Cameroonians pay tribute to fallen Nigerian singer, Mohbad

Cameroonian fans of the late Nigerian musician, Mohbad, organised a candlelight procession in Douala on Saturday, September 23, to honour the Afrobeats singer who died tragically on September 12.

The candlelight, which was initiated by Mohbad’s fans, was held at Kotto Bahoba Bambe in Douala.

Dressed in black T-shirts that bore the late singer’s image, the fans chanted some of his songs and added their voices to mounting calls for justice.

Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known by his stage name Mohbad, died at 27 in his house in Lagos on September 12 under unclear circumstances.

Many Nigerians who have been protesting and calling for justice have continued to push the narrative that his former boss and popular singer, Naira Marley, had a hand in his death.

Naira Marley, who has lost millions of followers on social media lately due to the accusations against him, has also called for justice. He described the late singer as an “incredible street pop star” who contributed enormously to the growth of his record label, Marlian Music.

Last week, Nigerian radio stations banned Naira Marley’s music amid public calls for the Nigerian government to ban his music and his record label.

The promising young star, Mohbad, had fans all around the globe, including in Cameroon, and his songs became more popular in the country after he had died.

His Cameroonian fans described him with emotional words as they paid their last respects to him on Saturday.

“Mohbad was a great artist and a role model for young people,” said Mbongwe Laurence. “He was always positive and upbeat, and his music brought joy to many people.”

Another fan, George Tchapchet, said, “He was a talented singer, songwriter, and performer. He will be deeply missed by his fans and the music industry as a whole.”

Other Cameroonians, however, described the candlelight procession as a waste of time.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force is still investigating the cause of the singer’s death. His body, which was buried the next day after he died, was exhumed on September 21 for an autopsy that the police said was completed hours later that day.

Nigerians are still awaiting the results of the autopsy.