Naira Marley built a huge following with street anthems like “Issa Goal”, “Am I a Yahoo Boy” and “Soapy”, and a fan base called the Marlians. His career has also been followed by controversy — most of all after the death of his former signee Mohbad in 2023.
Quick facts
| Real name | Azeez Adeshina Fashola |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 May 1991, Badagry, Lagos (raised in Peckham, London, from age 11) |
| Label | Marlian Music (founded 2019) |
| Fans | Marlians |
| Known for | “Issa Goal”, “Am I a Yahoo Boy”, “Soapy”, “Puta”, “Koleyewon” |
From Peckham to Lagos streets
Naira Marley moved to London as a child and started making music there, mixing UK rap with Nigerian street sounds. “Issa Goal” (2017) with Olamide and Lil Kesh became the unofficial Super Eagles anthem for the 2018 World Cup.
Breakout and the EFCC case
In 2019 he relocated to Lagos and released “Am I a Yahoo Boy” with Zlatan. In May 2019 the EFCC arrested him and charged him with fraud-related counts; he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. “Soapy”, released while the case was ongoing, became one of the biggest street songs of the year and won at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.
Marlian Music
He set up Marlian Music, signing young acts including Zinoleesky and Mohbad, and built a cult-like fan culture around the “Marlian” lifestyle. Critics accused that culture of glorifying recklessness; fans saw it as freedom.
The death of Mohbad
Mohbad, who had left Marlian Music in 2022 after public disputes, died on 12 September 2023. His death led to national outrage and a police investigation. Naira Marley and others were detained and charged, then released on bail. On 25 February 2025 a Lagos magistrate court, acting on the advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, discharged Naira Marley, saying he had no case to answer; prosecutors said they would proceed against two other people over alleged negligence. Naira Marley has always denied any involvement in Mohbad’s death.
