Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Fans of a rising Nigerian music star are protesting after his untimely death
Listen
• 4:08
The Nigerian music star Mohbad died on Sept. 12 in Lagos at age 27.
(
BANG Showbiz via Reuters
)
LAGOS, Nigeria — Hundreds of fans have held protests and candlelight vigils in various Nigerian cities in the last few days in memory of Mohbad, a beloved 27-year-old Nigerian music star who died Sept. 12.
The exact cause of his sudden death in a Lagos hospital is unknown and allegations of harassment he reported suffering from politically connected figures at his former music label have sparked outrage and an outpouring of emotional tributes. The hashtag #justiceformohbad has been trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, since his death.
His death has also brought the treatment of musicians by powerful Nigerian labels into sharper focus, as well as the close connections between some in the music industry and the government.
Lagos-born Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, was beloved for his street-smart, aspirational and relatable lyrics. He was best known for hits like "Peace" and "Feel Good."
Support for LAist comes from
He was buried by his family the day after he died, fueling widespread anger and suspicions about how he died.
Outrage across the country has been largely directed at Naira Marley, the boss of Mohbad's former label, himself one of Nigeria's biggest music stars. He is an ambassador for the country's anti-drug agency and a vocal supporter of the governor of Lagos, for whom he campaigned in elections in February.
After days of anger on social media from fans, radio hosts and celebrities, police this week announced an investigation into any events leading to Mohbad's death.
On Thursday, police in Lagos said the singer's body had been exhumed and would be taken for an autopsy. The Lagos state government said the country's intelligence service had been enlisted to aid the investigation.
On Tuesday, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged anyone with information to come forward and promised protection for witnesses. "I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of Mohbad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation," he said.
Mohbad left Marley's label, Marlian Records, last year, and in the aftermath, spoke of alleged harassment he suffered from Marley and his associates.
Last October, he posted a video on Twitter, now X, of blood oozing from a wound on his shoulder.
Support for LAist comes from
"Just because I want to change my manager ... see what they did to me at Marlian House," he posted, along with another video appearing to show several men attacking him in a street at night, who he claimed in a later post were Marley and his associates.
Marley has strongly denied the allegations.
In several subsequent posts, songs and interviews, Mohbad — whose nickname was "Imole," meaning "light" in Yoruba — spoke about trying to find peace in his life. He said he experienced a campaign of abuse after he left Marley's label.
In an interview last month, he said his former label had put pressure on promoters to cancel shows for which he was booked.
Marley has strongly denied harassing the late star. On Instagram this week, he said that he was "shattered" by the news of Mohbad's death and called for fans to help find information on his death.
In recent days, some radio stations in the country have stopped playing Marley's songs. More protests and vigils are planned across the country.
Copyright 2024 NPR
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist