Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, professionally known as MohBad, passed away on September 12, 2023. He was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter hailing from Lagos. MohBad was previously affiliated with Naira Marley’s Marlian Records but departed from the label in 2022. He gained recognition for his chart-topping tracks like “Ponmo,” “Feel Good,” and the unforgettable “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” alongside Rexxie.
The latter received three nominations at The Headies Awards in 2022. MohBad’s deep passion for music was evident since his secondary school days when he stood out as one of the most creative students. During lunch breaks and school parties, he would captivate audiences with his freestyle rap performances. MohBad dedicated his leisure time to crafting rap verses and songs in his notepad.
Which he would later perform to the admiration of his close friends, who consistently encouraged him. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that he made the bold decision to pursue a full-fledged music career. With years of honing his songwriting, singing, and rap talents, he was finally ready to take the music world by storm, marking the birth of the stage name, MohBad.
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Mohbad Musical Career
In the early stages of his career, Mohbad made a deliberate choice to specialize in Street Pop, drawing inspiration from artists such as Olamide, Dagrin, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh. He frequented recording studios in his local area to create music that fused Yoruba and Pidgin elements. While he released a few songs that gained modest popularity within his community, they didn’t quite achieve the traction he desired.
To accelerate his growth in the industry, he began recording freestyle rap and singing videos, sharing them on his social media platforms. This strategic move proved highly successful, propelling him to social media stardom as his videos consistently went viral. This newfound popularity opened doors for collaborations with both established and up-and-coming artists in the music scene.
Mohbad’s breakthrough came in December 2019 when he signed with the Marlian Music Records under Naira Marley’s mentorship. Since stepping onto the grand stage, Mohbad has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Oladips, Rexxie, Micee, Bella Shmurda, Lil Frosh, C Blvck, Zinoleesky, and of course, Naira Marley. In 2020, his collaboration with the award-winning producer Rexxie produced the sensational street anthem “KPK (Ko Po Ke),” which dominated Street Pop and Afrobeats charts for weeks.
The success of “KPK” catapulted Mohbad to greater fame, expanded his fanbase, and introduced him to the global music community. Throughout his musical journey, Mohbad has dropped a series of hit singles, including tracks like “Oja,” “Adura,” “Balan Zia Gar,” “Koma Jesun,” “Overhype,” “Imole,” and “Ponmo Sweet.” Notably, he’s teamed up with renowned artists such as Zlatan Ibile, Lil Kesh, Oladips, Small Doctor, Bella Shmurda, Lil Frosh, and many others.
In 2016, Mohbad embarked on his musical voyage, initially showcasing his talents through freestyle performances shared on his social media platforms. During this period, he also covered songs by prominent Nigerian artists like Kizz Daniel and Tekno. His pivotal moment in the music industry arrived when British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Naira Marley signed him to the Marlian Music record label, marking the start of his official career.
Under the Marlian label, Mohbad released his debut single, “Komajensun,” featuring Naira Marley. Furthermore, on December 18, 2020, he unveiled his debut album titled “Light.” However, the turning point in Mohbad’s career occurred in 2020 when he released the chart-topping hit “Ko Por Ke (KPK)” in collaboration with Rexxie. Additionally, he has collaborated with some of Nigeria’s most prominent and influential musicians, including Davido, Lil Kesh, and Small Doctor.
Below is a list of some of MohBad’s songs:
Year Song
2019 Mi O Foh
2019 Shingbain
2019 Imole
2019 Adura
2019 Owoale
2019 Usain Bolt
2019 Oja
2020 Komajensun
2020 Ponmo
2020 Gumbody
2020 Four20
2020 Over Hype
2020 Ko Por Ke
2020 Omokomo
2020 Once Debe
2020 Father Abraham
2020 Holy
2020 Cinderella
2020 Sorry
2020 Lamba
2021 Money
2021 Backside
2021 Feel Good
2022 Peace
2022 Ronaldo
2022 Tiff
2022 Weekend
2023 Level
2023 Feel Better
Mohbad’s musical journey began at a young age, primarily focused on rap songs. However, as he continued to grow in the music industry, he recognized the significance of versatility, especially for a Nigerian rapper, given the fiercely competitive nature of the field. In Nigeria, it has become somewhat of a trademark that rappers should also possess singing skills if they aspire to achieve substantial success compared to their singer counterparts.
Mohbad, also known as Mohbad Oba Imole, wholeheartedly embraced this trend, not only delving into the realm of singing but also honing his singing abilities to perfection. While consistently releasing a series of songs, a pivotal moment arrived for the 27-year-old artist when he received an invitation from Naira Marley to join Marlian Records, alongside fellow talents like Zinoleesky, Fabian Blu, and C Blvck.
This marked a significant turning point in Mohbad’s career since his initial foray into the music industry. Under the banner of Marlian Records, Mohbad inked his deal and unveiled his inaugural official single titled “Koma Jensun,” featuring his label boss, Naira Marley. The accompanying music video for the song quickly gained traction and found success on the charts.
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Mohbad Death at 27 and Rise in the Music Industry
Mohbad’s ascent to stardom witnessed recognition not only within the industry but also among his ever-growing fan base. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, known as Mohbad, has traversed a path defined by musical talent and occasional drama. His journey towards becoming an accomplished artist was significantly aided by his association with Marlians Records, a label co-founded by the enigmatic figure, Naira Marley.
However, his departure from the label, accompanied by public disputes, sent shockwaves throughout the industry and raised concerns about his well-being.
Mohbad made his mark on the Nigerian music landscape with a fusion of Afrobeats and street influences, perfectly encapsulating the vibrant musical essence of Lagos, his hometown.
His unique style and captivating lyrics quickly endeared him to a vast and dedicated fan base, bridging the gap between street music enthusiasts and mainstream listeners. Hits like “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” and “Feel Good” resonate strongly with audiences from all walks of life. Through collaborations with industry heavyweights and his affiliation with Marlians Record Label, Mohbad solidified his status as an emerging star in the music scene, reinforcing his place as a promising talent on the rise before his sudden death.
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The Controversial Split
Tensions within their trio led to a fracture within their record label, and the reasons behind their falling-out have been a subject of debate. These disputes encompassed disagreements over creative autonomy, financial matters, and personal conflicts. Mohbad chose to address these issues openly on social media, using the platform to bring his grievances to the forefront of the public’s attention.
In an emotional video, he publicly accused Naira Marley and the Marlians record label of contributing to his perceived early demise. These incidents raised significant concerns among his fans about his well-being and mental state.
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Mohbad’s Personal Struggles And Mysterious Demise
Beneath the melodies and public conflicts, Mohbad grappled with inner demons that posed a formidable challenge. Reports emerged about his battle with drug addiction, shedding light on a deeply personal struggle. Friends and insiders disclosed that he had been wrestling with emotional turmoil exacerbated by the pressures of the music industry.
According to Bella Shmurda, Mohbad had even faced suicidal thoughts in the past. These mounting personal struggles raised alarms among both his colleagues and admirers. In the days leading up to his untimely passing, Mohbad appeared outwardly healthy on his social media platforms, offering glimpses into his life and creative endeavors. His sudden demise sent shockwaves throughout the industry, leaving many questions unanswered.
Even in death, a shroud of mystery enveloped him, obscuring the events preceding his passing. With lingering uncertainties, some pondered whether personal demons or external factors played a role in his tragic fate. The uncertainty surrounding his death deepened the sense of sorrow and loss.
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Legacy and Remembering Mohbad
Despite the disagreements and challenges he encountered, Mohbad’s music touched the hearts of diverse individuals. His legacy as an artist endures through his music, offering solace and inspiration to his dedicated followers. Friends and colleagues gathered to reminisce about his creativity and unwavering passion, celebrating his enduring influence.
These recent events underscore the multitude of obstacles artists face, emphasizing the urgent importance of providing emotional support and raising awareness about mental health within the music industry.
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Conclusion
In the intricate look of Mohbad’s life, we find a narrative woven with threads of talent, fame, controversy, and ultimately, tragedy. His journey serves as a poignant testament to the complexities that often accompany musical stardom. As we grapple with the profound sorrow of his untimely departure, let us not forget that Mohbad’s essence lives on through the timeless melodies and lyrics of his music.
His songs continue to touch hearts and inspire, ensuring that his legacy remains etched in the annals of Nigerian music history. But Mohbad’s story is more than a reflection of individual triumphs and tribulations. It beckons us to turn our gaze to the broader canvas of the music industry, where countless artists face their own battles, both seen and unseen.
It underscores the critical need for greater support, understanding, and advocacy for the mental well-being of those whose creative gifts enrich our lives. In the midst of controversies and personal struggles, Mohbad’s artistic legacy persists as a beacon of hope and resilience. It calls upon us to be mindful of the emotional landscapes hidden behind the spotlight and to lend a compassionate ear to those who create the melodies that soundtrack our lives.