Nigerian radio stations are banning music from Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Records, in the wake of the controversial death of his former signee, Mohbad.
In Oyo State, Splash 105.5 FM and other private-owned radio stations have banned Marley’s songs until further notice. Aderonke Adesola, a presenter at Splash FM, said the decision was made “in view of the sensitive nature of the death of Mohbad and the criminal procedure the police have commenced.”
“To this effect, Naira Marley’s songs have become NTBB (not to be broadcast) on our station till further notice,” Adesola said in a Twitter post.
In Ekiti State, Fresh FM, Voice FM, and Newcruse FM have also banned Marlian Records music. Fresh FM said it made the decision “following the public outcry from the general public trialling the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (Mohbad), the alleged victimisation from different videos going viral, and the involvement of members of his previous record label (Marlian Records).”
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, under controversial circumstances. Some people believe that he was murdered, while others believe that he died of natural causes. Naira Marley has denied any involvement in Mohbad’s death.
The radio stations’ decision to ban Marlian Records music has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some people support the decision, while others believe that it is unfair to punish Marley and his artists for something that they may not be responsible for.
“It is not even sure if Naira has a hand in Mohbab’s death, and you all are here already throwing stones at him. Why ban his music?” Omoba Shegun reacted.
“If Naira Marley is really responsible for Mohbab’s death, then he should be punished accordingly. But for now, he’s just a suspect and should not start receiving such backlash,” said Femi Isabel on Platform X.
It remains to be seen whether other radio stations in Nigeria will follow suit and ban Marlian Records’ music. However, the decision by these radio stations is a sign of the growing public discontent with Naira Marley and his record label.
The ban is also a reflection of the growing public scrutiny of Naira Marley. Marley has been controversial throughout his career, and his music has been criticised for promoting violence and drug use. The death of Mohbad has further damaged Marley’s reputation and led to calls for his music to be banned.
Naira Marley has since the first day refused having a hand in Mohbab’s death and has even taken to social media to describe his death as painful since he was someone he personally knew.
Mohbab’s death has been weighing so heavily on Naira Marley, his Twitter social media handle went from 7+ million followers to 4.9 million followers in just days while his Instagram has also seen a massive hit as many have been unfollowing him.
It is too early to say what the long-term impact of the radio stations’ ban will be. However, it is clear that the ban is a sign of the changing public perception of Naira Marley and his record label.
