The Nigerian music industry has witnessed its fair share of highs and lows, but few events have shaken the industry quite like the tragic passing of Mohbad, the rising star whose promising career was cut short far too soon. Amidst the mourning and condolences, a raging storm of controversy and accusations has surrounded Mohbad’s former label boss and mentor, Naira Marley. The question on everyone’s lip, is Naira Marley responsible for Mohbad’s untimely demise?. In this blog post, We will look into the aftermath of this tragedy and explore 10 Things Naira Marley has Lost in the wake of Mohbad Death.
Loss of Followers
Naira Marley, once a dominating force on Instagram with a staggering 7.5 million followers, has seen his social media empire crumble. It all began on that fateful Tuesday morning when news of Mohbad’s passing first broke. The shockwaves from this tragic event were felt not only in the music industry but also in Naira Marley’s online presence.
an alarming trend emerged as Naira Marley’s Instagram follower count began a steady and noticeable decline. This mass exit was no coincidence; it was a clear response to the disturbing footage that surfaced, documenting the series of alleged harassment and maltreatment that Mohbad had endured, purportedly at the hands of Naira Marley and his allies.
The numbers don’t lie – more than 600,000 people took decisive action by unfollowing the self-proclaimed “Soapy” kingpin and Marlian President. This collective unfollowing, occurring almost in synchrony, brought Naira Marley’s Instagram followers down to 6.8 million. It seemed like a coordinated protest by outraged netizens, saddened with the controversy surrounding Mobad’s untimely demise.
But why exactly is Naira Marley losing followers at such an alarming rate? The answer is twofold. Firstly, Mohbad’s tragic death and the ensuing allegations have cast a long, dark shadow over Naira Marley’s reputation. Secondly, Mohbad’s followers, in their quest for justice and retribution, have in a way, created a new force – a movement that is eroding Naira Marley’s once-mighty online following. While Naira Marley loses followers, Mohbad’s posthumous following has surged to a remarkable 2 million followers on Instagram.
SEE ALSO: Justice for Mohbad what and who Killed him?
Loss of Record Label Influence
The very foundation of his musical empire – his record label. Once a symbol of his influence, affluence and business. the label board is now showing signs of disintegration as Naira Marley struggles to maintain control in the aftermath of Mohbad’s death.
One of the most telling signs of this is the departure of several of the label’s signed artists. These artists, once under Naira Marley’s wing, are now beginning to seek an exit, with or without his permission. This raises critical questions about the sustainability and future of the label. After all, what is a record label without the artists who create the sellable music?
A significant blow to Naira Marley’s label came when Zinolesky, one of the most promising talents under the Malian umbrella, decided to change his label affiliation. Zino took to his bio to officially switch from “Malay Music” to “Zinonymous Sound.” This public declaration signaled that Zino was not only distancing himself from Naira Marley’s label but also taking charge of his own destiny in the music industry.
But ZIno isn’t the only one making this transition. Tori Kish, another artist formerly associated with Naira Marley’s label, made a similar move by changing her bio from “Malian First Lady” to “Ex-Malian First Lady.” Showing disapproval of Naira Marley’s leadership.
Canceled Concerts
Naira Marley’s troubles have extended to his already planned concerts and live performances. The fallout from Mohbad’s untimely death has had a profound impact on Naira Marley’s ability to stage successful live shows, with a series of canceled concerts from promoters.
One notable cancellation, Two prominent U.S. show promoters, Fatia Entertainment Showbiz and Vibesland Entertainment, made headlines when they announced the cancellation of Naira Marley’s scheduled performance. Their joint decision was attributed to “unforeseen circumstances,” As a gesture of goodwill, they also promised to refund ticket money to those who had already purchased them.
Loss of Respect
Respect is a currency that can be hard-earned but easily squandered, and Naira Marley, once a formidable figure in the Nigerian music industry has seen his stock plummet in the wake of Mobad’s tragic passing. The release of multiple trending clips and the allegations surrounding Naira Marley’s potential involvement in Mohbad’s death have dealt a devastating blow to his reputation, his street credibility and respect has eroded significantly.
The internet never lies, Social media has played a unique role to the scrutiny of a grieving public and fans of Mohbad. Disturbing footage documenting the alleged harassment and maltreatment that Mohbad suffered at the hands of Naira Marley and his associates has circulated widely. This footage has left a shocking remark on the majority of music fans, who now demand both an investigation and justice for the late singer.
In response to these allegations and growing discontent, protests have erupted in several Nigerian cities, including Lagos and Abeokuta. People are taking to the streets, demanding answers and calling for an autopsy to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mobad’s death. The level of public outrage is unprecedented and has left Naira Marley in a precarious position, with his credibility and integrity called into question.
One notable incident that underscores the extent of Naira Marley’s fall from grace involves an old video of the late Nolly wood actress Ada Ahmed, a veteran actor known for her role in “The Johnsons.” In this viral video, she didn’t mince words, labeling Naira Marley as a “disrespectful, and a Bad influence.” She went further to advise Nigerian youths to distance themselves from Naira Marley. At the time, some Malian fans dismissed her as a detractor, but now it appears that many have heeded her advice.
Decrease in Music Streams
The fallout from Mohbad’s tragic death isn’t limited to Naira Marley’s social media following and concert cancellations; it has also cast a shadow over his music career, leading to a noticeable decrease in music streams across various platforms.
Once hailed as one of Nigeria’s hottest artists, Naira Marley’s music streams have taken a hit in the wake of the controversies surrounding Mohbad’s passing. On popular streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, his listenership numbers have experienced a daily decline. This downward trend is indicative of a shrinking fan base and a growing reluctance among music lovers to engage with his songs.
One of the most significant implications of this decrease in music streams is its impact on Naira Marley’s income from his intellectual property. With fewer people actively listening to his tracks, the royalties generated from streaming are dwindling. This is a stark contrast to his earlier success when his songs consistently topped the charts and generated substantial revenue.
The irony of this situation is that while Naira Marley’s music streams are on a free fall,, Mohbad’s posthumous music is experiencing a surge in popularity. There has been an increase in the public’s interest in his work and their desire to celebrate his artistry. American Artist like Meek mill, Kodak Black and lil Durk have also shared condolences in support of Mohbad while the investigation continues.
RIP MOHBAD aka Imole ❤️️
— THE VOICE (@lildurk) September 19, 2023
Music Ban on Radio Stations
Naira Marley’s troubles extended even deeper into his relationship with radio stations, which play a crucial role in an artist’s visibility and success. The aftermath of Mohbad’s tragic death has led to a significant alienation of Naira Marley by prominent radio stations across Nigeria, particularly in his hometown of Ibadan.
Several radio stations in Nigeria, once known for playing Naira Marley’s music frequently, have implemented a striking policy: a complete ban on his songs.
Adding to Naira Marley’s woes, even DJs have been caught in a difficult predicament. They were forced to make a choice between playing Naira Marley’s songs and risking damage to their gears. Unsurprisingly, most DJs opted to err on the side of caution, avoiding Naira Marley’s music altogether.
In a recent incident at a gathering, a man boldly took to the stage to warn the DJ in charge against playing any songs by Naira Marley or any Malian-affiliated artists. He went as far as to threaten consequences if the DJ defied his directive.
Loss of Fan Base (The Marlians)
One of the most startling and consequential repercussions of Naira Marley’s involvement in the controversy surrounding Mohbad’s death is the significant erosion of his once-loyal fan base. The Malians, as they were affectionately known, have begun to revoke their allegiance to Naira Marley, and the reasons behind this mass exodus are multifaceted.
For some Malians, the decision to distance themselves from Naira Marley is rooted in fear – fear of what Mobad’s fans, who have become an organized and formidable force, could do in their quest for justice. The public’s outcry for accountability and transparency in Mobad’s case has led many to question their association with an artist who now carries the weight of serious allegations.
For others, the parting ways with Naira Marley stems from a realization that he may not be the celebrity they had painted in their fantasies. The artist they once revered, who appeared untouchable and invincible, now stands accused of grave misconduct, and this tarnishing of his image has shattered the illusion that he could do no wrong.
The numbers don’t lie. Naira Marley, who once commanded a sizable following at home and abroad, is now witnessing a steady decline in his supporters. His once-mighty fan base is rapidly dwindling, and the vacuum left behind is being filled by the growing ranks of Mobad’s Army, who continue to demand justice for their fallen hero.
It’s worth noting that Naira Marley’s decline among fans is not solely a result of Mohbad’s death but also a reflection of the broader discontent with his actions and choices. Even before Mohbad’s passing, Naira Marley had courted controversy with his provocative lyrics and behavior. However, it took a tragedy of this magnitude to convince Nigerians and his fans to question their allegiance and take a stand against him.
Lost of Industry Friendships
Naira Marley’s troubles has taken a toll on his personal relationships with friends within the music industry. One of the most notable fractures in his social circle involves his strained relationship with fellow artist Zlatan, with whom he had started his career and shared a close bond.
The duo of Naira Marley and Zlatan had been celebrated as “brothers” in the music industry. They were often referred to as “brothers in music.” However, the year 2020 brought an unforeseen turn of events as reports of a brawling beef between the two began to surface. It was rumored that they had a falling out, and this disagreement turned physical, further straining their relationship.
While the exact cause of their dispute remains undisclosed, it is interesting to note that this discord emerged in the same year that Mohbad left the Malian record label and subsequently faced alleged assault at the hands of Naira Marley and Sam Larry. Speculation suggests that Mohbad’s departure and the events that followed may have been the reason behind the beef between Naira Marley and Zlatan..
Discrediting in the Music Industry
Once upon a time, Naira Marley was one of those artists who took the music industry by storm. His hit single “Am I a Yahoo Boy” catapulted him to prominence, and he followed it up with other chart-topping tracks like “Soapy” and “Mafo.” His success earned him a seat among the industry’s elite, rubbing shoulders with names like Wizkid, Davido, and Olamide.
As allegations surrounding Mohbad’s death mounted, so did the industry’s distancing from Naira Marley. It seemed that the top names in music were quick to sever their ties and distance themselves from the controversy. A list Celebrities who once collaborated with him have taken a move to dissociate themselves.
One of the most telling indicators of this, is the reluctance of these industry giants to speak up in support of Naira Marley. They are conspicuously absent from defending him, and their silence speaks volumes about the profound shift in perception within the music industry.
Testimonies of Ex-Sign Artists
Marlian music Ex signees have come forward with shocking testimonies about their experiences with the label. These ex-sign artists, who were once part of Naira Marley’s inner circle, are shedding light on the alleged culture of abuse, maltreatment, and misconduct within the Malian record label.
One of the most striking revelations comes from Tori Kish, an artist who was formerly associated with Naira Marley’s label. In a statement shared on her Instagram page, Tori Kish revealed the shocking extent of her ordeal during her time with the label. She claimed that she had overheard plans to execute Mohbad during his concert on a fateful Sunday. Additionally, she stated that she had faced severe assault from the label and that her primary social media account had been taken away from her by the label because she expressed her desire to disassociate herself from them.
Another ex-Malian record label member, Lil Smart, a dancer and choreographer, also came forward with his own story of mistreatment and abuse. In an Instagram Live session with Arrow Wealth, Lil Smart revealed that he had been a victim of torture and maltreatment at the hands of Sam Larry and the Malian gang. He went on to claim that Mohbad’s failure to share his audience was because of his death. These shocking allegations further add to the cloud of suspicion surrounding Naira Marley and his associates.
Even actress Iyabo, who visited DJ Splash and ex-Malian record label junkie, expressed her deep concern over Naira Marley’s actions. She attested to the fact that Naira Marley didn’t like Mohbad because the late singer challenged his ways.
Conclusion:
Mohbad’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music industry, and at the center of this stands Naira Marley, an artist whose career and reputation now hang in the balance. As we have shared in this blog post, Though Naira Marley has not been proven guilty but his reputation has gone ahead of him making it difficult to believe he is innocent. The Nigerian police have begun an intense investigation into the sudden demise of Mohbad and whoever is responsible will be apprehended. Stay tuned for more updates.
Great article