Afrobeats musician, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, is always in the news for the wrong reasons.
Love him or hate him, Naira Marley has been one of the most polarizing figures in Nigerian music over the last decade.
Hereās a breakdown of his background, rise to fame, and the controversies that shaped his career.
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Early Life & BackgroundBorn Azeez Fashola, Naira Marley spent a significant part of his early life in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria to pursue music full-time.
His style blended:
ā¢ Street-hop
ā¢ Afro-fusion
ā¢ UK influence
ā¢ Raw, unapologetic lyrics
From the beginning, he built his brand around rebellion and anti-establishment energy.
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The Breakthrough: āAm I A Yahoo Boy?āIn 2019, he released the viral track: Am I a Yahoo Boy
The song addressed internet fraud accusations in a sarcastic and defiant tone. It quickly became a street anthem.
But the attention wasnāt just musical.
Shortly after the song gained traction, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC - Nigeriaās āAnti-Corruptionā Agency) arrested him in May 2019 on alleged cybercrime charges.
Ironically, the arrest amplified his fame.
Instead of fading, he became bigger.
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āMarliansā & Cult FollowingAfter his release on bail, Naira Marley leaned into the controversy.
He built a loyal fan base called: Marlians
The movement became more than music; it was an identity rooted in:
ā¢ Street survival
ā¢ Anti-elite attitude
ā¢ Defiance of authority
His concerts were massive. His online engagement skyrocketed.
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Recurring ControversiesOver the years, his name has repeatedly surfaced in public debates:
ā¢ Clashes with anti-fraud campaigns
ā¢ Criticism for promoting āYahoo culture.ā
ā¢ Legal troubles
ā¢ Public feuds
ā¢ Association controversies
He often positioned himself as misunderstood, while critics argued he glamorized criminal culture.
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The Mohbad FalloutOne of the most serious controversies involved the late singer, Mohbad
Following Mohbadās death in 2023, public outrage turned toward Naira Marley and his record label, Marlian Records, over allegations of harassment and mistreatment.
Authorities later questioned him as investigations unfolded.
The situation significantly damaged his public image.
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Reinvention or Decline?Since then, his visibility has fluctuated.
While he still maintains a core fan base, the mainstream acceptance he once enjoyed appears reduced compared to his 2019ā2020 peak.
One thing is certain: Very few Nigerian artists have built fame as quickly or as controversially as Naira Marley.
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