashback to February 24th this year when this happened and they said I was intoxicated.
The singer’s close friend and colleague, Bella Shmurda, spoke about his hypertensive condition in a 2023 interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
Throwback to Bella Shmurda talking about Mohbad’s hypertensive health condition.
Mohbad suffered assault from Sam Larry in June 2023
In June 2023, socialite and friend of Naira Marley was filmed disrupting a music video production while Mohbad and Zlatan Ibile were on set. Zlatan quickly interceded and stopped Larry, who looked about to assault Mohbad.
Scene when Mohbad was chased away from a videoshoot set with Zlatan💔
Mohbad filed a petition against Sam Larry in June 2023
After the music video shoot incident in June 2023, Mohbad filed an official petition to the police, accusing Sam Larry and his accomplices of damaging equipment worth ₦5 million and ruining the shoot which cost ₦8 million.
Mohbad filed a petition in June following the assault at his video shoot with Zlatan. pic.twitter.com/FWhIyoq8cL
There were rumours prior to the singer’s demise, but his management shared an official statement on his Twitter and Instagram pages, confirming his death.
Concerning circumstances surrounding his death
Mohbad’s management shared a statement on Saturday, September 16, noting that “The circumstances surrounding his death are truly painful, and we are open to provide any cooperation necessary to the authorities to carry out any investigations.”
No autopsy conducted before he was buried
The singer died in Ikorodu, Lagos state, on Tuesday, September 12. He was buried on Wednesday, September 13, before any autopsy was carried out on his remains. In a video interview, the late singer’s dad explained that he was buried customary to Yoruba culture, which frowns against keeping a deceased person’s body for long if both parents are alive.
Police confirmed receipt of Mohbad’s June 2023 petition
According to Oluniyi Ogundeyi, spokesperson of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Mohbad’s petition was received, but the singer failed to show up to defend his case and provide proof of his allegations.
Ongoing investigation into Mohbad’s demise
The PRO of the Nigerian Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement shared on September 14, stated that the force is committed to carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise.
Mohbad's Demise: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who tragically passed away recently. We understand the concerns surrounding his untimely… pic.twitter.com/BKIBIrRaW6
On September 16, Police PRO of the Lagos State Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin announced a special investigation team within the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) will coordinate the investigation.
MOHBAD: LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND COMMENCES FULL INVESTIGATION
Consequent upon the growing public concerns and the preliminary police review of the general circumstances sorrounding the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State…
The police haven’t invited Sam Larry and Naira Marley
Some social media users have claimed that the police have invited Sam Larry and Naira Marley for questioning. However, according to a fact-checked report, the claim is untrue. While the police have set up a special investigation team, neither of these individuals have been invited for questioning.
Naira Marley has lost over 500k followers on Instagram Marlian records boss, Naira Marley, has lost over 500k followers on Instagram, following outrage from Nigerians who hold a grudge against him for allegedly mistreating Mohbad while he was signed to the label. As of Tuesday morning, the day of Mohbad’s passing, he had 7.5 million followers. At the moment, he has 6.9 million followers.
Police open to exhuming Mohbad’s body for autopsy
During an IG Live interview with media personality Daddy Freeze on Thursday, September 14, SP Benjamin Hundeyin noted that the police are open to exhuming Mohbad’s remains for an autopsy if it will help determine the cause of death.
“If need be, the body will be exhumed. It is not too late. The body can be exhumed and an autopsy can be performed.”
However, there have been no further announcements from the police confirming that the singer’s remains have been exhumed for an autopsy.
Autopsy conducted
On September 21, at 1:15 p.m., SP Hundeyin announced on Twitter that the police had exhumed the singer’s body to conduct an autopsy.
The quickness of the announcement stirred mixed reactions with some Nigerians raising questions about how long an autopsy examination takes.
According to a Web MD report, “The exam usually takes 1 to 2 hours”.
Zikoko asked a medical officer who explained that the test takes one to two hours. The result takes longer, and the waiting time can range from six to 12 weeks.
This is a developing story.
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It was recently revealed in an X post that in June 2023, Nigerian show promoter, Sam Larry, stormed a music video set with some unidentified accomplices and allegedly attempted to attack Mohbad, until Zlatan Ibile intervened.
Here’s all we know about the individual who has sparked public outrage and become a person of interest in relation to Mohbad’s recent passing.
Who is Sam Larry?
Source: Instagram/@samlarryy
Socialite, music/show promoter and influencer are some of the tags that have been used to describe Samson Erinfolami Balogun AKA Sammy Larry.
Larry first caught the attention of the public in July 2022 after singer, Habeeb Olawunmi AKA Portable, claimed he formed the One-Million Boys cult group terrorising some parts of Lagos State, and he (Larry) could bear witness.
The promoter would later sever ties with Portable and issue a disclaimer dissociating himself from the notorious cult group.
Portable was trying to reveal how evil this Sam Larry was then, we didn't pay attention to him.
Sam Larry immediately disowns Portable over one million boys claims.
They wanted to use portable ruggedness to Carry out their activities, portable jare eh. pic.twitter.com/IqH2GRtgjl
He’s a close ally of indigenous street-hop rapper, Azeez Fashola AKA Naira Marley. They’ve been seen together on several occasions.
Source: Instagram/@samlarryy
Larry has also been in the company of notable government officials like President Tinubu, during a trip to Mecca, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit with Naira Marley.
I honestly think the likes of Sam Larry will go free. I mean this man traveled with Tinubu to Mecca. Nigeria is lawless fgs pic.twitter.com/lluOc8Wn7P
In the past, he has allegedly gone under the name Sam Eletu, Elegushi, causing people to link him to the prominent royal families in Lagos and assume he’s one of them.
However, in a recent statement released by the Elegushi Royal Family, it was categorically stated that he isn’t a member of the royal family and doesn’t work for them either.
“Like other celebrities, politicians, religious and community leaders, he visits the palace to pay homage to the king and seek royal blessings just like other members of the public,” a portion of the statement read.
Why is he trending?
Shortly after the news of Mohbad’s death was confirmed, several Twitter users took to the platform with a disturbing clip which was captured in June 2023, at a music video shoot location. In the video, rapper Zlatan Ibile and Mohbad were filming a scene when Larry and some accomplices invaded the venue, ordering them to stop all they were doing. The promoter attempted to physically attack Mohbad, but Zlatan was fast enough to intervene and stop him.
The video caused an outrage on Twitter with many people tagging him as a bully and calling for the authorities to intervene.
My question be say weytin Mohbad do Sam Larry? Na him sign am? Why him dey bully am? Why is he threatening him? So many questions no answer 😪
How can you send your boys to bully Mohbad where he was making a video shoot with Zlatan? Na by force to traffic drugs or swear an oath of secrecy? This is industry is fucked! If Nigeria were a serious country,NPF should have arrested Sam Larry & Naira Marley by now.
A petition filed by Mohbad to the Nigerian police after the video shoot incident further sparked outrage against Larry and the Nigerian police.
In the letter dated June 27th, 2023, Mohbad accused Larry and his accomplices of threatening his life and damaging equipment at the location worth ₦5 million. He added that the entire cost of the ruined shoot was ₦8 million.
According to the late singer, Larry and his boys claimed they worked for prominent monarch, Oba Saheed Elegushi.
“…during the assault, they were boasting that they work for Oba Elegushi and that they have been asked to deal with me for reasons best known to them which to date they are still threatening to kill me if seen.”
Mohbad filed a petition in June following the assault at his video shoot with Zlatan. pic.twitter.com/FWhIyoq8cL
Responding to allegations of the police ignoring Mohbad’s call for help, PRO of the Lagos State Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the petition was taken to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Lagos Office.
The @LagosPoliceNG is headed by a Commissioner of Police. This petition was taken to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos office, headed by a superior officer, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
Confirming receipt of the petition, the FCID via its spokesperson, Oluniyi Ogundeyi, in an interview with a media outlet, revealed that Mohbad failed to show up to defend his case and provide proof of the allegations. Ogundeyi equally confirmed that Sam Larry filed a counter-petition accusing Mohbad of defamation after he failed to show up to the police to defend his petition.
“We received the petition, and followed up on the information provided in the petition, and the suspects were invited. But Mohbad refused to show up to defend his petition and also provide evidence to assist the police in carrying out a proper investigation and forward the matter to the legal department for prosecution, if necessary.”
However, the Nigeria Police Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement shared via Twitter, stated that the force is committed to carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohabd’s demise.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of the late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who recently passed away. We understand the concerns regarding his untimely demise.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold,” the statement read.
Mohbad's Demise: We Will Carry Out Diligent Investigation – FPRO
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who tragically passed away recently. We understand the concerns surrounding his untimely… pic.twitter.com/BKIBIrRaW6
The Elegushi Royal Family dissociates itself from Sam Larry
In an earlier press statement, the Elegushi Royal Family called for a thorough investigation into Mohbad’s demise, stressing that Sam Larry is not a member of the royal family.
“While extending our condolences to the family and friends of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba (known as Mohbad), we would like to add our voice to the call for a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding his death, with a view to unravelling any foul play.”
At the moment, Sam Larry’s official Instagram account has been disabled.
Sam Larry breaks silence
In a video that surfaced online on Friday, September 15, the socialite maintained he had a cordial relationship with the late singer while he was still signed to Naira Marley’s label.
Larry admitted that while they have their difference, he’d never go as far as hurting the singer. According to him, some of the videos making the rounds online happened last year.
“I can’t kill Mohbad. I love him so much and God sees my heart. I have no hands in his death and some of the videos trending online are from last year.”
Sam Larry finally breaks silence. He claims to have no hands in the demise of Mohbad. pic.twitter.com/gcruauROCq
The late Nigerian artist, Mohbad made music that resonated deeply with the Nigerian streets.
While some of us knew him when he was with us, some found out about him after his death and still don’t know much about his bodies of work. If you are one of the latter and aren’t sure where to start, these are the perfect ten tracks to introduce you to his sound.
Balan Zia Gar
In November 2019, a month before Mohbad joined Marlian Music, he released Balan Zia Gar (a blasé and broken pronunciation of Balenciaga), drawing inspiration from a viral Balenciaga trend in 2019.
This song focuses on how the street will adore you, broke-shame you, then motivate you to get the money to purchase an original Balenciaga.
Adura
Two weeks after releasing Balan Zia Gar, Mohbad put out Adura with one of his closest friends, Bella Shmurda. With the song’s instrumental blending computerised drums, maracas, light guitar riffs, and solemn piano chords, Adura sounds like a South West Nigerian gospel song that people sing when the year starts to end — it shares a similar nuance with the popular Odun Nlo Sopin by Mrs. D.A. Fasoyin.
On the song, the two singers plead and appease the heavens for their own blow-up time. Mohbad recognised music as a tool for celestial communication, and he used it well for his heartaches, desires and the convenient space he allowed his spirituality.
Komajensun
The Rexxie-produced Komajensun is an uptempo anthem of sexcapades and debauchery.
Overhype
Though subdued and slow-paced, Overhype has the Zanku sound that dominated the Afrobeats scene music from 2018 into 2020. Overhype compares an inflated self-worth to the overrated year 2020, which didn’t give us flying cars but a deadly virus that claimed millions worldwide.
KPK (Ko Por Ke)
After Overhype, Mohbad ended 2020 on a very high note. Collaborating again with super music producer Rexxie, they released KPK (Ko Por Ke) to wild, wide acclaim. Fast-tempo, bursting with log-drums and ear-tearing bass, KPK is a street slang turned into lung-raising slappers. KPK is yet to elapse its longevity and has influenced how Yoruba words are abbreviated on Obasanjo’s internet.
Feel Good
If the streets aren’t addressing enmity and reminding them that their origin stems from the ghetto, it’s not a complete song. If you’re looking for music about hardships, God, trenches, haters, success and enjoyment on the same track, here you have it.
Backside
Backside (2021) is also one of Mohbad’s jams that shouldn’t be missed in his essential songs. Its message is direct, like the song title — his ode to big bunda. The beat’s accelerating bpm is carefully patterned to entice the rotation of hips in waist beads. It’s simple, fun and gets the party started.
Peace
Mohbad left Marlian Music in 2022 amidst alleged multiple assaults, but he still chose Peace. Mohbad wiped off the unfortunate experience, forged ahead to boost his confidence and sang about his survivor’s spirit.
Ask About Me
This song expands on what Peace said, but his self-confidence was on 100. “Ask about me, ask about me / Omo olórun, won le múmi”. He was sure he belonged to God, and detractors couldn’t catch up to him. He still represented his faith. He showed us that no matter what lifestyle or art you create, faith is a sturdy thing.
Account Balance
On Account Balance featuring Zlatan, money is the topic. With a sprinkle of broke-shaming, it’s heavily worded in street lingo that references making and spending cash. One wouldn’t call it a hustler’s anthem, it’s just two artists with similar vocals bragging about their bank accounts and having fun at it.
Music represents his truth, his ways and his life. No one sees Imole without it.
Two years have passed since I discovered Mohbad’s music. Post-lockdown, sometime in early 2021, I was waiting for my school to resume so I could finish signing my clearance form and head for my NYSC programme.
At home, young guys around me were broke and complaining. Most of us felt if we weren’t “bombing” a site or cashing out or spending crypto money, we were idle and wastemen. I could get by with my writing gig, but honestly, that didn’t matter to me. I equated every compliment, feeling and value to only money. I was under pressure to become a “Benefit Boy“. Like a battered ship, aimless, I looked for an anchor to hold on to. But nothing hooked until one evening when I was out with my guys looking for a good time.
I remember that playlist clearly. A mix of selected Naija rap music and street-pop songs played in the background — then a special track cued in. It sounded a bit like highlife, with a sharp leading note and a softer riff playing together. One of the cleanest baritones I ever heard came on just as the music pulled me under. This voice told a story that gripped me.
Sorry is the leading track on Mohbad’s official debut project titled Light (2020), and I still find it hard to go past that one song when I play the album. Sorry, a subtle apology to his parents and a cry-for-help, quickly became my nighttime ritual. The song didn’t put me to sleep, instead, it woke me up to the reality that other people were also going through things. At the time my desperation was at an all-time high, and it could’ve turned me into a Nigerian prince collecting “clients’” money online, I found Mohbad, born Aloba Ilerioluwa Oladimeji.
The song, a semi-autobiography, runs for two minutes and twenty-four seconds. Not only did he tell about his humble and religious background, woes and strife, Imole (meaning light), as fans fondly call Mohbad, bared his then newly-found vices on the song. That was his superpower — an awareness of his environment and talent with a balance of street knowledge and soul. Even though my situation wasn’t as bad nor did we share the same waywardness he mentioned on the song, Sorry was my anchor throughout 2021. I found clarity and strength in his flawed story.
I would need Mohbad’s discernment a year after. In September 2022, the street poet Mohbad had just released Peace, and I was two months fresh out of the NYSC — extremely free-spirited and filled with the ginger to make my own way. At that point, we both weren’t where we used to be. Allawee had stopped coming, my writing gigs were slow, and I was particularly scared of life after service. Mohbad, on the other hand, was in a row with his principals at Marlian Music, his former music label.
Peace was the last song he put out under Marlian Music, and he made it count.
The cultural intelligence that advises against saying everything at once is what Imole applied. He opened up on his unending battles with enemies disguising as friends, not naming names. In this song, what really hit me were the lines: “Surviver, mí ó nígba / money chaser / faster than a bullet / flying like a rocket / bad man will never rest”. My head was in that get-rich-or-die-trying space and those lines stuck in my memory and lips throughout the year.
Mohbad was the soul of the street. A ghetto philosopher of hustle and survival, love and good times. He represented well for the trenches everytime, never at the expense of his faith which came forth on almost all his records.
In 2023, he pushed his music independently under his own umbrella, Imolenization. Into the year, he put out Ask About Me, the seventh track on Blessed, his last project. Mohbad had left the problematic music label he was signed to and went back to pushing his music without backing. Ask About Me showed me a guy who had found his mojo. He’d regained his confidence and was ready to put hit songs in the street and clubs. Like most of his sounds that deeply resonate with me, this too came out at the time things still seemed bleak. The difference this time was I was moved by Mohbad’s triumphant energy.
I was moving with blind faith but at the time, I just started regaining my confidence and showing my face outside again. No other song gave me the satisfaction that I was the shit than Ask About Me.
Yesterday, Ask About Me, my mood lifter, my I’m-unfuckwithable anthem reminded me how far I’ve come. One of the deepest lyric that I really love due to its profoundness became a heart wrenching note yesterday. “Ikú tó p’àyá Teacher, ó lè pàwon niggas.” The death that killed the elder can also kill the young. Mohbad explicitly tells us that caskets don’t care for your age. To lose him at 27, these lines feel like a harsh premonition.
Mohbad came, saw and experienced life. He documented his life, in visuals and verse, and gave his story to multitudes that didn’t know him personally. He loved the streets. The streets loved him back.
While someone like me has probably lost a god, Mohbad claimed his and even talked to him in his music. I hope Imole’s finally at peace. I wish him light.
Mohbad had no publicly known health issues prior to his sudden demise. He was billed to perform at an Ikorodu gig on Sunday, September 10, as suggested by his last Instagram post, shared on Saturday, September 9.
While details of his death are still unknown, fans and colleagues mourn the KPK hitmaker.
I'm just so speechless, so Mohbad is no more😭😭, he's just 27yrs and he was doing well in he's music career 🎶, also heading to the top. Omo RIP Mohbad, I pray your soul find peace pic.twitter.com/75eBPa9Rzw
The singer’s management issued an official statement confirming his demise on Tuesday, September 12.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Promise Oladimeji Aloba AKA Mohbad (Imole) today the 12th of September 2023. Mohbad was light until the very end and as we mourn the brightness of the light he carried, the family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Imole is finally at peace”.
Mohbad was known for hit songs “KPK”, “Feel Good”, and “Peace”, among others.
Mohbad’s Peace is one of the biggest songs in the country right now, but anyone following social media would know that the Afropop star’s name has been dominating online conversations for reasons far from peaceful.
Here’s everything we know about the ongoing back and forth between Mohbad, his record label, Marlian Music and its leader, Naira Marley.
February, 2022: NDLEA arrests and Mohbad’ allegations of Marlian Music being after hiss life
On February 24, 2022, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested Mohbad alongside his label mate, Zinoleesky after a midnight raid on their residence in Lagos. Giving reasons for the arrest, the NDLEA stated that they’d recovered “some quantities of molly and cannabis” from the six persons they’d arrested.
24 hours after his arrest on Friday, 25, 2022, Mohbad was released from NDLEA custody and immediately went on Instagram live where he told over 20,000 viewers, “If I die like this, na Marlian Music and Naira Marley kill me,” among many other accusatory statements about his label hating on him and plotting to kill him.
March, 2022: Naira Marley lets everyone know that all is well in Marlian HQ
Just five days after accusing his label and Naira Marley of trying to kill him, Mohbad was spotted in a video Naira Marley posted on March 2, 2022 with the caption, “As a marlian✌🏾👊🏾”
The video also featured Zinoleesky and temporarily put the rumours about trouble in Marlian Music to rest.
October, 2022: Tensions reach an all time high after Mohbad posts disturbing videos
On October 5, 2022, the Twitter trend table went apeshit after Mohbad posted a video with him in a white singlet covered with bruises on his back, neck and hand. Not long after that, two other videos turned his tweet into a thread showing more bruises and the attack that caused them.
Just because I want to change my manager which is their brother, see what they did to me at Marlian House pic.twitter.com/Tqsb1y2UYF
In his tweets, Mohbad revealed that he’d been allegedly attacked by Marlian Music after he requested to change his manager (Naira Marley’s brother), which didn’t go down well with the label.
Not long after Mohbad’s accusation, Marlian Music head, Naira Marley went on Instagram live to defend himself and the label, claiming that Mohbad had started the fight as a result of being intoxicated. He further explained that while he wasn’t present at the start of the fight, he’d done all he could to settle things between Mohbad and the other guys.
Naira Marley also reiterated the intoxication accusation in a now deleted tweet where he said, “Mohbad has a history of getting intoxicated which affects his emotions and actions. #ImNotPerfect. However, all issues would be resolved amicably within the label.”
Not long after Naira Marley’s live video, fellow artiste, Bella Shmurda tweeted in defence of Mohbad, stating that the Feel Good singer was doing good before he got signed to Marlian Music.
A label is suppose to be your family not your enemy… The world is watching,that boy was doing very fine without u damn!!!
Responding to Naira Marley’s Instagram live, Mohbad in a series of tweets sent out that same day, went on to defend himself, sharing a medical condition he’s currently dealing with while accusing Naira Marley of lying about the whole issue.
Everything he said on the live video is a blatant lie.
This isn’t the first time. The last video was made out to look like I was high or overreacting. My life is being severely threatened.
Mohbad also explained that the label has always used his alleged intoxication as a way of burning his accusations against them. Something he predicted they’d do before Naira Marley went on Instagram live.
I’ve been admitted as an emergency hypertensive patient but I’ll be back later to say my own bit of the situation.
Quick flashback to February 24th this year when this happened and they said I was intoxicated.
In a final thread discussing the issue, Mohbad explained in detail that his attack had allegedly been coordinated by Naira Marley, his brother Tunde, and a couple of other members of the Marlian crew present at the meeting he had at Naira Marley’s place, to discuss changing his manager.
Maintaining his sobriety during the attack, Mohbad ended his statement by revealing that, “Justice will soon be served.”
The events of the last two days have left indelible scars in my heart.
I have always just wanted to create good music and to provide for my family and myself through my music. As an Artiste from the street, I thought the Marlian Family would be a good place for me.
It’s unclear the direction the case will take or if Mohbad will eventually take legal action. While label vs artist drama is nothing new, the violent nature of the drama between Mohbad and his label is a major cause for concern.
