Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (3 January 1996 – 12 September 2023), known professionally as MohBad, was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter from Lagos. Mohbad was formerly signed to Naira Marley's Marlian Records and left the label in 2022. He was best known for his hit songs "Ponmo," "Peace," "Beast and Peace," "Sorry", "Feel Good," and "KPK (Ko Por Ke)" (You Will Always Be Remembered) with Rexxie, which was nominated three times for The Headies awards 2022.[2][3] On 18 September 2023, he ranked number 1 on TurnTable's Official Artiste Top 100.[4]

MohBad
Background information
Birth nameIlerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba
Also known asImole[1]
Born(1996-01-03)3 January 1996
Lagos, Nigeria
Died12 September 2023(2023-09-12) (aged 27)
Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
InstrumentVocals
Years active2019–2023
LabelsMarlians Music (Former), Imolenization
YouTube information
ChannelsMohbad
Subscribers213K
Total views50 Million

Last updated: 22 July 2024

Early life

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Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba[5] was born on 3 January 1996[6] in Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria.[7] During his early childhood and adolescence years, MohBad seemed to be "hugely talented and in tune with the very spirit of music".[8]

Music career

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MohBad released his debut album, Light, in the fourth quarter of 2020 as a follow-up to his viral song "Ponmo," which featured Naira Marley and Lil Kesh.[9] MohBad was nominated five times for The Beatz Awards 2021.[10]

MohBad was listed in Audiomack's top 21 Afrobeat artists of 2021.[11] In 2022, he released Peace, produced by Rexxie.[12] It peaked on the TurnTable top 50 in 2021 and top 100 in 2022.[13] After the announcement of his death, "Peace" became a major hit, reaching number one on Apple Music in Nigeria and was accompanied by his single "Ask About Me," at number two. As of September 15, "Beast & Peace," the opening track on Blessed was at number four and "Feel Good" at number five.[14] Between 12-14 September, his streams increased by 702%, from 990,000 to 8.02 million.[15] For the week of 23 September 2023, "Peace" debuted on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart at number two.[16]

On 18 September 2023, Blessed reached a new peak at number four, and Light made its first chart entry at number 20 on the Nigerian Official Top 50 Albums chart.[17] On 21 September, streams of Blessed increased by over 530%.[18] On 23 September he became the 46th best-selling digital artist, surpassing international artists such as Nicki Minaj, Eminem, 21 Savage, Lady Gaga, and Chris Brown.[19]

Blessed (EP)

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Mohbad's EP Blessed, his first after leaving Marlian Records World, was released in June 2023 under his own label, Imolenization. The eight songs on the 20-minute EP featured Nigerian artists Zlatan and Bella Shmurda, and producers Niphkeys and Timi Jay. The album charted at number one on Apple Music in Nigeria the week it was released, and subsequently, immediately after his death.[20]

Light (EP)

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MohBad issued his first EP, Light, after agreeing to a record deal with Marlian Records World in 2019. The eight songs on the EP feature Davido, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh.[21]

Naira Marley served as executive producer for the eight-track EP, which also bears the production stamps of SB, Rexxie, P.Beat, and Austin Sinister.[22]

Controversy

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NDLEA arrest

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In February 2022, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested MohBad, Zinoleesky, and four others at their home in Lekki, Lagos for possession of illegal substances that included MDMA and cannabis.[23][24][25]

Some viral videos on social media showed NDLEA operatives breaking into the musicians’ home in the Lekki district of Lagos State in the early hours of Thursday morning.[1] According to witnesses, the officials carried out the arrest without any search warrants and mistreated the Marlian singers. The NDLEA officers were seen hitting the musicians with clubs and shooting into the air, forcing them into waiting trucks.[26]

NDLEA confirmed the raid, stating "our men raided an area in Idado estate where Naira Marley’s boys stay."[27] According to a spokesperson for the NDLEA, cannabis and MDMA was found in their apartment and car.[28] MohBad, Zinoleesky, and four others were later released.[29]

Allegations against Naira Marley and Sam Larry

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After two years, he announced his departure from Marlian Records. On 5 October 2022, MohBad accused his manager, singer Naira Marley, of assault and stated that his former boss ordered people to beat him up after he announced his intention to employ a different manager to handle his music and business affairs.[30][31][32]

After MohBad's death, it was reported that he had filed a police report in June 2023 alleging that Samson Erinfolami Balogun, a music promoter nicknamed "Sam Larry" and a known associate of Marley's, had assaulted him and destroyed some of his property. In the report, MohBad said that Larry had interrupted a video shoot, leading a group of 15 men armed with firearms and cutlasses who claimed to work for monarch Oba Elegushi.[33] Police later said MohBad had not attended a subsequent meeting to address the allegations, and that Balogun and others accused of the assault had then filed a defamation complaint.[34] Elegushi released a statement distancing himself from Balogun and expressing condolences on MohBad's death.[35]

Personal life and death

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MohBad and his wife, Omawunmi, had a son who was born in April 2023.[36] On 12 September 2023, MohBad died at the age of 27 after being treated for an infection by an unlicensed nurse, who was later arrested.[37][38][39] Police subsequently announced they would investigate the circumstances of the singer's death after his body was exhumed on 21 September 2023.[40][41]

Discography

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List of studio extended plays, with selected details and chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
NG
Light 7
Blessed 1

As lead artist

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List of singles as lead artist, with year released and album shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
NG
NG
Streetpop
[42]
SA
UK
UK
Afrobeats
[43]
US
Afrobeats
"BB2 Poverty" 2019 TBA
"Mi O Foh"
"Owoale"
(feat. Lil Frosh & C Blvck)
"Neon"
(feat. Updateboyz, Dope Sticks & JerryClef)
"Imole"
"Oja"
(feat. Oladips)
"Balan Zia Gar"
"Mio Foh" 2020
"Komajensun"
(feat. Naira Marley)
"Ponmo"
(feat. Naira Marley & Lil Kesh)
Light
"Cinderella"
""KPK (Ko Por Ke)""
(with. Rexxie)
53 16 A True Champion
"Feel Good" 2021 7 4 20 33 TBA
"Backside" 69 21
"Ronaldo" 2022 38 13
"Peace" 5 2 23
"Tiff" 49 17
"Weekend"[44] 32 11
"Ask About Me" 2023 1 1 9 24 Blessed
"Hallelujah" TBA
"Jah is my Confidence"[45]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result Ref.
2023 Headies Award Nomination Best Street-Hop Artist Nominated [46]
2021 Audiomack Top 21 Afrobeat artists of 2021 Ranked 12th [47][48]
2021 The Beatz Awards 2021
Some of Mohbad's songs received nominations in five different categories
AFRO Pop Producer of the Year
  • Rexxie – Kopoke (KPK) – Rexxie Ft. Mohbad
Nominated [49][50]
Afro Dancehall Producer of the Year
  • Niphkeys – Feel Good – Mohbad
Nominated
Producer of the Year
  • Rexxie, KPK – Rexxie Ft. Mohbad
Won
Producer of the Year
  • Niphkeys – Feel Good – Mohbad
Nominated
Mixing and Mastering Engineer of the Year
  • Timi Jay – Feel Good – Mohbad
Won
2020 City People Music Award Revelation of the Year Nominated [51]
Street Song of the Year Nominated [51]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "NDLEA gbab Zinoleesky and Mohbad say dem allegedly dey in possession of illegal drugs". BBC News Pidgin. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  2. ^ Aderoju, Darlene (26 July 2022). "Wizkid Leads 2022 Headies Awards Nominees: See Complete List". Billboard. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Full List of 2022 Headies Awards Winners". Afrocritik. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Official Artiste Top 100". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  5. ^ Mosadioluwa, Adam (3 October 2023). "How I took loan in 3 places to send Mohbad to school — father". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  6. ^ Olufemi, Damilola (3 January 2024). "Celebrities, fans mark Mohbad's 28 posthumous birthday". Punch Newspapers.
  7. ^ "Mohbad's wife speaks says, 'DNA is definitely a must' - Daily Trust". 31 October 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  8. ^ Niran Adedokun. "Nigeria failed Mohbad". The Punch Newspaper. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  9. ^ Rablu, Maryam (12 September 2023). "Mohbad: The Rapper, Singer, Songwriter". Leadership. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Beatz Award names category after Don Jazzy (Nomination full list)". P.M. News. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Audiomack unveils top 21 afrobeats artists of 2021". Guardian Nigeria. 30 December 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  12. ^ Mwambakale, Abbas (5 September 2022). "Mohbad: Peace". Flmag.co.uk. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  13. ^ Oriowo, Ayomide. "End of the Year Charts — TurnTable Top 100". www.turntablecharts.com. TurnTable. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  14. ^ peaceman, Pandora (15 September 2023). "Mohbad Song Top NO.1 On Apple Music Chart". New Telegraph. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  15. ^ Charts, TurnTable. "Mohbad's Music Streams Climb 702% Folllowing His Death". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  16. ^ Cabison, Rosalie (22 October 2021). "Hot Trending Songs Powered by X". Billboard. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Official Top 50 Albums". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  18. ^ Africa, PulsTV (21 September 2023). "Mohbad: Late Singer's Ep Blessed Reaches 530% On Streaming Platforms". Plus TV Africa. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  19. ^ Stephen, Onu (23 September 2023). "Mohbad is 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  20. ^ Afigbo, Chinasa (14 September 2023). ""Fame after death": Mohbad's album beats Burna, Asake, hits No 1 on Apple Music". Legit.ng – Nigeria news. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  21. ^ "Mohbad features Davido, Naira Marley & Lil Kesh in "Light EP" – P.M. News". Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  22. ^ Alake, Motolani (22 December 2020). "'Light' proves Mohbad needs to step away from Naira Marley's shadow [Pulse EP Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  23. ^ Olaeze, Christine (24 February 2022). "Why we arrested singers Zinoleesky, Mohbad – NDLEA". Daily Trust. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  24. ^ Adewole, Segun (24 February 2022). "NDLEA arrests singers Zinoleesky, Mohbad, recovers drugs". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  25. ^ Emmanuel, Egobiambu (24 February 2022). "NDLEA Arrest Singers Zinoleesky And Mohbad For Drug Offences". Channels TV. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  26. ^ Onu, Stephen (25 February 2022). "NDLEA: Naira Marley condemns signees' detention, says 'it's a pattern'". Premium Times. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  27. ^ Odion, Okonofua (24 February 2022). "'We found drugs with them' – NDLEA speaks on reason behind Zinoleesky and Mohbad's arrest". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  28. ^ Ojo, James (1 March 2022). "NDLEA saga with Zinoleesky, Mohbad resolved, says Naira Marley". The Cable. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  29. ^ Emmanuel, Chibuzo (24 February 2022). "Marlian Music Singers, Zinoleesky and Mohbad Have Been Detained by NDLEA Officials". The Native. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  30. ^ "Naira Marley coordinated my assaulters, Mohbad opens up". Punch Newspapers. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  31. ^ "Mohbad tackles Naira Marley again". Nigerian Tribune. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  32. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (5 October 2022). "Mohbad alleges that he was beaten in Naira Marley's Marlian Record House". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  33. ^ Alabi, Tope (14 September 2023). "Threat to life: Mohbad's petition to police against Sam Larry, others surfaces". Punch. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  34. ^ Sanusi, Abiodun (14 September 2023). "BREAKING: Police invited Sam Larry, Mohbad failed to show up – FCID". Punch. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  35. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (14 September 2023). "Mohbad: Oba Elegushi disowns Sam Larry". Nigerian Daily Post. Archived from the original on 14 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  36. ^ Owolawi, Taiwo (13 September 2023). ""Our son is just 5-months old": Singer Mohbad's 24-year-old wife cries out". Legit.ng – Nigeria news. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  37. ^ "Nigerian Nurses' Association Says Purported Nurse Who Gave MohBad Anti-Tetanus Injection Is Quack, Not Its Member | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  38. ^ "Singer Mohbad is dead". TheCable Lifestyle. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  39. ^ Daramola, Ibukunoluwa (12 September 2023). "Nigerian singer Mohbad has died at age 27". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  40. ^ Ademola, Bisi (19 September 2023). "Everything You Need To Know About Mohbad's Death". African Folder.
  41. ^ Ukonu, Ivory (16 September 2023). "MohBad's Body May Be Exhumed For Autopsy – Police Reveals". The Will. Archived from the original on 16 September 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  42. ^ "Top Street-POP Songs". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
  43. ^ "MOHBAD". OCC. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  44. ^ Overo, Naomi (24 November 2022). "Mohbad Toasts to the Future in New Single, "Weekend"". culture Custodian. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  45. ^ Tega (23 September 2023). "Mohbad – Jah Is My Confidence". MultiLoaded Music. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  46. ^ "Headies 2023: All the winners". Music In Africa. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  47. ^ Audiomack (2021). "Top 21 Afrobeats Artist of 2021". audiomack.com. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  48. ^ "Audiomack unveils top 21 afrobeats artists of 2021". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 30 December 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  49. ^ "Nominees 2021 – The Beatz Awards". Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  50. ^ BellaNaija (29 October 2021). "Here's the Full List of Nominees For The Beatz Awards 2021". BellaNaija. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  51. ^ a b Reporter (30 November 2020). "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. Retrieved 23 September 2023.