A recently circulated throwback video has stirred controversy as it depicts Nigerian rapper Naira Marley and his former signee, Mohbad, smoking in a room.
The footage, which appears to be behind-the-scenes of a music video, shows the duo in a room where illicit substances, firearms, and cash are prominently displayed.
Naira Marley can be seen smoking a blunt while engaging in a conversation with the late ‘Ko Por Ke’ crooner, subsequently offering the substance to Mohbad.
The video, which surfaced shortly after Mohbad’s unfortunate passing at the age of 27, has prompted fans and the public to question the nature of the influence Naira Marley may have had on the young artist.
Mohbad, who was formerly signed to Marlian Music, parted ways with the label in 2022 and had been vocal about the challenges he faced both during and after his association with Naira Marley’s camp.
This latest video has fueled concerns about the well-being and choices of Mohbad, as well as the extent of Naira Marley’s influence.
See the video below:
Naira Marley and Mohbad spotted with guns, smoking together in a throwback video, netizens react#JusticeForMohbad #Justice4Mohbad #JusticeForMohad #MohBadLivesOn pic.twitter.com/dP1ltdeixD
— 9jaspectators (@spectatorsng) September 22, 2023
@OurDaddy_ said, “Naira Marley is the one spoiling him. He didn’t want the smoke, he was forced to.”
@DiianaD_ said, “I’m sure without Naira Marley, Mohbad wouldn’t have even tried smoking at all. I’ve never seen smoke in his hands before.”
@DiianaD_ said, “Naira Marley is a bad influence.”
@UmehWrites said, “This was from a video shoot, yeah. And yeah, if you’re in Marlian Records, you should know that you will be a Marlian.”
@Mr_Bunki3 said, “This is the reason the boy ran for his life. Drug cartel.”
@idrgafwhatever said, “So because people have been saying they haven’t seen any video of Mohbad smoking, someone went and brought this video?
All of you are crazy. He’s still good in our eyes.”
@d_problemsolver said, “I hope you all are learning from this. Do not join bad gangs. Bad company corrupts good manners. Such a company leads to destruction.”
The comments and reactions from netizens regarding the throwback video have been divided. Some fans of Naira Marley and Mohbad dismissed the video as just a behind-the-scenes moment during a music video shoot. They argued that it might not accurately depict Mohbad’s personal choices and that he was simply following the script for the video.
Others, however, expressed disappointment and concern about the content of the video. They believed that Naira Marley’s influence on Mohbad could have led him down a negative path, especially considering the display of guns and drugs. These individuals emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with good influences and avoiding bad company, as it can have destructive consequences.
The timing of the video’s release also added to the controversy. Mohbad’s recent passing had already saddened fans, and this video seemed to further cast a shadow over the circumstances surrounding his life. It led people to question whether Naira Marley’s influence may have contributed to Mohbad’s challenges and ultimately his untimely demise.
However, some fans defended Mohbad and insisted that the video did not change their perception of him. They still saw him as a talented artist and chose to focus on the positive aspects of his career. These supporters were determined to remember him for his music rather than any negative associations.
The video has sparked discussions about the responsibility that influential figures like Naira Marley hold. Many believe that role models in the music industry should take into account the impact they have on young artists and fans, using their platform in a positive way.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Naira Marley and Marlian Music will respond to the public’s concerns about their influence. Mohbad’s tragic passing has brought attention to the potential dangers of involving oneself with the wrong crowd, highlighting the need for individuals to make responsible choices and surround themselves with positive influences.
