In the realm of music, there exists a dichotomy: some artists achieve fame almost instantly upon releasing their debut songs, while others toil tirelessly without receiving the recognition they deserve until their demise. Mohbad undeniably belonged to the latter category of artists.

It is, unfortunately, in death that a star like Mohbad was truly born in our midst. Since his passing on Tuesday, September 12, Mohbad’s popularity and fame have skyrocketed to unprecedented heights. His sudden departure has also exposed numerous unpleasant issues that had long been concealed within the Nigerian music scene.

During Mohbad’s lifetime, while he struggled to establish himself in the country’s music landscape, few paid attention to him and his music. Desmond Ekwueme, a dedicated entertainment follower and writer, confessed that he only became aware of him after his demise. This was the case for many. Perhaps he was seen as an insignificant figure, subject to ridicule, criticism, underestimation, and neglect by both society and the music industry. However, now that he is no longer with us, everyone is extolling the 27-year-old singer, showering him with love and appreciation that eluded him in life.

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Suddenly, Mohbad’s art has taken on new significance, attracting renewed interest. Mohbad has become a global sensation, with his name on the lips of people both within and outside the country.

Beyond the controversies surrounding his death, epitomized by the trending hashtag #justiceformohbad on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), and nationwide protests, Mohbad has undeniably joined the ranks of pop stars who became legends posthumously.

Before his departure, Mohbad was known to only a handful of fans, and his influence was confined to aficionados of street music. It was not until his demise last week that the world decided to revisit his body of work and career. He was indeed a talent.

While Mohbad’s passing continues to dominate headlines, with numerous fans and celebrities worldwide demanding a thorough investigation into the true cause of his death, his songs continue to dominate major streaming platforms. His management has pledged to recover his royalties from his former record label, Marlian Records.

Amid the emotional turmoil following Mohbad’s exit, tributes from around the world have raised serious concerns about potential industry bullying. Many have called for the arrest of the late singer’s former boss, Naira Marley, with whom he had a public feud following his departure from Marlian Records last year. The backlash against Naira Marley on social media led to one radio station in Ibadan, SplashFM, banning his songs for the duration of the investigation. Additionally, two major music channels, Soundcity and MTV Base, removed Naira Marley’s songs from their playlists due to his strained relationship with Mohbad prior to the singer’s passing. However, no concrete evidence has been linked to Naira Marley.

Meanwhile, Naira Marley, in his defense against the bullying allegations, has called for a comprehensive inquiry into Mohbad’s demise and pledged support for efforts to uncover any potential foul play or injustice. He described Mohbad as “an incredible street pop star” who contributed to the foundation of Marlian Music, despite their professional separation.

No family is perfect, and while disagreements are natural, no harm was ever wished upon Mohbad. Many things were left unsaid, but the love was always there. This tragedy is not only our loss but also a loss for everyone around the world who was touched by his music, Naira Marley stated. However, despite his defense, accusing fingers continue to be pointed at him and Sam Larry, while fans and colleagues continue to hold peaceful protests across the country, demanding justice for the late singer.

As the world awaits the outcome of the investigation by a 13-member special panel instituted by the Lagos State Police Command to determine the cause of Mohbad’s death, it is crucial to remember that Mohbad did not merely create music; he fought for it and ultimately sacrificed his life for it.

**Mohbad’s Songs Gain Popularity After His Passing**

For many, Mohbad’s songs now symbolize a blend of sadness, pain, moments of joy, excitement, and the full spectrum of human emotions. His song ‘Peace’ recently claimed the second position on the Billboard Charts, surpassing American rapper Nicki Minaj’s ‘Big Difference,’ and peaked at number 23 on the Top Songs chart on Apple Music Nigeria. The song, released in September 2022, articulates Mohbad’s struggles, with lyrics like “wetin be this one like this, been through many many things, many many gist, but I still find my peace.”

In addition to this achievement, Mohbad’s posthumous EP ‘Blessed’ has entered the top Albums chart in Nigeria, resonating deeply with grieving fans and new audiences alike. This surge in posthumous success underscores the indelible mark Mohbad left on Afropop music during his short but promising career.

His tracks ‘Feel Good’ and ‘Ask About Me’ have also secured the 5th and 8th positions, respectively, on the charts.

Remarkably, six of his songs currently occupy the top 10 spots, with ‘Ask About Me’ at the pinnacle, followed by ‘Beast & Peace’ at number 2, ‘Sabi’ at number 5, ‘Feel Good’ at number 6, and ‘Pariwo featuring Bella Shumurda’ at number 8. Mohbad’s presence is also growing on the global digital artists’ ranking, with his hit singles like “Ponmo,” “Feel Good,” and “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” climbing the charts.

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Perhaps the most poignant of Mohbad’s songs is his unreleased dirge, which surfaced online, where he prophesied his own death, leaving fans deeply moved by his lyrics. These lines foreshadowed Mohbad’s contemplation of his legacy and how he would be remembered:

“Love me while I’m still here, cause heaven is our residence,
Jah is my confidence, every man is a walking dead.
When I’m there no more, people will love me more.
Talk about the things I’ve done, discuss my rights and wrongs,
When I’m laying dead on the floor, when I can’t talk no more,
If I go live forever, Shebi Oluwa.”

This is the song that will endure as a testament to the late singer’s legacy.

**Mohbad’s Colleagues’ Lack of Support While He Was Alive – Portable**

While he was alive, Mohbad did not enjoy the accolades and outpouring of love that followed his passing. Portable, a fellow artist, lamented that his colleagues and fans did not do enough to encourage and support the singer during his lifetime. In a video message shared on his Instagram page, Portable expressed his desire to be celebrated and appreciated while still alive, rather than receiving what he referred to as “fake love” after his demise. He urged people to show appreciation and celebrate artists during their lifetimes, rather than waiting until they are gone.

**Police Disperse Mourners with Tear Gas Canister**

The protests in honor of Mohbad continued in Lagos, with fans and colleagues paying their respects. However, the police used tear gas to disperse a group of sympathizers who had gathered at the Lekki tollgate, nearly turning the protest violent. In contrast, a candlelight procession at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos,