Naira Marley Biography, Early Life and Net worth

Naira Marley Biography, Early Life and Net worth. Naira Marley, born Azeez Adeshina Fashola, is a Nigerian-British singer, songwriter, and rapper who has carved out a unique and controversial space in the African music scene. Known as the “President” of his devoted fan base, the “Marlians,” his career is a captivating tale of a street-smart artist whose music and persona have profoundly influenced youth culture in Nigeria and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Azeez Fashola was born on May 10, 1991, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. At the age of 11, he moved to Peckham, South London, England, a place that would become instrumental in shaping his music and street-savvy identity. His formative years in the UK were marked by a focus on education and an early ambition that wasn’t initially in music.

He attended Porlock Hall, Walworth School, and later Peckham Academy, where he graduated with a distinction in business. He went on to study business law at Christ the King Sixth Form College (formerly known as Crossways College). While he was a diligent student, he also became deeply immersed in London’s urban culture, developing an interest in becoming an MC and voice-over artist. It was this dual upbringing—an academic background and a deep connection to street life—that would later define his artistic duality.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Stardom (2014-2018)

Naira Marley’s music career officially began in 2014 after his friends encouraged him to pursue his passion. His early work was a blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and Afro-swing, a sound that resonated within the UK’s underground music scene. His debut single, “Marry Juana” (featuring Max Twigs), was a cult hit among his London-based fans.

His major breakthrough, however, came with the 2017 single “Issa Goal,” a collaboration with Nigerian superstars Olamide and Lil Kesh. The song’s infectious beat and patriotic lyrics quickly made it an unofficial anthem for the Nigerian Super Eagles during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The subsequent remix, featuring Falz, Simi, and Slimcase, cemented his position as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.

The Controversial Turning Point: “Am I a Yahoo Boy” and the EFCC Arrest

Naira Marley’s career took a dramatic turn in 2019, transforming him from a popular musician into a cultural lightning rod. It began with his public support for internet fraudsters, known as “Yahoo Boys” in Nigeria. Following his controversial statements, he released the song “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” a collaboration with rapper Zlatan Ibile. The song and its music video, which mockingly depicted a police arrest, were an audacious challenge to Nigerian authorities.

On May 10, 2019, the day the song was released, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Naira Marley and four others on charges of conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards, and fraud. The arrest, which coincided with his birthday, ignited a public outcry. Marley’s detention for 35 days without trial became a symbol of the struggle between Nigeria’s youth and its often-unjust legal system. His fan base rallied behind him, demanding his release with the hashtag #FreeNairaMarley.

The Birth of the Marlians

The period following his release from EFCC custody was pivotal. Rather than deterring him, the controversy fueled his creativity and solidified his status as a defiant voice for a generation. He released the hit single “Soapy,” an anthem that included a viral dance move mimicking the masturbatory habits of inmates. This song was a direct, unapologetic response to his time in jail and earned him the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.

This era marked the official birth of the “Marlian” movement. Naira Marley’s fans, who had protested for his freedom, adopted the identity of “Marlians.” The movement is characterized by a “no manners” philosophy, a rebellious and carefree attitude that rejects societal norms and authority. Marlians are often associated with not wearing belts or underwear, and for their dedication to living life on their own terms.

In 2019, during the “Marlian Fest” concert, Naira Marley launched his record label, Marlian Music. He signed several artists, including Zinoleesky, Mohbad, CBlvck, and Fabian Blu, further expanding his influence and giving a platform to other street-pop artists.

Later Career, Legal Challenges, and the Mohbad Tragedy

Naira Marley’s career has continued to be defined by a series of legal and personal challenges. He has faced arrests for flouting COVID-19 lockdown orders and has been a central figure in a number of controversies.

In 2023, Naira Marley was tragically and controversially thrust into the spotlight again following the death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Following Mohbad’s death, many on social media and in the public accused Naira Marley and his associates of bullying and harassment, leading to his subsequent arrest and detention. Though he was eventually granted bail and cleared of direct involvement in Mohbad’s death by legal advice from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the public backlash was severe, leading to a de-facto boycott of his music and a significant downturn in his career. The case, however, remains a sensitive and ongoing topic in public discourse.

Musical Style and Legacy

Naira Marley’s musical style is a raw, unfiltered mix of Afrobeats, street-pop, and hip-hop, delivered in a unique blend of English, Pidgin, and Yoruba. His lyrics often touch on themes of rebellion, sex, money, and social commentary, reflecting the realities of life for many Nigerian youth. He has been hailed by some as a modern-day Fela Kuti for his anti-establishment stance and his ability to rally a large following around a defiant ideology, though others criticize his content as promoting immorality and cybercrime. Regardless of opinion, his influence on Nigerian pop culture is undeniable, and his journey from a London-based rapper to the “President” of a cultural movement remains one of the most compelling stories in contemporary African music.

Selected Discography:

• Singles: “Issa Goal,” “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” “Soapy,” “Opotoyi,” “Mafo,” “Pxta,” “Tesumole,” “Coming,” “Kojosese.”
• EPs: Gotta Dance (2015), Lord of Lamba (2019).
• Albums: God’s Timing Is The Best (2022).

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