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MusicNigeria

Nigeria: Mysterious death of Afrobeats idol stirs outrage

September 22, 2023

The late Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as MohBad, was one of the Afrobeats genre's rising stars. Nigerian fans have taken to the streets, seeking answers for his death at a Lagos hospital under vague circumstances.

https://p.dw.com/p/4Wg0b
Protests in Lagos after the death of Afrobeats star Ilerioluwa Aloba
Nigerians across the country are remembering what MohBad means to them, and seeking justice after he died at such a young ageImage: Sunday Alamba/AP/picture-alliance

The death of a prominent Afrobeats singer and rapper has stirred outrage in Nigeria, after he died mysteriously last week.

Thousands of Nigerians on Thursday demonstrated across the country to seek answers for the passing of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, who performed under the moniker MohBad. The 27-year-old was confirmed dead on September 13.

What do we know so far?

Aloba was taken in at a Lagos hospital for an unknown illness, he later died under unclear circumstances. Nigerian authorities said they exhumed his body on Thursday amid calls for a probe into the death.     

A candlelight vigil took place in Lagos late Thursday, after similar remembrance events in other parts of the country.  

In addition, fans on social media have called for justice for MohBad.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu tweeted Thursday that he was "not oblivious to the sad passing" of Aloba. 

"I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation," Sanwo-Olu said. He also urged "all friends and fans of the deceased to stay calm and refrain from making inflammatory utterances and reaching prejudicial conclusions on this matter."

Aloba's mother says popular Nigerian singer tied to son's death

Aloba, known for songs such as "Feel Good" and "Peace," was a rising star in the Afrobeats genre. He first came to prominence in 2019, and was signed on to the influential record label of Nigerian singer Naira Marley.   

Aloba departed Marley's record label in 2022 after a falling out with the singer. According to Nigerian newspaper Daily Trust, Aloba's mother Promise Aloba believes Naira Marley is "connected to her son's death." 

Demonstrations against Aloba's death
Nigerians on social media have posted many theories on the reasons and circumstances behind Aloba's deathImage: Sunday Alamba/AP/picture-alliance

"I know my son, he told me that Naira Marley usually threatened him," Promise Aloba said, according to the paper. "Please Nigerians help me to look for him; please have mercy on me; that is all you can do for me." 

Marley's label has rebuked the allegations, with Naira Marley referring to Aloba as a brother. 

"No family is perfect, families have disagreement, but no harm whatsoever was wished on MohBad. So many things left unsaid but the love was always there," the Malian Records label posted on social media. 

Afrobeats gains popularity around the world

The Afrobeats genre first emerged in the 2000s in Nigeria, with an Afrobeats scene also present in Ghana and the UK. Popular Afrobeats artists include Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, all from Nigeria. 

Afrobeats takes the inspiration for its name from Afrobeat, a genre which came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Afrobeat, which mixes West African musical styles along with funk and jazz, was made popular by Nigerian artist Fela Kuti.       

wd/rs (AFP, AP, Reuters) 

Afrobeats artists take world by storm