The Nigerian singer/songwriter, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba popularly known as MohBad who was born on 8th June 1996, tragically passed away on 12th September 2023 at the young age of 27. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, MohBad was an artist in the Afrobeat and Nigerian pop scene. He made a name for himself as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. The artist started his musical journey in 2016 but gained recognition in 2019. The artist is survived by his wife, Omowunmi and son, Liam.
Mohbad was formerly signed under Marlian Record, owned by popular Nigerian street-hop artist, Naria Marley, but the artist left the label after 2 years in October 2022. After terminating his contract with Marlian Records due to a misunderstanding, MohBad accused Naira Marley of domestic violence and stated that his former boss ordered people to beat him up when he confronted Marley about his decision to employ a different manager to handle his music and business affairs. MohBad went forward to set up his record label known as Imolenization in November 2022.
The artist’s last live performance was at the D’General Bitters live event at Ikorodu Town Hall on Sunday.
While still signed under Marlian Records, the artist delivered amazing hit singles during the period. Among his hits included:
Ponmo: This is one of Mohbad’s hit tracks that captivated fans with its catchy beat and playful lyrics. The song is known for its Afrobeat and Afro-fusion influences, which are characteristic of many contemporary Nigerian music genres. The music featured Lil Kesh and Naria Marley. “Ponmo” is a feel-good track that revolves around themes commonly found in Afrobeat and Nigerian pop music. It primarily celebrates life’s pleasures, good times, and the joy of being in the moment. The lyrics are characterized by their simplicity and relatability, making it easy for listeners to connect with the song’s celebratory spirit. Mohbad’s energetic delivery and the infectious rhythm of the song contribute to its appeal. Upon its release, “Ponmo” gained popularity both in Nigeria and among Afrobeat enthusiasts worldwide. It resonated with fans who appreciated its upbeat tempo, danceable nature, and the overall positive vibe it exuded. The song’s success also led to collaborations and performances by Mohbad with other artists, contributing to his growing presence in the Nigerian music scene.
Feel Good: This single was another hit by the artist, with its catchy beats and amazing lyrics. The genre was both Afro-beats and Afro-fusion. The way MohBad was able to incorporate English, Pidgin and Yoruba languages into the music made it more outstanding. “Feel Good” depicted enjoyment, stress-free mood and celebration, the scenery was quite colourful.
Kor Po Ke (KPK): The track gained significant attention and became a viral hit in Nigeria and beyond. The music was produced by Rexxie. KPK is a lively and energetic song characterized by its catchy beat and repetitive lyrics. The term “Kor Po Ke” itself is Nigerian slang, and its meaning can vary depending on the context. In the song, it is used to describe someone who is attractive or captivating, often used in admiration. The lyrics of the song reflect themes commonly found in Nigerian pop music, celebrating youthful exuberance, freedom, and the enjoyment of life’s pleasures. It’s a feel-good track that encourages listeners to dance and have a good time. Mohbad’s delivery is characterized by his distinctive vocal style and playful lyrics, which resonate with fans and contribute to the song’s popularity. “Kor Po Ke” quickly became a sensation upon its release. It gained widespread recognition and became a favourite at parties, clubs, and social gatherings. The song’s catchy chorus and danceable rhythm made it a go-to track for those looking to have a good time. The music video for “Kor Po Ke” also contributed to its success, featuring vibrant visuals and choreography that added to the overall entertainment value of the song. The music solidified Mohbad’s position as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. It showcased his ability to create songs that resonate with a broad audience, and it further expanded his fan base.
Light EP: This was MohBad debut/first album, which was released in the fourth quarter of 202o. The EP is an eight-song track which features Davido, Naria Marley and Lil Kesh. Naria Marley served as the executive producer for the album while SB, Rexxie, P.Beat and Austin Sinister were the producers.
However, MohBad’s other songs included Backside, Tiff, Peace, Weekend, Hallelujah, Ronaldo, Ask About Me, Adura feat. Bella Shmurda, Pariwo feat. Bella Shmurda, Account Balance feat. Zlatan, Blessing, Sabi, Omo mi, Beast & Peace and La Pio Pio.
NOMINATIONS
Mohbad has been nominated five times for the Beatz Award in 2021, and his song “Kor Po Ke” featuring Rexxie, was nominated three times for the Headies Award in 2022. However, the artist hasn’t received any notable music awards.
SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE MOHBAD’S DEATH
According to a source within MohBad’s team, the talented artist’s tragic demise was attributed to an infection that took a fatal turn following the administration of an injection. This shocking revelation has sparked a trending discussion within the online community, particularly on platforms like Instagram and X.
What makes this situation even more complex is the blame some fans have placed on Naira Marley, the owner of Marlian Records, under which MohBad was formerly signed. The controversy traces back to events in October 2022 when MohBad severed ties with the label. At that time, he made serious allegations against Naira Marley, accusing him of physical assault.
Mohbad stated that he was subjected to physical violence which was orchestrated by his former boss after he had made clear his intention to get a different manager to oversee his music and business affairs. This revelation has created mixed and divided opinions among fans, leading to heated discussions and debates on social media.
While some believe that the circumstances surrounding MohBad’s departure from Marlian Records and his allegations against Naira Marley may have contributed to his unfortunate demise, others are calling for a thorough investigation to ascertain the true cause of his death. As fans deal with the loss of a creative artist and the unanswered questions surrounding his passing, the situation is still complicated and emotions are running high.
Here are some of the comments below.
Mohbad wasn’t publicly supported when he was assaulted by Naira Marley crew, even after being hospitalized the industry elites kept silent; Only Bella Shmurda boldly stood by him. All of a sudden everyone is posting condolence messages & acting like they care. The same so-called…
On Monday, an official from the Lagos government announced plans to make changes to Oshodi Market. The general manager in charge of building regulations, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said they will begin removing unauthorised structures from the market by July 30th. This means any shops or buildings that were added on illegally will be taken down.
He said,
“The Lagos State Building Control Agency, in conjunction with the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Council Authority, has embarked on the sensitization of property owners, residents, shop owners, and market women and men on the removal of illegal structures, extensions built on road setbacks, shops, buildings, and public school premises around the Oshodi-Isolo LCDA.”
Mr. Oki also mentioned that there is a deadline to receive compensation for any structures that will be removed. This deadline is set for July 30th.
He said,
“The expiration period that we are looking at is July 30, and the action we are taking is to remove all the attachments. As you can see, some buildings are right on the road, and it is because of these attachments. Some believe that the attachment is part of the building.”
He added that even though making changes might seem easy to imagine, it can actually be very hard to do in real life.
“If we want change, it is going to affect us, and we are going to have that change at all costs. All these extensions are on work, which should not be. People selling on the road is unnecessary, and that is what we are trying to put in place; it is not a tribal issue. We must all comply with the rules and regulations.”
Mr. Oki encouraged shop owners at the market to take advantage of a special 2-month period.
During this time, they can get approval for their shops from the Lagos State government. Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu set the deadline.
“The reason we are here is to enforce; the directive of the governor is very clear; there is no attachment. Nothing should disrupt the flow of movement, which is very important, and that we stand on.”
The Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Kehinde Oloyede, stated that accessibility is essential in every market.
He said,
“For market women to maximise whatever they are selling, they need access to the road. The state government believes that good access to roads would better help them in the performance of their duty, particularly agencies like the fire service.”
Oloyede explained that the local government is working together with LASBCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency). They decided to show leniency to the traders by allowing them to continue their business activities. This is until the festive period is over.
He added,
“The local government is partnering with LASBCA to the end that we have been given grace that after the festive sale ends in July, the state will intervene. However, before then, the local government would see to it that most of these extensions and attachments were removed. Those that fail to comply, then the Lagos State Government will take charge and do what they deem fit.”
Pascal Okechukwu, also known by his alias Cubana Chief Priest, is slated to make a courtroom appearance today, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) gears up to formally charge him.
Reportedly, the EFCC has held the socialite in custody ahead of his scheduled arraignment before Justice Kehinde Ogundare at the Federal High Court located in Lagos.
Cubana Chief Priest is facing three charges related to the improper handling of Nigerian currency during social gatherings.
The allegations stem from an incident on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. Here, the EFCC claims Cubana Chief Priest engaged in activities that involved spraying and manipulating ₦500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. This was for two hours while participating in festivities.
The EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) along with seven other legal representatives, formally complained on April 4, 2024.
The commission contends that Cubana Chief Priest’s actions violated Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007 and are subject to legal consequences.
In light of the recent conviction of Bobrisky, a prominent figure known for controversial acts, he received a six-month prison sentence for a similar offence. The EFCC released a statement indicating that several celebrities are currently under investigation for alleged misconduct involving the national currency.
In the statement, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said,
“Many of them have made useful statements to the commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.
“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”
The agency that fights corruption (the anti-graft agency) has been flooded with videos showing people mistreating the Nigerian currency (naira abuse). They made it clear that they would only be looking into and punishing new cases of this kind of behaviour.
Popular Nigerian influencer Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, was recently sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine. The judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, delivered the sentence on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Bobrisky’s arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week stemmed from accusations of mutilating Nigerian Naira currency.
The EFCC at the time of the arrest said they had “commenced investigation into her for allegedly spraying naira notes.”
The EFCC investigation revealed that Bobrisky allegedly defaced Nigerian currency at other events in the past. Bobrisky cooperated with the EFCC by showing up for questioning on April 4th and providing statements. The EFCC also initially accused Bobrisky of money laundering, but these charges were dismissed by the court.
Bobrisky’s sentence has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some believe the punishment is too severe for defacing money, which is sometimes done during celebrations in Nigeria.
“She was used as a scapegoat. Why no option of fine, please???? What point are they trying so hard to prove? I hope she learns to not always brag on social media that she is above the law when she gets out too,” someone said.
“They just used her as a scapegoat and if we’re being fair, she doesn’t deserve it. 99% percent of people at events spray money exactly the way she sprayed money in that video. This isn’t fair,” another person said.
