 The Nigerian music scene has always been vibrant, giving birth to numerous stars with immense talent. Among them was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, a rising star who captured the hearts of many with his unique sound. Unfortunately, Mohbad’s promising career was cut short by his sudden and tragic death on September 12, 2023, leaving fans and the public in shock.
Who Was Mohbad?
Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Records, was a force to be reckoned with in the Afrobeat and street pop genre. Known for his energy, powerful voice, and raw lyrics, he quickly became a household name in the Nigerian music industry. His songs, such as KPK (Ko Por Ke) and Feel Good, received massive airplay and positioned him as a rising star to watch. His departure from Marlian Records in 2022 was the beginning of a new chapter in his career but also the onset of troubles that would later become central to the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
The Day of His Death
On September 12, 2023, news of Mohbad’s death spread like wildfire, shocking the Nigerian public and the global Afrobeat community. At only 27 years old, the artist’s untimely death sparked immediate speculation. Official reports claimed that Mohbad died following a brief illness, but fans and close associates quickly raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The Legal and Industry Struggles
Before his death, Mohbad had been vocal about the challenges he faced in the music industry. In 2022, Mohbad left Marlian Records, the label owned by Naira Marley, under controversial circumstances. He accused the label’s head and some of its associates of assault, threats, and financial exploitation. The public fallout from these allegations painted a grim picture of the industry, particularly the power dynamics between artists and labels.
In October 2022, Mohbad posted videos on social media showing injuries he allegedly sustained during an attack, which he claimed was orchestrated by Naira Marley and the Marlian crew. He filed a police report and demanded justice, but many believed the case was not adequately addressed by law enforcement. This raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Nigerian artists who find themselves entangled in similar industry struggles.
Conspiracy Theories and Allegations
With Mohbad’s sudden death, the internet was flooded with conspiracy theories. Many fans and social media users pointed fingers at Marlian Records, especially Naira Marley, as possibly being involved in the tragedy. These suspicions were fueled by Mohbad’s previous allegations of harassment and intimidation from the label.
One of the most controversial theories involved claims that Mohbad had been the target of spiritual attacks, a belief deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. Some fans speculated that his former associates might have used mystical powers to cut his life short due to unresolved conflicts. While there’s no hard evidence to support these spiritual claims, they gained traction due to the influence of traditional beliefs in certain Nigerian communities.
Further complicating the narrative were reports that Mohbad had been battling depression and anxiety. Some speculated that he may have been overwhelmed by the industry’s pressure, while others believed his mental health struggles were a direct result of the harassment and threats he allegedly endured from Marlian Records.
Family Statements and Legal Proceedings
After his death, Mohbad’s family and friends expressed outrage over the unanswered questions surrounding his passing. His father, in an emotional interview, stated that his son had faced constant struggles and intimidation even after leaving Marlian Records. Mohbad's wife also took to social media, hinting that her husband had been battling a lot of demons, both within and outside the music industry.
The public outcry led to calls for an investigation into Mohbad’s death. A petition was filed, urging law enforcement agencies to thoroughly probe the circumstances leading to the artist’s demise, with some calling for the arrest of key players at Marlian Records for questioning. Many in the music industry have also lent their voices to these demands, with artists like Bella Shmurda and Zinoleesky mourning Mohbad’s death and expressing their concerns over the toxic nature of the industry.
The Legacy of Mohbad
Despite the controversies and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death, Mohbad's legacy as a talented artist will continue to shine. His music, which spoke to the struggles of the common man and his experiences as an artist trying to make it in an unforgiving industry, will be remembered for its authenticity and raw emotion. In the wake of his death, many fans have revisited his catalog, finding solace in the words of an artist gone too soon.
Mohbad’s death has exposed some of the darker sides of the Nigerian music industry. From allegations of assault and intimidation to conspiracy theories involving both spiritual and physical attacks, the circumstances surrounding his passing remain murky. As investigations continue, fans hope that justice will be served, and the truth behind the tragedy will be unveiled. Regardless of the outcome, Mohbad’s voice will remain alive in the hearts of his fans, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
In a country where many young artists face numerous challenges on their way to stardom, the death of Mohbad serves as a reminder of the need for greater protection, mental health awareness, and transparency in the entertainment industry. Rest in peace, Mohbad—your music and your fight will never be forgotten.
