Mohbad Oba Imole was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame with his catchy and energetic songs. He was one of the most promising talents in the Afrobeat scene, with millions of fans and streams across various platforms. Sadly, he passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration.
Early Life and Career
Mohbad Oba Imole, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was born on June 8, 1996, in Ketu, Lagos State. He developed a passion for music at a young age and started recording songs in his teens. He invaded Instagram with the popular nickname MohBad, who also addressed himself as “Imole,” meaning "light" in Yoruba. He became well-known after performing covers of well-known songs in a series of music skits on the platform.
In 2019, he signed a record deal with Marlian Records, a label founded by Naira Marley, one of the biggest names in Nigerian music. Under Marlian Records, he released his debut EP, Light, in December 2020, which featured collaborations with Davido, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh. The EP was a success, with songs like "Ponmo," "Sorry," and "KPK (Ko Por Ke)" becoming viral hits.
In 2021, he was nominated for several awards, including The Headies and The Beatz Awards, for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. He was also listed in Audiomack's top 21 Afrobeat artists of 2021, alongside other stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage.
In 2022, he left Marlian Records and launched his own label, Imolenization. He released his second EP, Blessed, in June 2023, which showcased his versatility and growth as an artist. The EP featured guest appearances from Zlatan and Bella Shmurda, and producers like Niphkeys and Timi Jay. The EP was well-received by fans and critics alike, with songs like "Peace," "Beast and Peace," "Feel Good," and "Ask About Me" becoming popular anthems.
Tragic Death and Legacy
On September 12, 2023, Mohbad Oba Imole was involved in a fatal car accident in Lagos, Nigeria. He was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The news of his death shocked and saddened the music community and his loyal fans, who expressed their condolences and tributes on social media. Many celebrities and fellow artists also paid their respects and praised his talent and personality.
Following his death, his music experienced a surge in popularity, as his songs topped the charts and broke records on various platforms. His EP, Blessed, reached number one on Apple Music in Nigeria, and his song, "Peace," debuted at number two on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs chart. He also became the 46th best-selling digital artist in the world, surpassing international artists like Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Lady Gaga, and Chris Brown.
Mohbad Oba Imole was a rising star who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a talented and passionate musician who touched the hearts of many with his music and charisma. He was a source of inspiration and joy for his fans and peers. He will always be remembered as one of the best Afrobeat artists of his generation, and his music will live on forever.
Did Mohbad Have Any Children?
Yes, Mohbad had a son with his wife, Wunmi. His son was born in 2022, and he was named Imole, meaning “light” in Yoruba, after his father’s nickname. Mohbad loved his son very much, and he wanted him to be safe and happy. He even planned to relocate his family to another country, because he feared for their lives in Nigeria. Unfortunately, he did not live to see his son grow up, but he left behind a legacy of music and inspiration for him and his fans.
Did Mohbad Have Any Siblings?
Mohbad had two siblings, a brother and a sister, but their names and other details are not publicly known. His parents and other family members are pastors in a white garment church. Mohbad was close to his family and often visited them in his hometown, Ikorodu. He also supported them financially with his music earnings.
Mohbad was a loving and caring son, brother, and father, who cherished his family and friends.
What Are Some Of Mohbad's Popular Songs?
Some of Mohbad’s popular songs are:
KPK (Ko Por Ke): This song became a viral sensation and solidified his position in the Nigerian music scene. Its catchy hook and danceable beat made it a favorite among music lovers.
Marlians Anthem: This song was his way of paying homage to the Marlian movement, a fan base associated with popular Nigerian artist and then record label boss Naira Marley. The song celebrated the unique lifestyle and philosophy of the Marlian culture.
Ponmo: This collaboration with Zlatan and Naira Marley was a street anthem. The song’s title, “Ponmo,” means “meat” in Yoruba, and the track had a catchy rhythm that resonated with listeners.
Overhype: In this song, Mohbad addressed the criticism and scrutiny that often comes with fame. He shared his perspective on the highs and lows of the industry, offering listeners a glimpse into the artist’s life.
Sorry: This song showcased Mohbad’s versatility and ability to create emotional and heartfelt music. The song touched on themes of love and regret, showcasing a different side of his artistry.
Did Mohbad Win Any Awards?
Yes, Mohbad won several awards during his career and after his death. Some of them are:
The Headies 2022: He was nominated for three categories: Best Rap Single, Best Street-Hop Artiste, and Song of the Year, for his hit song “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” with Rexxie.
The Beatz Awards 2021: He won five awards: Best Afro Pop Artiste, Best Afro Pop Song, Best Afro Pop Producer, Best Street-Hop Artiste, and Best Street-Hop Song, for his songs “Ponmo” and “Peace”.
SDTA Awards 2023: He received two posthumous awards: Supreme African Street-Hop Artiste of the Year and Supreme African Song of the Year, for his song “Beast and Peace”. He was also immortalized with an annual award category, Supreme Imole Rookie Street-Hop Artiste of the Year, named after his moniker “Imole”.
Mohbad was a talented and successful artist who was recognized and honored for his contributions to the music industry. He will always be remembered as a legend in life and death.
Mohbad Net Worth
Mohbad’s net worth was estimated to be between $30,000 and $900,000 at the time of his death. He earned his wealth from his music career, endorsements, and other ventures. He was one of the most popular and influential Afrobeat artists in Nigeria and beyond.
What Other Ventures Did Mohbad Have?
Besides his music career, Mohbad also had other ventures that showcased his creativity and entrepreneurship. Some of them are:
Mohbad Imole: This was his official website, where he shared his music, videos, tour dates, and contact information. He also had a blog section, where he posted updates and insights about his life and work.
Imolenization: This was his own record label, which he launched in 2022 after leaving Marlian Records. He signed and mentored some upcoming artists, such as C Blvck, Fabian Blu, and Lyta. He also released his second EP, Blessed, under this label.
Imole Clothing: This was his clothing line, which he started in 2021. He designed and sold various items, such as t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and accessories, with his signature logo and slogans. He also collaborated with some brands, such as Nike and Adidas, to create exclusive collections.
Mohbad was a versatile and ambitious artist who explored different avenues to express his passion and talent. He was not only a musician, but also a businessman, a leader, and a visionary.
Mohbad Houses
Mohbad owned two houses in Lagos, Nigeria. One was a serviced apartment in Lekki, where he resided and recorded most of his songs. The other was a mansion in Ikorodu, his hometown, where he occasionally visited his family and friends. He reportedly bought the mansion in 2022, after leaving Marlian Records, as a way of giving back to his community.
Mohbad Cars
Mohbad was a successful and wealthy artist who enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. He owned two cars, a Range Rover Velar and a Toyota Camry, which he bought in 2022 and 2021 respectively. He was also planning to buy another Range Rover Velar in a different color, but he died before he could do so. He loved his cars and often showed them off on his social media accounts.
Controversy And Activism Of Mohbad Oba Imole
Mohbad Oba Imole was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who was involved in some controversy and activism during his career. Some of the issues he faced or supported were:
NDLEA arrest: In February 2022, Mohbad and four other artists were arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at their home in Lekki, Lagos for possession of illegal substances that included MDMA and cannabis. They were not charged, but the incident sparked a debate about the influence of drugs on the music industry and the society.
Marlian Records dispute: In 2022, Mohbad left Marlian Records, a label founded by Naira Marley, one of the biggest names in Nigerian music. He alleged that he was not paid his royalties and that his tours were being sabotaged by Naira Marley and his associates. He also claimed that he was assaulted and his equipment was destroyed by a music promoter who was linked to Naira Marley. Naira Marley denied the allegations and accused Mohbad of being ungrateful and disrespectful. The feud caused a rift among their fans and the music community.
Justice for Mohbad: After Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023, in a car accident, his fans and fellow artists demanded justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. They suspected foul play and pointed fingers at Naira Marley and his associates, who they believed had a motive to harm Mohbad. They also accused the authorities of negligence and corruption in handling the case. They staged protests and rallies in various cities across Nigeria, calling for justice and accountability. They also used the hashtag #justiceformohbad on social media to raise awareness and pressure the government to act.
Anti-SARS movement: Mohbad was an outspoken supporter of the anti-SARS movement, which was a campaign against police brutality and corruption in Nigeria. He joined the nationwide protests in October 2020, which were sparked by the killing of a young man by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit of the Nigerian police. He also used his music and platform to speak out against the injustice and violence inflicted by the police on the youth and the poor. He dedicated his song “Peace” to the victims and survivors of the SARS atrocities.
Mohbad Oba Imole was a controversial and activist artist who was not afraid to express his views and stand up for his rights and causes. He was a voice of the people and a champion of change. He will always be remembered as a legend in life and death.
Conclusion
Mohbad Oba Imole was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame with his catchy and energetic songs. He was one of the most promising talents in the Afrobeat scene, with millions of fans and streams across various platforms. He was also a versatile and ambitious artist who explored different avenues to express his passion and talent.
He was a loving and caring son, brother, father, and friend, who cherished his family and friends. Sadly, he passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27, leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration. He will always be remembered as one of the best Afrobeat artists of his generation, and his music will live on forever.
