On September 12, 2023, the news of the demise of Street hop singer-songwriter, former Marlian Records signee, and record label boss, MohBad, broke out. Fans, friends, and people alike felt it was a media stunt. Some took to X, Elon Musk’s social media calling out those early news sharers. Not until videos, messages, and social media updates from industry colleagues began to filter in and confirm that truly the young tree had been uprooted just before it began to bear more fruits.

MohBad, with birth name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was born on June 8, 1996, in Ketu suburbs of Nigeria’s financial capital, Lagos, to Joseph Aloba and Promise Oladimeji Emmanuel Ayobami. He had four other siblings.

He had his primary and secondary school education in Lagos.

In his late preteen years, his parents separated.

MohBad began to find expression in music early in life and at age 16, he was recording and posting videos of his freestyle raps on social media. He also did covers for popular Nigerian musicians’ releases. Gradually, he began to gain popularity on social media and garnered fans. One cover that was pivotal to his rise was Kizz Daniel’s Fvck You. This cover earned him a notice with controversial Nigerian artist and Marlian Records boss, Naira Marley.

Earlier in 2019, MohBad released a single, “Balan Zar Gia '' whose title was synonymous with the luxury clothing brand, Balenciaga. Balan Zar Gia was released on the heels of “Oja,” another single that featured Nigerian rap artist, Oladips.

On December 30, 2019, during the Marlian Fest, Adeyemi Fashola, better known as Naira Marley, announced on stage that he had signed on MohBad with three other upcoming artists - Zinoleesky, Cblack, and Fabian Blu.

In 2020, featuring Marlian Records boss, MohBad released his debut single under his new management “Koma Jesun.'' Though it wasn't a success, the following one “KPK - ( Ko Por Ke)” featuring Rexxie, an award-winning producer, was a hit. Not resting on his oars, he capped the year with his debut EP, “Light” which featured top-tier Nigerian artists such as Davido, Lil Kesh, and his record label boss. Light EP had well over 20 million streams on Audiomack within the first month of release, a major feat for the new kid on the block.

Showing dexterity in his music, the Street hop crooner who started as a rapper later took on singing and thus, went on to release other songs such as Ponmo, Gumbody, Peace, Sorry, Feel Good, and others.

In 2022, there was a public fallout between the KPK crooner and his record label boss. Amid the spat with Naira Marley, MohBad’s nest shared with Zinoleesky and four other friends was raided by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives and banned substances were said to be found in their home. The street hop artist and his friends were arrested but later released.

Thereafter, MohBad launched his record label, Imolenisation. Never giving up on his music career, MohBad released the chart-topping single “Peace” which was produced by Rexxie. He also released an EP, titled “Blessed” featuring his friend, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, and others.

But he continued to point fingers at his former boss and  Nigerian show promoter, Sam Larry, accusing them of frustrating his efforts in the music industry and having plans to take his life.

Despite the controversies surrounding the KPK crooner, he got some nods in the industry - three nominations at The Headies in 2021 and five nominations at The Beatz Awards the same year. His hit song, “Peace” also found spots and peaked on the TurnTable top 50 in 2021 and top 100 in 2022. His Blessed EP also hit the number one spot on Apple Music in Nigeria chart.

Interestingly, after his demise, his songs have continued to top charts across the globe.

Though his immediate family members were left out of the waking eyes of social media, MohBah had a partner, Omawunmi, and they both had a son.

With so much achieved in his short life, one could only imagine what could have been if MohBad had lived longer. Nevertheless, we choose to celebrate those timeless moments MohBad stamped his name in the music industry with his releases.

Adieu, MohBad! Do rest in peace, KPK Crooner!

MohBad, with birth name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was born on June 8, 1996, to Joseph Aloba and Promise Oladimeji Emmanuel Ayobami.

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