The Nigerian music industry plunged into mourning on September 12, 2023, with the shocking news of the untimely demise of one of its emerging stars, MohBad, at the age of 27. MohBad, a prominent figure in the Afrobeats genre, bore the real name Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba. Reports revealed that he had been swiftly rushed to a Lagos hospital, having fallen victim to an infection stemming from an injury. Tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after receiving an injection¹. His passing stirred grief and indignation among his devoted fan base, leading to street protests and a wave of demands for justice and answers.
Up until 2022, MohBad had been under the wing of Naira Marley’s Marlian Records. However, he parted ways with the label amid a publicized feud with his former mentor. He voiced grievances about Naira Marley’s alleged exploitation and withholding of his earnings. Furthermore, he claimed that creative freedom was stifled, as he could not release his own music or collaborate with fellow artists without Naira Marley’s consent². Subsequently, MohBad initiated his record label, Imole Music, and charted a course with several chart-topping tracks like “Peace,” “Feel Good,” and “Ronaldo.” He also engaged in collaborations with renowned artists such as Davido, Zlatan, and Bella Shmurda.
MohBad’s passing has unveiled several issues that have plagued the Nigerian music industry, particularly those concerning working relationships. This sector operates largely in an unregulated and informal manner, with minimal rules and standards in place to safeguard the rights and interests of artists, producers, managers, and other stakeholders. Many artists often ink contracts with record labels without the guidance of legal counsel, rendering them susceptible to exploitation and manipulation. Some labels also impose constraining clauses, which curtail the creative freedom and career opportunities of artists.
Transparency and accountability are also notably absent in the industry, rendering it difficult to monitor and authenticate revenue streams and distribution avenues for music. Piracy, illicit downloads, and unauthorized streaming platforms further exacerbate the threats to artists’ income and livelihoods. Additionally, fierce competition and rivalry frequently manifest among artists and labels, occasionally escalating into conflicts and even violence.
For now, the investigation into MohBad’s death continues. The Lagos State Police Command has inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to look into the case. The team is expected to release its findings in two weeks. The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also engaged the SSS to support the police investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward. The body of the singer has now been exhumed for an autopsy.
Naira Marley has also broken his silence over MohBad’s death and expressed his grief on Instagram. He has also called for a thorough investigation into MohBad’s death and pledged to assist with “uncovering any foul play or injustice”. However, he has also received death threats from some angry fans who blame him for MohBad’s demise.
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