The Life and Legacy of Mohbad

Biography of Mohbad, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (1996–2023), known professionally as Mohbad, was a celebrated Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He was a prominent figure in the “street-pop” genre, a fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and Amapiano, characterized by its relatable lyrics and infectious beats. His career, though tragically cut short at the age of 27, left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene and sparked a widespread movement for justice and reform.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 8, 1996, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba was not born into wealth, a reality that deeply influenced the themes of struggle and perseverance in his music. He adopted the stage name “Mohbad,” which he explained as a shortened form of “Moh Bright And Destined.” His other popular moniker, “Imole,” is a Yoruba word for “light,” which he used to represent his ambition to shine and bring positivity to the world.

Mohbad’s journey in music began with him showcasing his talent through Instagram freestyles. His unique voice and raw, unfiltered storytelling quickly earned him a following. This grassroots effort laid the foundation for his eventual breakthrough into the mainstream music industry.

Rise to Fame and Marlian Music

Mohbad’s career took a significant turn in late 2019 when he was signed to Marlian Music, a record label founded by popular Nigerian artist Naira Marley. Under the label’s guidance, Mohbad’s career skyrocketed. He released his debut EP, “Light”, in 2020, which featured collaborations with established artists like Naira Marley, Davido, and Lil Kesh.

His big breakthrough came with the hit single “Ponmo”, a collaboration with Naira Marley and Lil Kesh. However, it was his work on the Rexxie-produced track “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” that solidified his status as a street-pop star. The song was a massive commercial success and earned him three nominations at The Headies Awards in 2022. He was recognized by Audiomack as one of the top Afrobeats artists of 2021, and his song “Peace” became a chart-topper.

Musical Style and Key Works

Mohbad’s music was a powerful blend of various genres, but he was most renowned for his emotional lyricism and heartfelt storytelling. His songs often explored themes of struggle, street life, and the pursuit of inner peace, which resonated deeply with his fanbase.

Some of his most memorable tracks include:

• “KPK (Ko Por Ke)”: An upbeat Amapiano-influenced anthem that became a national sensation.
• “Peace”: A poignant and introspective song that became a rallying cry for his fans after his death. The lyrics, “Wetin be this one like this? / Been through many things,” reflected his personal struggles and resonated with a generation.
• “Feel Good”: A track filled with positive affirmations and an infectious rhythm.
• “Sorry”: An opening track from his “Light” EP, where he candidly narrated his difficult upbringing and aspirations.
• “Beast and Peace”: A song from his second EP, “Blessed,” which showcased his deep, soulful side and became a posthumous chart success.

Departure from Marlian Music and Tragic Passing

In late 2022, Mohbad’s relationship with Marlian Music deteriorated. He publicly accused the label’s management of bullying and alleged that his former boss, Naira Marley, had ordered a physical assault on him for requesting a change of manager. Mohbad officially terminated his contract in October 2022, alleging unpaid royalties and threats to his life.

After his departure, he started his own label, Imolenization, and released his second EP, “Blessed,” in June 2023.

Tragically, on September 12, 2023, Mohbad passed away at the age of 27. The circumstances of his death were shrouded in controversy. A coroner’s inquest was launched by the Lagos State Government to determine the cause. The inquest and a subsequent police investigation identified medical negligence as the cause of death, stemming from an injection administered by an unlicensed auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, to treat an injury on his arm. The investigation also confirmed that Mohbad had been bullied and assaulted by Naira Marley and his associate, Sam Larry, during his lifetime, but did not establish a direct link between these events and his immediate death. The coroner also recommended the prosecution of the nurse for gross medical negligence.

Legacy and the Justice For Mohbad Movement

The news of Mohbad’s death triggered an unprecedented wave of public grief and outrage in Nigeria and beyond. Thousands of fans took to the streets in peaceful protests, demanding “Justice For Mohbad.” The movement, amplified by social media, shone a harsh spotlight on the alleged bullying and mistreatment of artists in the Nigerian music industry. Many radio stations and media houses boycotted songs by Naira Marley and his label mates in a show of solidarity.

Mohbad’s legacy is defined not only by his music but also by the powerful posthumous movement he inspired. His songs, particularly “Peace,” “Beast and Peace,” and his entire catalog, surged to the top of streaming charts globally, proving the enduring power of his art and his story. Mohbad’s life and death have become a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and a catalyst for a national conversation about mental health, justice, and the welfare of artists in the industry. His body remains unburied as of this time, pending further legal and family proceedings.

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