On September 12, 2023, Nigeria was hit by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad. A rising star in the hip-hop scene, affiliated with the Marlian record label, Mohbad's untimely demise sent shockwaves through the nation. It wasn't just the devoted hip-hop enthusiasts who mourned; even those unfamiliar with his music felt the weight of the loss.
We find ourselves contemplating the tragic cost of one life after Mohbad's sudden rise to fame after his passing. It's only fitting we draw some valuable lessons from his life and untimely departure.
This reflective piece on Mohbad's life and death shows the phenomenon of posthumous fame and why some individuals seem to shine brightest after they are gone.
To the best of my knowledge and memory, this is the second instance of such posthumous fame, with the musician Dagrin being the first. Dagrin's death had sent shockwaves through the nation, just as Mohbad's did. However, in Mohbad's case, there are allegations pointing fingers at Naira Marley, Sam Larry, and others as potential contributors to his tragic fate, which has sparked protests and demands for justice in the name of the departed artist.
There's nothing wrong with a young person striving to improve their life or that of their family. Mohbad's quest to rewrite his family's destiny led him into the world of music and brought him to Naira Marley. Little did he know that this journey, though promising, would lead him into a lion's den. After all, as the Yoruba saying goes, "money" (and success) is often found in the mouth of the lion. Yet, many have discovered that the quest for wealth and prosperity has led them through unexpected and treacherous paths. In Mohbad's pursuit of success, he entered the realm of the Naira LION. What was the outcome? Why do individuals, in the desire for success, unknowly choose the wrong and deadly lion?
Mohbad could have similarly achieved success as Asake, who thrives under Olamide's label, or others. However, his decision to join Marlian Records proves to be ill-fated.
This insight leads us to our lesson: we have to be careful with the decisions we make in life as they can make or mire us.
By Prudent Insight.