Singer Naira Marley receives backlash for recent post on X

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Controversial British-Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has received backlash from Nigerians following a recent post on X.

In his post, Naira Marley stated, “Everybody is a gangster until somebody di£s.”

The statement attracted negative reactions from X users, with many interpreting it as a threat. One user, Llone~Wolf, commented, “Everybody dey do normal baby, e reach your turn you introduce death… we go table your matter again o.”

Another X user, Eddie, commented, “You dey threaten people again? Wetin dey worry you sef? We go table your matter again o.”

The reactions are linked to his past involvement in the death of one of his former signees, Ilerioluwa Aloba, fondly called Mohbad. Although he was later vindicated by a court verdict and found not guilty, many Nigerians still harbour resentment towards him.

The mixed reactions prompted Naira Marley to issue a clarification. By quoting his initial post, he explained that it was “a phrase highlighting that people often act tough, confident, or reckless when risks are abstract, but their bravado disappears when faced with serious, irreversible consequences.”

Naira Marley is known for initiating the “Marlian” movement, blending Afrobeats with UK sounds, with hit songs such as Issa Goal and Soapy. He rose to prominence after Issa Goal became an unofficial anthem for the Super Eagles during the 2018 World Cup, earning him a massive fan base known as Marlians, who are often associated with anti-social behaviour.

Born in Agege, Lagos State, before relocating to Peckham, London, at the age of 11, his music often centres on street life and controversy, including past legal issues involving fraud allegations. He founded Marlian Music Records and signed artistes such as Zinoleesky and Mohbad.