Izuchukwu Okosi
The Nigerian entertainment space has been inundated by a flurry of emerging stories in the aftermath of the demise of 27-year-old music act, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known by his stage name as Mohbad.
Mohbad’s unfortunate and sad death on September 12 (regretfully on the birthday of this writer) has seen so many of his supporters point the finger of blame on a number of people close to him – family, friends or business associates.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWhile the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have successfully carried out an autopsy on the body of the ‘Peace’ crooner, Prime Business Africa here presents the four lessons to be learned from the widely trending subject.
1. Nigeria’s Music Global Appeal
Following the death of Mohbad, several international music platforms and media channels have jumped on it to either celebrate him and/or condemn those that are reportedly principal suspects in his untimely death.
Top Nigerian music stars like Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna, Boy, Tubaba Idibia, Asa, etc have all made the industry grow in leaps and bounds and thus ensure Afrobeat has become a respectable brand.
For example, the death of Mohbad has seen his videos shown on New York Times Squares Billboard while MTV Base, once managed by Nigeria’s Alex Okosi (uncle to the writer) has banned all Naira Marley songs on their pay television station.
2. Short Term Contracts
Mohbad was initially signed on the record label of Naira Marley – the chief suspect on his death – with whom he had a running battle after leaving his record label shortly after the arrests made by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his abode over possession of hard drugs.
The details of Mohbad’s contract terms under the Naira Marley’s music label is not disclosed but one salient point that artistes have to take out of such slavish deals is that they must sign short term contracts with get-out clauses with several witnesses on both parties onboard.
In the Nigerian context and going by how things have turned awry with artistes and ‘music masters’, any of such deals must not exceed two years albeit with the option of extensions if/when things go well.
3. Law Enforcement Agiencies To The Rescue?
There was a police entry/complaint made by Mohbad that has been circulating in the media.
A copy of the letter sent by Mohhad and sent to the Nigeria Police Force which was sighted by Prime Business Africa indicate that the police was informed of the threat to his life by the duo of Naira Marley and Sam Larry.
However, it doesn’t seem as though much effort was made to nip any dangerous situation in the bud with Mohbad releasing a video of himself after he was brutalized by his supposed advasaries and warning that shlus anything haplemd to him, Naira Marley and Sam Larry should be held responsible.
There is a school of thought that felt he should have left country unannounced for his safety when it seemed that his life was in danger.
But that is a different story on its own. Issues of safety should ne made paramount by those who’s duty it is to protect lives and properties.
Meanwhile, there is a quote attributed to Naira Marley in some sections of the media saying that “we have taken down many man to the underground.”
Who are “we” and what is man (men), where is the underground? ”
As the Jamaicans would refer to a countryman, “brother man” should have something to explain about.
At least, just to clear the air.
4. Power of the Nigerian Youth
Most of those deeply hurt by the way a promising life and career was cut down are the Nigerian (and African) youths who were fans of the hit singer.
There are those from the older generation that appreciated his talent quite alright but the majority of those hit hard by the news of Mohbad’s are the Nigerian youths.
In their numbers, they have taken to the streets and social media handles to call for justice for their departed hero.
This goes a long way in showing that the youths of this generation have a very strong voice in matters that affect them in every area of their socio-economic lives.
A very strong message.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
