For the first time since Mohbad’s passing, Naira Marley has spoken in detail about his former signee, shedding light on their relationship, career milestones, private struggles, and controversies.
According to Naira, their journey began at The Marlian Fest on December 30, 2019, when he officially unveiled Mohbad, Zinoleesky, and Cblack as Marlian Music artistes. Sharing their WhatsApp conversation as proof, Naira revealed on YouTube:
“By January 2020, we were already discussing his music drops. He wanted a Headies award badly, and even though he released hit songs, he never got one while alive, only after he died. That was really sad.”
He described Mohbad as energetic, passionate, and hardworking, but also hinted at challenges. By mid-2020, Marley said he discovered that Mohbad had started experimenting with drugs. He said:
“On June 7, 2020, I was told he was taking ice. I didn’t know what that was at first until I researched and found out it was crack. I warned him about the dangers.”
The Marlian boss also clarified that Mohbad personally chose his own manager, Tunde, contrary to rumours that the label forced one on him. Their financial arrangements, Marley insisted, were transparent. He continued:
“Our contract was 50-50. I never cheated him. He even bought his first car, a Lexus, in 2021 and was very happy.”
One of the most controversial episodes in Mohbad’s career was his clash with the NDLEA in February 2022. Naira explained he was in Sweden when the arrest happened. He shared:
“After his release, he went live during a panic attack and accused me, Wunmi, Tunde, Zino and others of wanting to harm him. Later at the hospital, I confronted those present and paid for his bills, scans and medication.”
He claimed Mohbad later apologized to him and the Marlian team, with his parents and Wunmi’s family also appealing for forgiveness. However, the singer’s mental health struggles persisted.
On March 27, 2022, Mohbad allegedly attempted suicide while Marley was abroad. Naira Marley recounted:
“I was told he wanted to jump out of a window. I called him immediately and reminded him that if anything happened, people would blame me because of his earlier live video. He apologized and calmed down after speaking with me.”
Despite the tensions, Naira Marley maintained that Mohbad continued to release music under Marlian Music, including Ronaldo in May 2022 and Peace in September 2022. He also emphasized that their relationship remained close and open.
Also speaking on a viral video where it was alleged Mohbad’s mum knelt down to appeal to Naira, the singer claimed it was untrue.
He stated that the late singer’s parents informed him that their son was starting to forget things as simple as his lyrics, phone passwords and account number.
According to him, Moh also complained of leg cramps and body pain. All this led to his dad and mum taking him with them for proper treatment and close monitoring.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, tragically passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that sparked nationwide outcry, protests, and calls for justice. He was 27 years old.
