Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known by his stage name "MohBad," was a Nigerian rapper, and singer-songwriter, born on June 8, 1996. He was famous for his hit song "Ko Por Ke (KPK)," featuring Rexxie, which received three nominations at The Headies Awards in 2022. MohBad had a repertoire of other popular songs, including "Balan Zia Gar," "Backside," and "Feel Good." He was recognized as one of the rapidly emerging talents in the Nigerian music industry, collaborating with renowned artists like Davido and Lil Kesh. MohBad was the founder of his own record label, Imolenization, and was previously signed to Naira Marley's Marlian Records before departing from the label in 2022. During his time with Marlian Records, he released his debut song "Komajensun" featuring Naira Marley, and later dropped his debut album, "Light," on December 18, 2020. Tragically, on September 12, 2023, reports emerged of MohBad's passing.
MohBad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for hit songs like "Ko Por Ke (KPK)," "Balan Zia Gar," and "Feel Good." He began his music career in 2016 but gained significant recognition in 2020. In addition to his popular tracks, he released songs like "Oluwa Where You Dey," "Money Before You Love," and "Expensive OG."
MohBad, born on June 8, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, was a proud Nigerian by nationality and belonged to the Nigerian-African ethnicity. His given name at birth was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba. He hailed from a middle-class family, where his father served as a pastor and owned a church, instilling strong moral values in him from an early age. Raised in a Christian household, MohBad grew up in the same faith as his parents. As a Yoruba native from one of Nigeria's Southwestern states, he was well-versed in the Yoruba language alongside his education in English. He attended a reputable private primary school and completed his middle and high school education at a prominent public school in Lagos State.
MohBad released his debut album, the "Light EP," in the fourth quarter of 2020, following the success of his viral song "Ponmo" featuring Naira Marley and Lil Kesh. This achievement led to MohBad receiving five nominations at The Beatz Awards 2021 and securing a spot in Audiomack's list of the top 21 Afrobeat artists of 2021. In 2022, he continued his musical journey with the release of "Peace," produced by Rexxie, which helped him reach the TurnTable charts top 50 in 2021 and top 100 in 2022.
The "Light EP," consisting of eight tracks, included collaborations with artists like Davido, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh, and was executive produced by Naira Marley, featuring production contributions from SB, Rexxie, P.Beat, and Austin Sinister. MohBad's singles in subsequent years include "Feel Good," "Backside," "Weekend," "Tiff," "Hallelujah," and "Ronaldo."
In February 2022, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested MohBad, along with Zinoleesky and four others, at their residence in Lekki, Lagos, for possession of illegal substances, including MDMA and cannabis. Viral videos on social media depicted NDLEA operatives breaking into their home without search warrants and allegedly mistreating the Marlian singers, using force to apprehend them. NDLEA officers confirmed the raid, stating that quantities of cannabis and molly were recovered from their apartment and car in the Idado estate of Lagos.
Eventually, MohBad, Zinoleesky, and the others were released. In October 2022, MohBad accused singer Naira Marley of domestic violence and revealed that his departure from Marlian Records stemmed from a dispute over management decisions, claiming that Marley had ordered people to physically assault him when confronted about the matter.
Afrobeats sensation MohBad, a rising star in the Nigerian music industry with over 1 million Instagram followers, tragically passed away at the age of 27. His management team confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, with music executive Ovie sharing the announcement on Twitter, stating, "Confirmed. MohBad is dead. Sad, sad day. R.I.P." A subsequent statement posted on MohBad's Instagram account read, "It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Promise Oladimeji Aloba PK/A MohBad (Imole) today, the 12th of September, 2023. He dies at 27.
MohBad was light until the very end, and as we mourn the loss of the brightness he carried, the family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time. Imole is finally at peace." The talented singer, known for his distinctive baritone and hit songs like "Ask About Me," "Pariwo," and "Peace," leaves behind a devastated fanbase.
MohBad, the accomplished singer-songwriter, had amassed a considerable net worth estimated at approximately $500,000 at the time of his unfortunate passing. As one of the most prosperous emerging talents in the music industry, he frequently enjoyed the luxuries of life, often spotted with expensive rides and vacations in upscale hotels. MohBad's annual income reached thousands of dollars, primarily stemming from his thriving music career, where he carved a prominent niche for himself in the music video scene, earning invitations to perform at various shows across the nation.
Additionally, he received royalties from his impressive discography. MohBad resided in a serviced apartment complex in Lekki, Lagos, and took pride in owning two exquisite cars that graced his garage. He wholeheartedly embraced and celebrated life to the fullest.
MohBad, known for his exceptional singing talent, stood at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) and maintained a weight of 155 pounds (70 kilograms). He possessed captivating black eyes and distinctive white hair. MohBad's physique was characterized by a slim body type with an athletic build, which perfectly complemented his impressive vocal skills and garnered him a substantial and dedicated fan base.
MohBad initiated his music career at a young age, initially focusing on rap before expanding into singing. His passion for music developed during his secondary school years, where he was known for freestyle rap performances. Encouraged by friends, he started composing rap verses and songs in his free time. In 2016, he made the decision to pursue a professional music career, specializing in Street Pop and drawing inspiration from artists like Olamide, Dagrin, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh. He began recording music in his neighborhood's studios, blending Yoruba and Pidgin languages into his songs.
In addition to his music career, he also established himself as a brand influencer. Utilizing his celebrity status, he collaborated with various brands in Nigeria to endorse and promote their products and services. Recognizing the power of his fame and influence, MohBad expanded his portfolio beyond music to engage with national brands, effectively bridging the gap between his artistry and the marketing world. His role as a brand influencer allowed him to connect with a broader audience and contributed to his multifaceted presence in the entertainment and advertising sectors.
In February 2022, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested MohBad, Zinoleesky, and four others for possession of illegal substances like MDMA and cannabis at their Lekki, Lagos home. Videos on social media showed NDLEA operatives breaking into their home without search warrants, mistreating the musicians, and forcing them into waiting trucks. The NDLEA later confirmed the raid, mentioning the recovery of cannabis and molly, but MohBad and others were released afterward.
MohBad achieved his breakthrough moment in December 2020 with his participation in the hit song "KPK (Ko Por Ke)," a collaboration with the acclaimed music producer Rexxie. This record catapulted him to newfound fame and solidified his position in the music industry. With its catchy beat and infectious lyrics, "KPK" became an instant sensation, gaining widespread acclaim and recognition. The track's success not only showcased MohBad's talent but also marked a significant milestone in his career, setting the stage for further achievements and collaborations in the music world.