Two radio broadcast stations, Splash FM 105.5 and Agidigbo FM 88.7 in Ibadan, Oyo State, have banned the playing of songs by Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, from airing on their stations until further notice.
This follows the criticism surrounding Marley, following the death of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, popularly known as MohBad.
9jaSpectators reporter confirmed on Tuesday from one of the staff members at Agidigbo FM that the radio station has banned the airing of Marley’s songs.
Additionally, one of the presenters at Splash FM radio station, Aderonke Adesola, disclosed the ban of Naira Marley’s songs by their station in a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday.
According to the post, Marley’s songs have been placed on “Not to Be Broadcast” status on the radio frequency by the station’s management.
The post read, “Good evening team. In view of the sensitive nature surrounding the death of MohBad and the ongoing criminal procedure, the police have commenced, I urge all of us to exercise discretion.
“To this effect, Naira Marley’s songs have become NTBB (not to be broadcast) on our station until further notice. This is effective immediately. Thank you.”
The decision to ban Naira Marley’s songs on both Splash FM and Agidigbo FM came as a surprise to many listeners and fans of the controversial artist. The news quickly spread, sparking mixed reactions from the public.
While some supported the ban, citing the need for responsible broadcasting, others felt it was an infringement on artistic freedom. Social media platforms were abuzz with discussions about the decision, with many expressing their opinions on whether it was an appropriate response to the recent events surrounding MohBad’s death.
It should be noted that Naira Marley and MohBad were known collaborators in the music industry, and their songs often topped the charts. However, their association also brought about controversy, as both artists had been embroiled in legal issues in the past.
The death of MohBad heightened the scrutiny surrounding Naira Marley’s influence on the youth and his alleged involvement in promoting a controversial lifestyle. The police investigation into MohBad’s demise only added fuel to the fire, prompting the radio stations to take action against Marley’s music.
The ban was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some viewed it as a necessity to maintain social responsibility, considering the ongoing criminal investigation. Others saw it as an attempt to suppress artistic expression and freedom of speech.
Naira Marley, known for his unapologetic and often explicit lyrics, has been a polarizing figure in the Nigerian music scene. His songs have amassed millions of streams and earned him a dedicated fanbase, but they have also drawn criticism from those who argue that his music promotes immoral behavior.
As the ban remains in effect, fans and critics alike anxiously await updates on the situation. Will other radio stations follow suit, or will they choose to continue playing Naira Marley’s songs? Only time will tell how this development will impact the artist’s career and the broader conversation surrounding the responsibilities of artists and broadcasters.
