…as investigation into circumstances of death continues
The outrage generated by the sudden and tragic death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad, is yet to abate even as police appear to have made some progress in their investigations to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the untimely death of the singer.
The 27-year-old artist, described as one of Afrobeats’ finest talents, died on September 12, 2023 under controversial circumstances, sparking anger and protests both on the streets and on social media, with various groups demanding justice for the late singer.
In the midst of all of this, Pulse Entertainment reports that streaming platforms are brimming with tribute songs from artists in various corners of the music industry, predominantly from emerging street artists.
These artists, from Bella Shmurda to Portable, Oritsefemi, Harteez, KennyBlaze, Ajesings, Tobi Smallz, Oba P, Stevybrando, Olw Maro & Folahanmi, Dasmart, Albysnr, Muraino, Rybeena, Bhadboi Turner, Lucky Boyy, Damo K, Fola, and many more, have poured out their grief in heartfelt songs of tributes to their departed colleague, songs which serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Mohbad’s music and the love he inspired in his fellow musicians and fans.
For example, Bella Shmurda recorded ‘My Brother’ in honour of Mohbad, Portable sang ‘Alimi’, and Oritsefemi sang ‘Tribute to Mohbad’.
There are also songs by Prime Boy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Oba P – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Stevybrando – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Olw Maro & Folahanmi – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Dasmart – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Albysnr – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Muraino – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Rybeena, Bhadboi Turner, Lucky Boyy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Damo K, Fola, Harteez, KennyBlaze, Ajesings, Tobi Smallz, Ayanfe Viral, Shoday, Diamond Jimma, Superwozzy, Picazo Rhap, Dagizah, Fleezy Gunman, Kabex, Akika LMD – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Zaddy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Ola Wealth – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Khaid – ‘Forever’; Nelsing – ‘Tribute To Mohbad’; Tee West, Kabis, Pappu Shrmud, Neemaayo, Dhykrown, Oluwarichie, Yembex, Pizzule Rhp, K4C – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Jeydsnl – ‘Feel (Tribute to Mohbad)’; Johvicush, Larrywealth, Bobby YHNG, Jay Focus, Starry, Landrid, Jaycross – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Yungskid – ‘Tribute To Mohbad’; Swanboi – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Walie Whales – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; HotboiAkb – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Emperor Deoye – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; and Blessed Kid, DJ Spirit – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’.
Other artists and their songs of tribute to Mohbad include Segestino – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Amos Ranking, Zeezkid, IceyGray, Cashy Wave, Balocinnih, Rabbzzy, Original Daveed – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; The Flows – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Lamlek, Gidioni, Larmiekay, Lookzyhuzzle – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Xcliton – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Hadwon, Davinsin, Eejay Stuntz, Xunny – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Psalmwise, Starboi Lala, Lekyzon, Yung Fash, Dejlavo, Mender, Yhungking, Youngest Ibile, Damzzy, Young Lee, BJ Vibez, Stardeedaoo, Smoney – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Lil Femmy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Sensation Muzik – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Azzydee, Viiicky, Elish Shalo, Watermania – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Mr Pafta – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Enu Ope – ‘Tribute To Mohbad’; Khalif Likki – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Dickson Boi – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; DJ Hobby Beatz – ‘Mohbad Tribute Song’; Pnor P – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Emnsmol – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Johnbosco – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Samboy Vibes – ‘Sorry (Tribute to Mohbad)’; POP K – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Charles Adeyinka – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Bobbyaino – ‘Mohbad Last Respect’; Kayprimez – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Zyper Lee – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Shabba – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Holuwatzee, Loco De La Cruz, Faim – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Water Badmus, Antras, Anexboy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Psycho Vee – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Lil Charizma – ‘Too Late’; Ollaphred – ‘A Tribute to Mohbad’; Stmboi Otiwa – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Kayboy – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Regaljay – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’; Jobulux – ‘Tribute to Mohbad Imole’; Skaizy Kennash – ‘Tribute to Mohbad’.
At the same time, Mohbad’s music has continued to enjoy commercial success on streaming platforms across the country since his death. Mohbad was the most streamed artist on YouTube Nigeria in the tracking week of September 29-October 5 with a cumulative view of 2.3 million, according to TurnTable Charts, the only aggregate chart system in Nigerian that aggregates data across TV, Radio, and streaming platforms.
In a related development, recent investigations into Mohbad’s music estate revealed a significant financial value. Monitoring streams and an Imolenization CAC search indicated that as of today, Mohbad’s music estate is estimated to be worth approximately N700 million, equivalent to around $690,000. His music is available on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, Deezer, Shazam, Napster, iTunes, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, and more.
Meanwhile, as police authorities continue their investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s passing, the Nigerian music industry and fans eagerly await the outcome.
Just last week, the Lagos Police Commissioner, Idowu Owohunwa, confirmed that Mohbad sustained some physical injuries through during an altercation with his childhood friend, PrimeBoy, that may have ultimately led to his tragic death.
Owohunwa explained that PrimeBoy, one of the suspects apprehended in connection with Mohbad’s death, attended the late singer’s show in Ikorodu on September 10, 2023, accompanied by the artist himself. Unfortunately, an altercation erupted at the end of the show, resulting in Mohbad’s injuries. The severity of these injuries led to his unfortunate passing, and PrimeBoy is now being treated as a suspect in the case.
The Police Commissioner further associated Mohbad’s death with an injection administered by an auxiliary nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, who treated Mohbad on September 12. He emphasized that the said nurse was not qualified to administer such an injection, especially in a non-clinical environment.
Additionally, the Commissioner mentioned that Naira Marley, owner of Marlian Records where Mohbad was previously signed, and Sam Larry would face charges related to bullying, with substantial evidence against them.
As of October 6, five suspects had been arrested, detained, and interrogated in connection with the events that preceded Mohbad’s death.
