By Esohe Aifuwa
Naira Marley Opens Up on Mohbad’s Struggles and Their Fallout before his Death
Popular singer Naira Marley has shared his side of the story about his relationship with the late Mohbad, shedding light on the singer’s personal struggles and their professional disputes, which fueled public speculation after Mohbad’s death in September 2023.
In a recent video, Naira Marley revealed that he learned in June 2020 that Mohbad was using a substance called “Ice” (crack cocaine) to cope with stress. “I wasn’t upset, but I called him and warned him about the dangers, based on what I’ve seen it do to people I know from the UK,” Naira Marley said. He added that Mohbad promised to stop using the substance.
Naira Marley also clarified their business dealings, emphasizing fairness and transparency. He disclosed that he and Mohbad split earnings 50-50, with Naira Marley covering most expenses. He refuted rumors that Mohbad feared hospitals, sharing evidence of a November 2020 hospital visit, noting that he noted that Mohbad chose his own manager in July 2020, with Naira Marley advising a 10% commission instead of the 25% Mohbad initially offered.
Recounting a February 2022 incident, Naira Marley said he was in Sweden when the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided Marlian Music’s residence, detaining Mohbad, Zinoleesky, and another individual after Mohbad clashed with officers.
Watch More:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9yvs_N3U30
Following his release, Mohbad went live on Instagram, accusing Naira Marley and others of wrongdoing while visibly distressed. “He was having a panic attack,” Naira Marley said, adding that Mohbad later apologized, along with his parents and girlfriend, Wunmi.
Naira Marley revealed that Mohbad attempted suicide in March 2022, prompting him to discuss the issue with Mohbad’s parents after finding online searches for a deadly insecticide called Sniper. They agreed Mohbad needed help.
Later that year, Mohbad accused Naira Marley of threatening him after a dispute with his manager. Naira Marley suggested someone else may have posted the claims using Mohbad’s phone.
By October 2022, Mohbad’s lawyer formally requested his exit from Marlian Music. Naira Marley provided financial records to show transparency but noted that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a DSP partner, leading to a hold on his royalties until the issue was resolved. Communication between them stopped, with their last encounter on October 4, 2022, during Mohbad’s altercation with his manager.
Naira Marley, who was in Amsterdam when Mohbad died, expressed frustration that those with the singer in his final hours were not investigated.
He also defended Sam Larry, denying any involvement in Mohbad’s death, and criticized the police for detaining him for two months in Lagos after he returned to clear his name. He added that Mohbad’s royalties from Marlian Music remain available for his family or their appointed representative to collect.
