MOHBAD : A NIGERIAN RAPPER TO REMEMBER

Civil name known as Ilerioluwa Oladimeji but popularly known as “Mohbad” was born June 8, 1996 in Lagos. He died at the age of 27 in September 12, 2023. He was a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter who lived in Lagos, Nigeria. He was signed to Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Records. Much is not known about Mohbad’s educational background. He, however, noted in one of his songs that he dropped out of Polytechnic.

Mohbad‘s passion for music can be traced back to his secondary school days when he was one of the leading creative students. He was known for performing freestyle rap songs during lunch breaks and at school parties. He would bring out his notepad and compose rap verses and songs in his leisure time. In 2016, he decided to pursue a professional music career. Having improved his song writing, singing and rap skills over the tears, he decided to give music a shot. This was the period where the stage name, Mohbad was born. In 2019, he got noticed by music executive and owner of Marlian Record, Naira Marley, who signed hin to his record label. This allowed him to work with other A-list artists in the Nigerian music industry. He rose to international prominence in 2020 after collaborating with music artist and producer Rexxie on the release of Ko Po Ke (KPK). The song featured in many Streets Pop and Afrobeat charts which made him a sensation that music lovers began to love. Since he came onto the big stage, Mohbad has worked with a host of artists which includes; Oladips, Rexxie, Micee, Bella Shmurda, Lil Frosh, C Blvck, Zinoleesky, to Naira Marley.

He thrilled his fans with another banger in 2020 by dropping the party jam song, Balan Zia Gar. As soon as it was released, the single became the choice song in clubs and parties across the country.

Between 2019 and 2022, Mohbad dropped hit singles such as Real Hustlers, Balan Zia Gar, Ronaldo, Jaabo, See My Bounzer, Fire, Oja, Adura , Owaale and others .

Social media played a huge role in Mohbad‘s rise in the industry. He successfully built a large following on social media. He  has over 1 million followers on Instagram and over 159k on Twitter.

On 5th of September, 2022, Mohbad alleged that he was assaulted by members of his record label, Marlian Music, for requesting to change his manager. In a tweet with a video clip, Mohbad was seen with a bruise on his shoulder, while voices could be heard in the background of another video stating he was overpowered and abused in the sight of label owner Naira Marley, who did not interfere.

With Mohbad’s huge passion and determination for music, he rose to a huge fame and also won several awards like in 2021, he won Producer of the Year at the 2021 Beatz Awards and many others awards in which he earned.

Mohbad made a name in the Nigerian music industry and even if he is no more today, the influence he gave to his fans will forever be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.

Delia Nyadi