Naira Marley

Azeez Adeshina Fashola (born 10 May, 1991), known professionally as Naira Marley, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[2][3] He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians".[4][5]

Naira Marley
Born
Azeez Adeshina Fashola

(1991-05-10) 10 May 1991
Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria
Occupation
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2014–present
LabelsMarlian Records[1]
Associated acts

Early life and education

Naira Marley was born in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. At the age of 11, he moved to Peckham, South London, England.[6] He studied at Porlock Hall before attending Walworth School, where he obtained his General Certificate of Secondary Education. Naira Marley graduated with a distinction in business from Peckham Academy. He also studied business law at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College).[7]

Career

2014–2018: Career beginnings

While growing up, Naira Marley had plans of becoming an MC and voice-over artist. He began singing in 2014 after discovering his passion for music and was encouraged by close-knit friends to pursue music. He released the Max Twigz-assisted track "Marry Juana" before releasing his debut EP Gotta Dance in 2015.[8][9]

In December 2017, he released the Olamide and Lil Kesh-assisted single "Issa Goal", which became the theme song for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[10] The official remix of "Issa Goal" was released on 16 June 2018; it features vocals by Olamide, Lil Kesh, Falz, Simi and Slimcase.[11]

Naira Marley sings in English, Pidgin and Yoruba; his music is a blend of Afrobeats and hip-hop. He derived his stage name from Jamaican singer Bob Marley, whom he admires; his dreadlocks is also a tribute to the singer.[12]

2019–present: "Am I A Yahoo Boy", "Soapy" and Lord of Lamba

Naira Marley released the Zlatan-assisted track "Am I A Yahoo Boy" on 3 May 2019, and was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that same day.[13][14] He released "Soapy" on 27 June 2019, a few days after he was released from prison.[15] On 11 January 2020, he won Viewers' Choice for "Soapy" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.[16]

On 18 December 2019, Naira Marley released his second EP Lord of Lamba; it is a mixture of Afrobeats and hip-hop.[17][18] The EP comprises 6 tracks and features guest artists such as CBlvck, Young John and Mayorkun.[19] Its production was handled by Killertunes, Rexxie and Studio Magic.[20][21]

Marlian Records

During the "Marlian Fest", which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites on 30 December 2019, Naira Marley announced the launch of his record label Marlian Records and unveiled CBlvck, Zinoleesky, MohBad and Fabian Blu as signed acts.[22]

On 10th July 2020, Naira Marley took to his Instagram Page to unveil another act under his label, named: Emo Grae with a new single and visual titled 0903 featuring Buju. [23]

Lyta, a former signee of YBNL, Olamide’s record label, has joined Marlian Music, a brand owned by Azeez Fashola, a rapper-singer better known as Naira Marley.[24]

Controversies

EFCC arrest

On 10 May 2019, the EFCC arrested Naira Marley and his friends Zlatan, Tiamiu Kayode, Adewunmi Moses and Abubakar Musa.[25] The arrest was made a day after he released the video for the controversial single "Am I A Yahoo Boy".[26] Five days later, the EFCC released Zlatan and three others but kept Marley in their custody due to overwhelming evidence against him.[27] On 16 May 2019, the EFCC charged him with 11 counts of fraud before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.[28] On 19 May 2019, he released the single "4 Nights In Ekohtiebo" while still in prison. In it, he talks about his industry friends, foes and other people who have admired him.[29] In May 2019, he was arraigned before the Federal High Court and pleaded "not guilty"; a bail hearing was set for 30 May 2019.[30] On the day of the bail hearing, Naira Marley released "Why", a song that was accompanied by an image of him in handcuffs. On 14 June 2019, he was released from jail fourteen days after being granted ₦2,000,000 bail.[31] A few days later, he released "Soapy", a track about the sexual habits of inmates in detention.[32][33]

In October 2019, he returned to the Federal High Court to face his charges.[34] His case was later adjourned to 27 February 2020 after an EFCC witness testified against him.[35]

Flouting lockdown order

He was detained by the Nigerian Police Force for contravening the lockdown order imposed on Lagos State by President Muhammadu Buhari to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.[36] On 13 June 2020, he performed at a concert in Abuja despite the interstate travel ban and social distancing rules aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.[37]

Personal life

Naira Marley is married to two women and has four children.[38]

Discography

EPs
  • Gotta Dance (2015)
  • Lord of Lamba (2019)

Singles
  • "Issa Goal" (2017)
  • "Japa" (2018)
  • "Am I A Yahoo Boy" (2019)
  • "Bad influence" (2019)
  • "Opotoyi (Marlians)" (2019)
  • "Soapy" (2019)
  • "Puta" (2019)
  • "Mafo" (2019)
  • "Tesumole" (2019)
  • "Tingasa" (2019)
  • "Aye" (2020)

Awards and nominations
YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef
2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Viewers' Choice "Soapy" Won [39]
Song of the Year Nominated
Best Pop Himself Nominated
2019 City People Music Awards Artiste of the Year (Male) Nominated [40]
Street Song of the Year "Soapy" Nominated
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References
  1. Augoye, Jayne (2 January 2020). "Naira Marley floats record label, signs four artistes". Premium Times. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  2. "Naira Marley: Tins you suppose know about Afeez Fashola aka Naira Marley". BBC. 21 May 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  3. "We won't fly with your 'hungry airline' again: Naira Marley replies Executive Jets". P.M. News. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  4. Okanlawon, Taiwo (29 December 2019). "Naira Marley premieres new dance moves in "Tesumole"". P.M. News. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  5. Abraham, Anthony Ada (9 November 2019). "Marlian Movement And Their Crazy Lifestyle". Leadership Newspaper. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  6. "Naira Marley, Career, Background, Biography". NotJustOk. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  7. "Naira Marley Net Worth, Biography, Cars, and Lifestyle". PunchyInfo. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  8. Mcquaid, Ian (2 March 2018). "Get to know Naira Marley, the Lagos via Peckham MC pioneering afrobashment". Mixmag. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  9. Obialo, Maduawuchi (15 November 2019). "Naira Marley Biography, Net Worth and More". Nigerian Guide. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  10. Onyekwena, Chiagoziem (23 June 2018). "How Naira Marley's Issa Goal became Nigeria's World Cup, 2018 theme song". The Guardian Nigeria. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  11. "[Song] Naira Marley, Falz, Olamide, Simi, Lil Kesh and Slimcase - Naija IssaGoal (Remix)". tooXclusive. 16 June 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  12. Hernandez, Dammie (8 June 2019). "Naira Marley Biography, Life History, Net Worth, Age". Kikiotolu. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  13. Pierre, Alphonse (13 May 2019). "New Rap Song of the Day: Naira Marley and Zlatan "Am I a Yahoo Boy"". Pitchfork. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  14. Alake, Motolani (3 May 2019). "Naira Marley and Zlatan look to benefit from controversy with 'Am I A Yahoo Boy?'". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  15. Alake, Motolani (1 July 2019). "Naira Marley 'Soapy', soapy dance and the criticism [Pulse Opinion]". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  16. Augoye, Jayne (12 January 2020). "Naira Marley wins first major award at Soundcity MVP (Full list of winners)". Premium Times. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  17. Samanga, Rufaro (18 December 2019). "Listen to Naira Marley's New EP 'Lord of Lamba'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  18. Alake, Motolani (18 December 2019). "Naira Marley - Lord of Lamba (LOL) [Album Review]". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  19. "Album Review: Naira Marley 'Lord of Lamba' EP caps off his unique year". The Sun Nigeria. 29 December 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  20. "[Full EP] Naira Marley - "LOL" (Lord Of Lamba) EP". tooXclusive. 17 December 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  21. "Naira Marley's Lord of Lamba EP caps off his unique year". Pulse NG. 30 December 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  22. Alake, Motolani (2 January 2020). "Naira Marley announces new label, Marlian Records, signs four artists". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  23. "Photo: [Music + Video] Marlian Music New Artiste ➺ "EMO Grae" Drops "0903" Ft. Buju". Naijaloaded. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  24. Kid, Star (12 August 2020). "The Deal Has Been Signed! Lyta Did Well By Living Olamide's Label to Join Naira Marley at Marlian Music". Profkay Media. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  25. "Photo: Behold Naira Marley, four others arrested by EFCC". P.M. News. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  26. "[Video] Naira Marley x Zlatan - Am I A Yahoo Boy". Naijaloaded. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  27. Augoye, Jayne (15 May 2019). "Zlatan, three others freed, Naira Marley still in EFCC custody". Premium Times. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  28. Inyang, Ifreke (16 May 2019). "EFCC files 11 charges against Naira Marley". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  29. "5 Zlatan - 4 Nights In Ekohtiebo". Naijaloaded. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  30. Okonofua, Odion (20 May 2019). "5 things that happened at Naira Marley's court case hearing". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  31. "BREAKING: Naira Marley Released 14 Days After He Was Granted Bail". Sahara Reporters. 14 June 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  32. "Naira Marley deserves criticism for 'Soapy', but there's a slight complication". Pulse NG. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  33. ""Soapy" dance: Prison care advocate slams Naira Marley". Tribuneonline. 4 July 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  34. Okonofua, Odion (22 October 2019). "Naira Marley back in court over alleged cyber fraud [Video]". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  35. "EFCC witness testifies against Naira Marley". Premium Times. 12 December 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  36. "Police detains Naira Marley over Funke Akindele's house party". The Guardian. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  37. Augoye, Jayne (14 June 2020). "Amidst COVID-19, Naira Marley holds Abuja concert". Premium Times. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  38. Alagbe, Jesusegun (28 May 2019). "I have two wives and four children, I'm not a criminal —Naira Marley". The Punch. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  39. Alake, Motolani (12 January 2020). "Davido, Naira Marley, Burna Boy, Rema, Fireboy and the winners at the Soundcity MVP Awards 2020". Pulse NG. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  40. "#CityPeopleMusicAwards: Nominees List Out". City People Magazine. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
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