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I’m not a drug lord, cultist – Naira Marley

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Popular Nigerian singer, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has denied allegations of being a drug lord and cult member.

The Marlian boss also denied rumours that he had a hand in the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, his former signee.

Recall Mohbad died on September 12 and was buried the following day in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Since the death of Mohbad, Naira Marley has been the subject of scrutiny with many pointing to him as the culprit behind the death of the late singer following their fallout prior to the tragic incident.

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The rapper has also been accused of operating a cult with his record label as well as being a drug lord.

Reacting to the allegations in a statement released by his management team via his Instagram handle on Tuesday, Naira Marley said he is dedicated to proving his innocence and clearing his name.

He said, “In the last few days, there has been a lot of onslaught on my person and reputation globally over the death of my former signee. All manner of stories has been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but over the various lies spread and threats against me.

“Before I progress further, let me say that as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of lleri’s death, so it is to me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

”Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries to have family friction, even amongst blood relatives.

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“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings whilst working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.

“I have chosen not to say anything since due to being distraught over his death and in order not to jeopardize the investigation being carried out by the government agencies.

“In addition, I have been out of the country since the 31st of August, 2023 and I’m yet to return. In light of the police invitation, I am making arrangements to return to the country to assist the investigation and give my version of the events. I am fully cooperating with the Police team and I certainly have no reason to be a fugitive when I have no hand in his death.

”I am certain that the culprit behind his death and has a vendetta against me and are fueling public opinions to have me lynched for reasons known to them. In due time the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death will be unveiled and the world will know the truth. This kind of scenario of attempting to set someone up is not novel in the industry as other great musicians have experienced the same and came out better and stronger. Mine will not be an exception as I am innocent of the accusations.

”Mohbad left the label in September 2022, the label accepted his departure. Marlian Music did not stop or interfere with his career or releases since and he has been with oneRPM. Legal efforts were made to reconcile his concerns regarding the work we had done together.

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”The rumors regarding the label being a drug cartel are untrue. I am not a drug lord, neither do I Marley belong to any cult or fraternity. I’m dedicated to proving my innocence and I’m cooperating with the authorities to clear my name with sufficient evidence.

”Marlian Music is an independent label run by a small intimate team. We run a legitimate label that focuses on championing exceptional talent, breaking new acts and nurturing them.

”I will like to clearly state that I have never fought or attacked Mohbad. For the avoidance of doubt I have never instructed anyone, friend, known associates or fans to attack, bully or harass

”I share my deepest condolences to the family. Let’s be mindful as we seek justice to focus on supporting the police and authorities with relevant information and evidence surrounding his death so that those responsible will be apprehended. I am positive that at the end of the day. the truth will prevail and I shall be exonerated.

”My lawyers are already in touch with the police and government agencies and will support in every way necessary.

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”Without a doubt I will honor his memory and I promise to do right by him and his family.

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Asake confirms exit from YBNL, launches “Giran Republic”

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Asake leaves YBNL

Nigerian singer Asake has confirmed his exit from YBNL Nation, launching his own imprint, Giran Republic, while maintaining ties with Empire

 

Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has officially confirmed his departure from Olamide’s YBNL Nation. Speculation about his exit had been circulating, but the artist put the rumours to rest by releasing his latest single, *Why Love*, under his own imprint, **Giran Republic**.

Also read: Asake tops Spotify charts as Nigeria’s most streamed singer of 2024

Despite leaving YBNL, Asake’s relationship with his former label boss, Olamide, appears to remain intact. Earlier in the year, he paid homage to Olamide in his song *Military*, dispelling any notions of a rift between them.

Asake joined YBNL Nation in February 2022, a move that propelled him to mainstream success. In July of the same year, he signed a distribution deal with **Empire**, a partnership he still maintains even after exiting YBNL.

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With Giran Republic now established, fans are eager to see how Asake shapes his career as an independent artist. Given his track record of hit releases, his next moves in the industry are highly anticipated.

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Odumodublvck, late Mohbad lead nominations at 17th Headies awards

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Headies Awards 2025 nominations

Odumodublvck and the late Mohbad dominate the 17th Headies Awards nominations, celebrating the best in Nigerian music across multiple categories

 

The organisers of the prestigious Headies Awards have unveiled the nominees for the 17th edition, with rapper Odumodublvck and the late singer Mohbad leading the pack. The announcement was made on Wednesday via the official Headies X (formerly Twitter) platform.

Also read: I’m no longer interested in Grammy, I want Headies – Whitemoney

Odumodublvck received five nominations, making him the most nominated artist, while Mohbad, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi followed closely with three nominations each. This recognition underscores their impact on Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

The 2025 Headies Awards, set to take place on 5 April 2025, will honour music videos and recordings released between April 2023 and 31 July 2024. The nominations highlight both established and emerging talents across multiple categories, including Best Rap Single, Best Collaboration, and Afrobeats Single of the Year.

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– **Best Rap Single**: Odumodublvck’s *Cast* (with Shallipopi) and *Civilian* (with Wale)
– **Best Collaboration**: Chike and Mohbad’s *Egwu*, Kizz Daniel and Davido’s *Twe Twe Remix*, and Odumodublvck’s *Blood on the Dance Floor*
– **Afrobeats Single of the Year**: Asake’s *Remember*, Chike and Mohbad’s *Egwu*, and Flavour’s *Big Baller*

The **Rookie of the Year** category showcases fresh talent, featuring Llona, Taves, Zerry DL, and Kaestyles, while the **Best Vocal Performance (Female)** category highlights vocal powerhouses like Ayra Starr, Niniola, and Simi.

In the **Best Street-Hop Artiste** category, Mohbad’s *Ask About Me* competes with Shallipopi’s *Cast*, Seyi Vibez’s *Different Patterns*, and Ayo Maff’s *Dealer* featuring Fireboy.

The **Songwriter of the Year** category features strong contenders such as Simi (*Stranger*), Qing Madi (*Vision*), and Wizard Chan (*Stages of Life*). Additionally, top producers including Sarz, Magicsticks, and London are in the running for **Producer of the Year**.

With a mix of mainstream superstars and promising newcomers, the 17th Headies Awards promises to be a thrilling celebration of Nigerian music. Fans eagerly await the big night on 5 April 2025 to see who takes home the coveted trophies.

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Nigerian Idol winner K-Peace accuses organisers of withholding prize money

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Nigerian Idol prize money controversy

Nigerian Idol Season 5 winner K-Peace alleges he never received his N7.5 million prize, car, or Dubai trip, 10 years after winning the show

 

Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has accused the organisers of *Nigerian Idol* of failing to deliver the prize package he won a decade ago.

Also read: ‘Mami Wata’, ‘Anikulapo’ Shine As Burkina Faso, Senegal Win Big At 19th AMAA [FULL LIST]

K-Peace, who emerged as the winner of *Nigerian Idol Season 5* in 2015, claimed during an interview on the *Honest Bunch Podcast* with Nedu Wazobia that he never received the promised N7.5 million, brand-new car, or a two-week trip to Dubai.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the singer expressed his frustration, revealing that he struggled financially despite being declared the champion of the popular talent show.

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“I came outside of the *Nigerian Idol* platform with zero naira in my account,” he lamented. Speaking in pidgin English, he added, “As *Nigerian Idol* winner, I go waka all through Lagos, go for interviews without food for belle despite winning N7.5 million.”

He further alleged that when he inquired about his prizes, organisers gave excuses, claiming they were still *branding* the car.

“What they announced on national TV be say I won N7.5 million with a brand-new car and a two-week trip to Dubai. I go through hell after winning the show,” he said.

The allegations have sparked outrage among fans and the music community, with many calling on the show’s organisers to respond.

*Nigerian Idol*, a music talent reality show, has produced several winners over the years, but K-Peace’s claims raise questions about the fulfilment of prize commitments.

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As of now, the organisers of *Nigerian Idol* have yet to respond to the accusations.

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