Azeez Adeshina Fashola (born 10 May 1991), known professionally as Naira Marley, is a British-
Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper.[2] He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians".[3][4]
While growing up, Fashola had plans of becoming an
MC and a
voice-over artist. He began rapping in 2013 after discovering his passion for music and was encouraged by close-knit friends from the Queens Roads area in Peckham to pursue his music career. He released the Max Twigz-assisted track "Marry Juana" before releasing his debut EP Gotta Dance in 2014.[7][8]
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 are also a tribute to the singer.[12]
2019 – present: musical releases, Marlian Records and debut album
On 18 December 2019, Marley released his second EP Lord of Lamba which was a mixture of
Afrobeats and
hip-hop.[18][19] The EP comprised six tracks and featured guest artists such as CBlvck,
Young John and
Mayorkun.[20] Its production was handled by
Killertunes,
Rexxie, and Studio Magic.[21][22]
During the "Marlian Fest", which was held at the
Eko Hotels and Suites on 30 December 2019, Marley announced the launch of his record label Marlian Records and unveiled CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu as signed acts.[23] On 10 July 2020, Marley unveiled another act under his label, Emo Grae, with a new single and visual titled 0903 featuring Buju.[24]
On 21 June 2021, Marley announced a new album God's Timing Is The Best, to be released after the official video for his song "COMING".[25][needs update]
Controversies
EFCC arrest
On 10 May 2019, the EFCC arrested Marley and his friends
Zlatan, Tiamiu Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses, Micheal "Taqueesh" Adenuga, and Abubakar Musa.[26] The arrest was made a day after Marley released the video for the controversial single "Am I A Yahoo Boy".[27] Five days later, the EFCC released Zlatan and three others but kept Marley in custody due to the evidence against him.[28] On 16 May 2019, the EFCC charged him with 11 counts of fraud before a federal high court in
Ikoyi, Lagos.[29] On 19 May 2019, Zlatan released the single "4 Nights In Ekohtiebo" while Marley was still in prison. In it, he talks about his industry friends, foes, and other people who he admired and how they came through for him.[30] In May 2019, Marley was arraigned and pleaded not guilty; a bail hearing was set for 30 May 2019.[31] On the day of the bail hearing, Marley released "Why", a song that was accompanied by an image of him in handcuffs. On 14 June 2019, he was released from jail 14 days after being granted ₦2,000,000 bail.[32] A few days later, he released "Soapy", a track about the sexual habits of inmates in detention.[33][34]
In October 2019, Marley returned to court to face the charges.[35] His case was later adjourned to 27 February 2020 after an EFCC witness testified against him.[36][needs update]
Flouting lockdown order
Naira Marley was detained by the Nigerian Police Force for contravening the lockdown order imposed by President
Muhammadu Buhari to contain the spread of
coronavirus in the country.[37] 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.[38] He was arraigned by the FCT Administration before a mobile court in Abuja over the concert.[39][40]
Valentine's concert in Cameroon
On Saturday 13 February 2021, a report surfaced online that the Marley Valentine's Concert in Cameroon had been canceled by Cameroon government authorities. The concert had already been postponed twice by the organizer and moved to different venues but was later cancelled entirely. According to Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, the cancellation was due to jealousy on the part of Cameroonian entertainers who are displeased with the traction Nigerian music and musicians have in Cameroon.[41][42]
Assault allegation
On 5 October 2022, Marley was accused of assault by his signee
MohBad in a series of statements on MohBad's social media. The posts featured pictures and videos of him with noticeable injuries that necessitated hospitalization.[43][44] Marley responded to the accusation by calling the incident a "family affair", claiming Mohbad was likely "high" when making the complaint.[45]