NAIRA MARLEY

Early Life and Background

Naira Marley was born on May 10, 1991, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. At the age of 11, he relocated to Peckham, South London, England, where he spent a significant portion of his youth. He studied at Porlock Hall and later attended Walworth School, where he obtained his General Certificate of Secondary Education. He continued his studies at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College), where he graduated with a distinction in business.

Entry into Music

Initially, Naira Marley had no aspirations of becoming a musician. He originally intended to manage the careers of his friends in Peckham, who were aspiring MCs and rappers. However, in 2014, he discovered his own passion for music after his friends encouraged him to take the lead on a rap session they had paid for. He released his first track, "Marry Juana," featuring Max Twigz, which became a UK street anthem.

He rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene with his 2017 hit single "Issa Goal," featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh. The song became an unofficial anthem for the Nigerian national football team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The "Marlians" Movement and Controversies

Naira Marley's career is marked by both massive popularity and significant controversy. In 2019, he became a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria. His outspoken views, rebellious persona, and an unapologetic embrace of street culture resonated deeply with the youth, leading to the creation of his fanbase, the "Marlians."

His fame intensified following his arrest in May 2019 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of alleged internet fraud and money laundering. He was arrested alongside fellow artists Zlatan Ibile and Rahman Jago. His arrest came shortly after he released the controversial track "Am I A Yahoo Boy." He was detained for over a month, and the case sparked a nationwide debate on cybercrime and artistic freedom. After his release, he dropped the song "Soapy," which detailed his experiences in prison and became a massive, albeit controversial, hit.

Marlian Music

Naira Marley is the founder and CEO of Marlian Music, a record label he established in 2019. The label has been home to a roster of popular artists, including Zinoleesky, MohBad, and C Blvck. Through his label, he has been instrumental in launching the careers of several successful acts in the Nigerian street-hop scene.

MohBad's Death and Renewed Controversy

In September 2023, Naira Marley was embroiled in a major controversy following the tragic death of his former signee, MohBad. Prior to his death, MohBad had made public allegations of harassment, bullying, and physical assault by Naira Marley and his associates after he expressed his desire to leave the Marlian Music label.

Following MohBad's death, these allegations resurfaced, leading to intense public scrutiny and widespread calls for an investigation into Naira Marley's potential involvement in the circumstances that led to the young artist's demise. Naira Marley has publicly denied all allegations of wrongdoing, but the case remains a subject of ongoing police investigation and intense public interest.

Musical Style and Impact

Naira Marley's music is a gritty fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and street-hop, often featuring raw, unfiltered lyrics that touch on themes of wealth, street life, and social commentary. Despite the numerous controversies, his influence on the Nigerian music landscape is undeniable. He has given a voice to a segment of the youth and has pioneered a sound and movement that have had a lasting impact on the culture.