In the music realm, some artists achieve fame as soon as they release their debut songs, while others labor in obscurity, toiling tirelessly without the recognition they deserve until it’s too late. Mohbad undoubtedly belonged to the latter category of artists.
Unfortunately, it took the tragic event of his death for a star like Mohbad to emerge in this scene. Since his untimely passing on Tuesday, September 12, Mohbad’s popularity and fame have surged like never before. His sudden departure has also brought to light a multitude of unresolved issues within the Nigerian music industry that had long been swept under the rug.
During Mohbad’s lifetime, as he struggled to establish himself in the country’s music scene, few took notice of him or his music. Desmond Ekwueme, an ardent entertainment follower and writer, admitted that he only became aware of Mohbad after his demise, a sentiment shared by many. Perhaps, he was seen as an ‘unknown,’ someone who was mocked, criticized, underrated, and overlooked by society and the music industry. But now that he’s gone, everyone is celebrating the 27-year-old singer, showering him with the love and attention he never received during his lifetime.
Suddenly, Mohbad’s art has taken on new significance, attracting fresh interest. Mohbad has become the center of attention worldwide, with his name on everyone’s lips, both within and outside the country’s borders.
In addition to the controversies surrounding his death, which have led to the trending hashtag #justiceformohbad on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), and nationwide protests, Mohbad has undeniably joined the ranks of pop stars who achieved legendary status posthumously.
Before his passing, Mohbad was known to only a few fans, and his influence was confined to enthusiasts of street music. It wasn’t until his death last week that the world decided to take a closer look at his body of work and career, recognizing the talent he possessed.
While the singer’s death continues to dominate headlines, with fans and celebrities worldwide demanding a thorough investigation into the true cause of his passing, Mohbad’s songs are surging in popularity on major streaming platforms. His management has vowed to recover his royalties from his former record label, Marlian Records.
In the wake of Mohbad’s tragic exit, tributes from around the world have raised serious concerns about potential industry bullying. Many have called for the arrest of the late singer’s former boss, Naira Marley, with whom he had a public feud following his departure from Marlian Records last year. The backlash against Naira Marley on social media has led to the ban of his songs by some radio stations and music channels. However, there is no concrete evidence linking Naira Marley to the situation.
In response to the allegations of bullying, Naira Marley has called for a comprehensive probe into MohBad’s demise and pledged to support efforts to uncover any potential foul play or injustice. He described Mohbad as “an incredible street pop star” who contributed to the foundation of Marlian Music and expressed regret over the tragic loss.
Despite Naira Marley’s defense, accusations and protests demanding justice for the late singer continue. The investigation into Mohbad’s death, led by a 13-member special panel instituted by the Lagos State Police Command, is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Mohbad’s songs have seen a surge in popularity after his death. His track “Peace” claimed the number two position on the Billboard Charts, surpassing even international artists like Nicki Minaj. His EP “Blessed” has also entered the top Albums chart in Nigeria, resonating with fans and new audiences. Six of his songs currently occupy the top 10 spots on various music charts.
One of the most poignant of Mohbad’s songs is an unreleased dirge in which he seemed to foretell his own death, leaving fans deeply moved by his lyrics. The song reflected his thoughts about the future and how people would remember him after his passing.
While Mohbad’s posthumous success is undeniable, some of his colleagues in the music industry have expressed regret that he didn’t receive the recognition and support he deserved while he was alive. Portable, another artist, lamented that Mohbad wasn’t celebrated and appreciated during his lifetime, and he urged people to show genuine support to artists while they are still alive.
Despite ongoing protests and tributes, the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death remain shrouded in mystery, with many unanswered questions and emotions running high among fans, colleagues, and the wider public.
