It is a sad rainy day for creatives in Lagos as the remains of KPK hitmaker, Mohbad was laid to rest. Born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, the 27-year-old singer, rapper and songwriter is a fast-rising star whose hit song ‘Ko Por Ke’ (KPK) impacted popular culture. The news of his death broke the internet on Tuesday September 12 and was buried earlier today. Although the cause of the death was not established, he was believed to have died after receiving treatment for an infection.
His death had triggered online outrage against his former boss and music collaborator, Naira Marley who served as the executive producer for the eight-track EP titled “Light.’’ He had a sour relationship with Marley and announced his departure from Marlian Records on the allegations of financial malpractice. Mohbad had demanded for his manager to be changed.
The embattled singer was reported to have struggled with depression after his feud with the record company. His associate, Bella Shmurda revealed in an interview that Mohbad had attempted suicide in his frustration after calling it quits with Marlian records. Marley had also alleged that Mohbad had been abusing substances.
In his own defense after allegedly beaten up by the Marlian crew, Mohbad tweeted: “I am not intoxicated but I have just been diagnosed as an emergency hypertensive patient. I’m not on drugs or drinks and my life is at stake. I’m still getting threats.”
Although short-lived, Mohbad’s career was successful with a good number of hit songs in his portfolio. In 2022, his song “Peace’’ made a debut on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs Chart. Other hit songs are “Ponmo, Feel Good,” “Hallelujah’’ and “Ronaldo.” His lyrics reflect his relationship with God and spirituality.
He is survived by his wife, Wunmi and son as well as other relatives. His funeral in Lagos was besieged by wailing fans as a few celebrities such as Kogbagidi, Cute Abiola and OGB Recent who made it to the burial grounds were harassed and extorted by miscreants.
Marley broke his silence with a brief condolence message on twitter and video posts of the hits made by the record label for the late artist.
