Chapter 1 – Humble Beginnings in Noisy Lagos
In the constant clamor of Lagos, Nigeria, a young boy named Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba became enchanted with the vibrant sounds surrounding him. Bouncing in his mother Mariam’s arms while she browsed noisy markets, little Mohbad took in the bleating goats, laughing children, and booming Afrobeat music pouring from radios.
At home, Mohbad’s father Mr Oladimeji played vinyl records of Nigerian music legends like Fela Kuti and Sunny Ade, filling their modest apartment with hypnotic beats. As Mohbad lay listening, he tapped out rhythms on the cold concrete floor beside his woven sleeping mat.
During long walks home from school on dusty streets choked with honking danfo buses, Mohbad daydreamed of performing on stage. He scribbled lyrics in notebooks, trying to transcribe the symphony of his city into words. Mohbad sought to immortalize Lagos’ chaotic beauty through music.
Chapter 2 – Discovering His Musical Gift
While Mr and Mrs Oladimeji marriage crumbled when Mohbad was still young, their son found solace in songwriting. Mohbad endlessly rehearsed vocal runs and verses, searching for his own melodic voice.
At family gatherings, he’d steal the spotlight by standing on tables to rap spontaneous lyrics, whipping cousins into frenzied dances. Mohbad craved the adrenaline rush of commanding crowds with his raw talent.
When Mohbad’s cassettes of self-recorded demos went viral locally, calls came from buzzing artists seeking the melodic singer on the tapes. After years honing his craft, Mohbad’s breakthrough arrived. But he remained humble, always seeking to improve his art.
Chapter 3 – Early Collaborations
Mohbad hit the ground running, collaborating with fellow Lagos artists like Idowest and DJ Spinall while still in his teens. His playful freestyles and hooks over Demmie Vee’s “Hustle” and Slimcase’s “Otunba Lamba” highlighted Mohbad’s nimble flow.
Legendary producer Krizbeatz took the gifted lyricist under his wing. In his studio, Mohbad soaked up game about crafting anthemic hits. But a greater opportunity lay on the horizon after a fiery freestyle video caught a top artist’s eye.
Chapter 4 – Aligning with Marlian Music
When Naira Marley saw Mohbad’s viral take on Kizz Daniel’s “Fvck You,” he instantly sensed boundless potential. Marley signed the anxious young artist to his rebellious Marlian Music imprint alongside Zinoleesky, Fabian Blu, and Cblvck.
Surrounded by Marlian labelmates, Mohbad found his musical family. Naira Marley encouraged him to embrace his playful spirit. Mohbad coined his name in honor of Marley’s “Marlians” and got to work.
With Naira Marley’s visionary guidance, Mohbad unlocked new depths of his talent, blending genres while staying true to his roots. The fierce loyalty and brotherhood Marlian Music showed Mohbad gave him the confidence to risk it all pursuing pop stardom.
Chapter 5 – Ponmo Sweet Rise
As Mohbad’s name buzzed in the streets, his simmering single “Ponmo Sweet” topped Nigerian charts in 2020. The addictive ode to cow skin over Rexxie’s rhythmic beat spotlighted Mohbad’s star power for the masses.
Mohbad’s buttery vocals and melodic flows on “Ponmo Sweet” proved he could craft huge pop anthems. The song anchored his debut EP ‘Light’ which introduced Mohbad as a versatile, multi-talented force in Afrobeat.
“Ponmo Sweet” took on a life of its own, dominating airwaves and becoming a Nigerian national phenomenon. Mohbad’s clever songwriting resonated widely, cementing his fame at home and diaspora shows.
Chapter 6 – Hit After Hit
As Mohbad’s career reached new heights, he leveraged his momentum to release a string of bangers that dominated across Africa:
-“KPK (Ko Por Ke)” – Mohbad’s rapid-fire bars over Rexxie’s frenetic beat became an immediate street anthem.
-“Balan Zia Gar” featuring Small Doctor – This Yoruba and pidgin smash fused Mohbad’s ingenuity with Small Doctor’s lyricism.
-“Ronaldo” – Mohbad hit a goal with this sports-inspired single flaunting clever wordplay.
-“Otun ti Sele” featuring Cblvck – The labelmates reunited for an addictive jam radiating Marlian chemistry.
-“Gbedu” – Mohbad serenaded clubs with this bubbly dance track tailored for playlists.
-“Oja Majemi” featuring Naira Marley – The Marlian bosses reunited to bless fans with irresistible melodies.
Mohbad’s catalogue during these years proved his range as a hitmaker. While partying across Africa, fans sang every lyric back to Mohbad word for word.
Chapter 7 – Explosive Live Performer
Mohbad’s fame spread rapidly as he tore through shows across Nigeria backed by boundless energy. He sprinted across stadium stages barely pausing between songs for breath, feeding off the crowd’s hype.
For Mohbad, performing hits like “Ponmo Sweet” and deep cuts for seas of screaming fans was pure ecstasy. He’d leave stages drenched in his own sweat, voice strained from reciting verses.
At concerts, Mohbad unveiled his charismatic playful side, dancing, laughing, and sharing inside jokes with fans. He ensured everyone in attendance felt the spirit of Marlian Music.
Chapter 8 – Family Man
Unlike many artists engulfed by fame, Mohbad’s proudest role was fatherhood. He cherished raising his son Inidimaj with girlfriend Wunmi out of the public eye.
Mohbad was open about sharing his growth into parenthood and wanting to leave a legacy for the next generation. His face beamed pure joy whenever seen with his firstborn son.
Fatherhood gave Mohbad a deeper sense of purpose. He’d reflect on his own childhood without wealth through lyrics emphasizing family. Mohbad was determined to break generational curses.
Chapter 9 – Fallout With Marlian Music
Cracks formed in Mohbad’s bond with Marlian Music as financial disputes arose. Mohbad accused Naira Marley of withholding payments and exploiting his contract.
In retaliation, Marley blasted Mohbad as disloyal after all Marlian Music invested building his career. Both their outrage played out publicly in heated social media wars.
Mohbad ultimately severed ties with Marlian Music in 2022. This ugly separation was heartbreaking after the brotherly loyalty they once shared. Both felt betrayed by a trusted friend.
Chapter 10 – Mohbad’s Sudden Death
On the morning of September 12th, 2023, Mohbad’s body was discovered lifeless in his Lagos home studio. The 27-year-old superstar was pronounced dead, his brilliant future erased in an instant.
Mohbad’s mysterious passing triggered an outpouring of grief nationwide. Throngs of heartbroken fans attended his funeral, demanding answers about their stolen idol.
Rumors swirled, but no autopsy clarified why Mohbad’s heart stopped beating prematurely. The tragedy of losing Mohbad so abruptly left his legacy incomplete, like unfinished verses floating away.
Chapter 11 – Musical Legacy
Though Mohbad’s life was cut tragically short, his cultural impact endures. Timeless hits like “Ponmo Sweet” and “KPK” still ring out from taxis and parties today as Mohbad’s spirit carries on.
He spearheaded a youthful sound fusing Afrobeat and street anthems that reflected Nigeria’s vibe. Mohbad’s unique place in the pantheon is sealed.
For aspiring artists, Mohbad’s come-up represents resilience. His music offers joy, motivation, and the belief greatness can emerge from anywhere through dedication.
Mohbad now sings amongst the angels, his voice eternally preserved on records continuing to inspire talent in Lagos and beyond. The beats march on for the fallen Marlian star.
The End
Written by Sandra for Naijmobile.com
