A Nigerian social commentator, Martins Otse, widely recognized online as VeryDarkMan, has reignited discussions about the impact of cancel culture in the entertainment industry by asserting that performer Naira Marley once eclipsed the fame of Afrobeats stars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. Otse attributed Marley’s fall from prominence to public backlash following allegations linking him to the 2023 death of his former protégé, Mohbad, whose legal name was Ilerioluwa Aloba.
Speaking in a recent TikTok livestream addressing the consequences of online outrage, the activist argued that Marley commanded Nigeria’s largest fanbase—known as the “Marlians”—prior to becoming embroiled in controversy. “Naira Marley was bigger than Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. His supporters were everywhere, both locally and internationally, until the Mohbad situation,” Otse stated. He further described the Nigerian music scene as riddled with toxicity, claiming, “The industry is shadowed by envy and ruthless competition.”
Mohbad’s sudden death last September sparked widespread protests and online campaigns demanding accountability, with many supporters alleging foul play. At the time, Marley and his associate Samson Balogun, known as Sam Larry, faced intense scrutiny over their past conflicts with the late artist, leading to calls for their prosecution. However, a Lagos court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Mohbad’s father in June, citing insufficient evidence to directly connect the defendants to his son’s demise.
Otse urged authorities to expedite investigations to provide closure, emphasizing that prolonged speculation harms all parties involved. “The public needs resolution to move forward,” he said. His remarks highlight growing debates about cancel culture’s role in shaping celebrity reputations, particularly in Africa’s fast-evolving entertainment landscape.
Naira Marley, known for his provocative persona and hit songs like “Soapy,” rose to prominence in 2019, cultivating a youth-driven following that often polarized public opinion. His career downturn contrasts sharply with the continued global success of contemporaries like Burna Boy and Wizkid, who have achieved international accolades and chart-topping collaborations. Industry analysts note that while fan loyalty in Nigeria’s music scene is intense, it remains susceptible to rapid shifts amid controversies, underscoring the fragility of艺人reputations in the digital age.
The case continues to draw attention to broader concerns about artist welfare, industry governance, and the psychological toll of public scrutiny in Nigeria’s multimillion-dollar music sector.
