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1. Signing Mohbad into Marlian Music (December 2019)
Marley revealed that Mohbad officially joined Marlian Music in December 2019, alongside Zinoleesky and other rising stars. He described Mohbad as highly ambitious, recalling text messages where Mohbad expressed a burning desire to release songs back-to-back, dominate charts, and win awards. Marley explained that Marlian Music was created to give talented street artists like Mohbad a platform to rise.
2. A “simple and fair” contract
According to Marley, Mohbad’s contract was straightforward: a 50/50 revenue split between artist and label. The label handled all expenses, including recording, promotion, and welfare, while Mohbad was expected to deliver four albums. Marley claimed this was fairer than the restrictive contracts common in the Nigerian music industry.
3. Denial of financial exploitation
Marley dismissed accusations of cheating Mohbad financially. He insisted that Mohbad had access to all earnings, including streaming royalties, endorsements, and performance fees. According to him, “Everything was transparent,” as most transactions were processed through formal digital platforms.
4. First suspicions of drug use (June 2020)
Marley stated that he first became concerned about Mohbad’s alleged use of “ice” (meth or crack) around June 2020. He claimed he confronted him directly, warning of the risks it posed to his health and career.
5. Mohbad’s explanation and promise
In response, Mohbad reportedly apologised and explained that drugs were his coping mechanism for stress. Marley said Mohbad promised to quit, and though he was doubtful, he hoped he would recover.
6. The Lexus milestone (November 2021)
In November 2021, Mohbad bought himself a Lexus vehicle. Marley said this marked a proud moment of success for the young artist. He clarified that the car was purchased by Mohbad himself, not gifted by the label.
Marley recalled Mohbad’s shocking arrest by the NDLEA on February 24, 2022. Though he was abroad in Sweden, Marley said he flew back immediately to Nigeria to support him, arrange legal help, and stand by him during the ordeal.
8. Taking care of medical bills
Following the incident, Marley said he paid for Mohbad’s medical expenses, including hospital bills, CT scans, and medications. He claimed he was invested in Mohbad’s recovery both financially and emotionally.
9. Suicide attempt scare (March 2022)
Marley recounted receiving a distressing call in March 2022 that Mohbad had tried to jump out of a window. From Puerto Rico, Marley phoned him directly, pleading with him not to end his life and instead focus on his music and future.
10. Involving Mohbad’s parents
Marley said he involved Mohbad’s parents during this period, ensuring they were aware of his struggles and could provide him with emotional support at home.
11. Confusing financial transfers
Marley disclosed that Mohbad often directed him to send payments to an account belonging to his mother-in-law, Wunmi’s mother (Adesanya Justina Olajumoke), instead of his own. Marley said he found this strange, as Mohbad initially claimed it was his mother’s account, though he knew his mother’s name was Abosede.
12. Clash with manager Tunde (October 2022)
In October 2022, Mohbad reportedly fell out with his manager, Tunde, saying he wanted to self-manage his career. Marley warned against it, but the situation escalated into a physical altercation, which Marley personally intervened to stop.
Marley suggested Mohbad may have exaggerated the fight with his manager as part of a strategy to exit Marlian Music. He denied writing controversial tweets from Mohbad’s account, suggesting either Mohbad himself made them under influence or his account was hacked.
14. Contract termination and DSP withdrawals
On October 7, 2022, Marley received a contract termination letter from Mohbad’s lawyer. Despite his disappointment, Marley said he did not block Mohbad’s exit. He further alleged that Mohbad withdrew $72,000 from a digital platform in December 2022, money he claimed was not solely his.
15. Their last interaction
Marley revealed that the last time he saw Mohbad was October 4, 2022, during the manager altercation. He claimed that Mohbad later sought to apologise before his death, but Marley admitted he avoided reconciliation at the time.
16. Learning of Mohbad’s death (September 2023)
Marley said he first heard of Mohbad’s passing on September 12, 2023, while in Amsterdam. Initially, he thought it was a publicity stunt. But he was stunned when social media quickly accused him of being responsible.
Marley emphasised that he returned to Nigeria to cooperate with investigations, which led to a two-month detention. He denied any involvement, distanced himself from the viral Sam Larry video, and promised to release all of Mohbad’s royalties to his family.
Final Note
The interview represents Naira Marley’s most extensive attempt yet to defend himself and reshape the narrative surrounding his relationship with Mohbad. Whether Nigerians believe his version of events or not, the revelations paint a complex picture of friendship, mentorship, conflict, and tragedy between the two artists.
