Naira Marley faces backlash after commenting on Wizkid-Davido feud. Explore the controversy, its connection to past events, and its impact on the Nigerian music industry.
In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian artist Naira Marley has found himself at the center of a new controversy after weighing in on the ongoing feud between music superstars Wizkid and Davido. The Marlian Music CEO’s attempt to offer advice has backfired, reigniting discussions about his alleged involvement in the tragic death of former protégé, Mohbad.
The Nigerian music scene has been in turmoil since October 1, 2024, when Wizkid launched a scathing attack on Davido’s music career and family on social media. The unexpected outburst from the “Essence” hitmaker sent shockwaves through the industry, dividing fans and prompting reactions from various celebrities.
Music journalist Oluwaseun Adebayo provides context: “This feud between Wizkid and Davido isn’t new, but the intensity of Wizkid’s recent comments has taken everyone by surprise. It’s unprecedented in the history of their rivalry.”
As the feud escalated, numerous Nigerian celebrities and industry figures felt compelled to comment. Notable personalities such as producer Samklef, OAP Do2dtun, controversial artist Portable, music critic Joey Akan, and social media influencer Daniel Regha have all shared their thoughts on the conflict.
However, it was Naira Marley’s intervention that sparked the most heated reactions online.
On October 3, 2024, Naira Marley took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer his perspective on the Wizkid-Davido feud. His tweet read:
Patience is power and it’s all on God.
This seemingly innocuous statement, however, was met with immediate backlash from social media users.
The negative reaction to Naira Marley’s comment is intrinsically linked to the controversial circumstances surrounding the death of his former artist, Mohbad, in September 2024. Many social media users have not forgotten the allegations connecting Naira Marley to this tragic event.
The response to Naira Marley’s tweet was swift and largely negative. Here are some notable reactions:
@itsgifted.og commented: “MOHBAD SPIRIT STRONG OOO… BE LIKE MARLINS NO DEY EXIST AGAIN 😂.
@ebay_dada questioned: “Wetin concern Naira Marley for this matter, If Patience is power why did you KPAI MOHBAD?”
@jacker_lowkee sarcastically remarked: “Assassin creed don drop quote 😂.”
@itisugochukwu advised: “You’re not in the best position to be putting mouth in this matter, abeg 😳😳.”
@thestudentconnectv stated: “This guy thinks we have forgotten what he did. Even if he apologies we will never forget.”
This incident highlights the complex interplay between personal controversies and professional standing in the Nigerian music industry. Entertainment lawyer Folake Akinpelu offers her perspective:
“What we’re seeing with Naira Marley’s situation is a clear example of how personal controversies can overshadow an artist’s career. His inability to comment on industry matters without facing backlash shows the long-lasting impact of unresolved issues in the court of public opinion.
As the controversy continues to unfold, questions arise about the future of Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Music. Industry insiders speculate that the ongoing negative publicity could have far-reaching consequences for the label and its artists.
Music producer Chuki Beats shares his thoughts: “The Marlian brand has taken a significant hit. It’s going to take a lot of work and time to rebuild that trust with the public, if it’s even possible at this point.”
Amidst the controversy surrounding Naira Marley’s comment, it’s important to note that the original issue – the feud between Wizkid and Davido – remains unresolved. Both artists have maintained silence since the initial outburst, leaving fans and industry watchers in suspense.
As the Nigerian music industry grapples with these interconnected controversies, many are calling for a period of reflection and healing. Mental health advocate and music industry consultant, Dr. Adeola Ojo, emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues:
“What we’re seeing with the Wizkid-Davido feud and the public’s reaction to Naira Marley is symptomatic of deeper issues in our industry. There’s a need for open dialogue, conflict resolution, and perhaps most importantly, a focus on mental health and well-being for our artists.
The recent events involving Naira Marley, Wizkid, and Davido have exposed the fragile nature of relationships within the Nigerian music industry. As fans continue to process these developments, it’s clear that the industry is at a crucial juncture.
The coming weeks will likely be pivotal in determining how these controversies are resolved and what long-term impact they may have on the careers of the artists involved and the industry as a whole. One thing is certain: the Nigerian music scene is in for a period of significant reflection and, potentially, transformation.
