On September 12, 2023, the Nigerian and broader African music communities were shaken by the untimely loss of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. A fast-rising talent, Mohbad’s energetic blend of street hop and neo-Fuji not only invigorated the local music scene but also resonated across Africa, becoming an anthem for youth navigating life’s daily struggles. His distinctive vocal style and lyrics that spoke candidly about the realities of street life endeared him to millions, both in Nigeria and throughout West Africa.
Following his passing, Mohbad’s final project, ‘Blessed’, garnered unprecedented attention, with music platforms, radio airwaves, and social media awash with his hits. Listeners turned to his discography as a means of coping with their grief and honoring an artist who, even in his absence, seemed to give voice to the collective experience of street culture in Lagos, Accra, and beyond.
Today, two years after his passing, Mohbad’s music continues to enjoy substantial patronage. Fans new and old regularly revisit his tracks, both as a form of memorial and in recognition of his unique contribution to the street hop and Afrobeats genres. According to Lagos-based music commentator Ifeanyi Eze, “Mohbad created anthems that made many feel seen and heard. His impact goes beyond the charts; it’s about the way people connect with his story.”
STAY UPDATED: Two years since Mohbad’s passing, here’s a look at what has transpired and how his legacy is being kept alive in Nigeria and globally.
On the 2024 TurnTable End of the Year Chart—widely acknowledged as one of Nigeria’s leading music barometers—Mohbad finished as the 17th most streamed and most played artist across radio and streaming services. His EP ‘Blessed’ was placed among the top 30 albums most streamed by Nigerians, reflecting an enduring and still-growing fanbase.
‘Egwu’, Mohbad’s high-energy collaboration with Chike, became a classic almost overnight, holding the NO. 2 spot on Nigerian streaming, radio, and television charts. According to data released by Apple Music Nigeria, ‘Egwu’ also secured the distinction of being the country’s most-streamed homegrown song, highlighting Mohbad’s reach and influence even posthumously.
At the prestigious 17th Headies Awards, Mohbad posthumously received five nominations, including Best Street Hop and Song of the Year, both recognizing his significant role in shaping Chike’s ‘Egwu’, one of the year’s standout singles. The awards underscored Mohbad’s status in the pantheon of modern Nigerian music, with industry insiders like Bisi Olatunde noting that, “Few artists have been able to capture the street’s essence and translate it into chart success like Mohbad did.”
During the emotional ceremony in Lagos, Mohbad’s family—his wife, Wunmi, and their child, Liam—accepted three major awards on his behalf. He posthumously clinched Best Street Hop, Best Collaboration, and the Viewers’ Choice Award. According to observers, the atmosphere in the venue turned somber yet proud, as attendees and viewers worldwide grasped the profound sense of loss and the lingering void Mohbad left behind. “It was a moment that united the entire industry in grief and celebration,” remarked award show host Kolade Oji.
Tributes continue to pour in for Mohbad from across Nigeria and Africa. Emerging street hop artists frequently cite him as both an inspiration and a symbol of perseverance, leading to the release of more than 50 tribute songs in his memory to date. Analysts suggest this wave of homages contributes to both preserving Mohbad’s artistic legacy and reshaping the genre for future acts.
Despite the ongoing outpouring of admiration, Mohbad’s burial process has yet to reach completion, with his remains still at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital as authorities reportedly work to resolve outstanding investigations and controversies. For many fans and industry stakeholders, this lack of closure has deepened calls for a proper and dignified send-off, and for greater reforms in how the music industry protects its creatives.
Will there be a posthumous project release for Mohbad?
To address growing speculation about unreleased music, Pulse Nigeria contacted ONErpm, the music distribution company responsible for Mohbad’s last project, ‘Blessed’. A spokesperson for the label clarified that, “At this time, there are no unreleased songs or posthumous projects scheduled for release, either now or in the near future.” This statement has been echoed by other industry sources, who cite ongoing disputes regarding Mohbad’s estate and rights to his unreleased catalog.
Given the unresolved controversies and complex legal issues surrounding his estate, the likelihood of any new music becoming available soon appears slim. According to entertainment lawyer Yetunde Adegbemile, disputes over intellectual property rights and the artist’s legacy have contributed to the delays, a challenge not uncommon in the West African music landscape.
However, fans still have something to anticipate. Mohbad’s close friend and prominent Afrobeats artist, Bella Shmurda, has announced plans to honor his late collaborator with a dedicated project. “It’s important that we celebrate our own—his spirit, his music, his legacy,” Bella Shmurda shared during an interview on Urban FM Lagos. Initially intended for release on the one-year anniversary of Mohbad’s death, the project—now titled ‘Sanity’—is reportedly set for a public debut in the coming weeks. Bella Shmurda claims the album will “share light, hope, and unity, just as Mohbad would’ve wanted.”
Marking two years without Mohbad is a poignant reminder of the power of music to connect, heal, and inspire. For many Nigerians and Africans, his songs live on as comfort and guideposts, reflecting shared experiences and a longing for upliftment that extends beyond Nigeria’s borders and echoes throughout the African diaspora.
In the end, while uncertainties linger regarding new releases, the body of work Mohbad blessed fans with ensures that his story—and his sound—remain part of the continent’s musical tapestry. As music critic Dayo Salam observed, “The streets will not forget Mohbad in a hurry. He cemented his place as a voice for the unheard.”
With Mohbad’s influence still resonating in everyday Nigerian life, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of authentic storytelling and grassroots artistic innovation. As tributes and testimonies continue to surface, Mohbad’s music and memory provide a reference point for ongoing discussions about artistic legacy, youth empowerment, and the future of Afrobeats in Africa and worldwide.
What does Mohbad’s legacy mean to you, and how has his music impacted your life or community? Would you support a posthumous release, or do you have memories of his concerts or interviews? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—your voice matters in keeping his memory alive. Stay connected for the latest updates on Mohbad, Afrobeats, and African music culture.
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