Naira Marley Biography: The Life and Career of the Controversial Singer in 2023Naira Marley Biography: The Life and Career of the Controversial Singer in 2023

Naira Marley Biography is quite intriguing. Naira Marley is the trailblazer of the radical fan base, popularly known as Marlians—an offshoot of the controversial record label “Marlian Music,” established in 2019.

Naira Marley Biography: The Life and Career of the Controversial Singer in 2023

The 31-year-old rapper-turned-singer is believed to have millions of fans and followers worldwide. However, regrettably, only a minute fraction of this superstar’s following is familiar with his biography.

While knowing Naira Marley’s songs or being a fan of his lifestyle is impressive, it’s equally essential to understand his birth, education, family, career, and personal life. This read aims to bridge the gap between the world and the artist’s life. Below, we delve into the comprehensive details of Naira Marley Biography.

Naira Marley Biography: Who is Naira Marley?

Naira Marley Biography: Who is Naira Marley?

Azeez Adeshina Fashola, born on May 10, 1991, known as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian singer and rapper from Lagos State, Nigeria.

He is a performer and the founder and CEO of Marlian Music, a record label established during his performance at Marlian Fest in 2019.

Interestingly, the Marlian Record didn’t follow the conventional path of record label formation in Nigeria. It sprang into existence spontaneously during Naira’s stage performance. As he introduced some talented youngsters during the same performance, they were automatically signed to the label. Among these signees, MohBad (late), Fabian Blu, C-Blvck, and Zinoleesky were notable.

Naira Marley is the first Nigerian singer to be embroiled in a court case related to internet fraud with the federal government. Rather than hindering his popularity, this legal entanglement enhanced it among Nigerians. The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency has appointed Naira Marley as its ambassador, a role officially announced on August 19, 2023.

Naira Marley biography: Early Life and Education

Naira Marley biography: Early Life and Education

Naira Marley was born on May 10, 1991, in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Mr. and Mrs. Adeshina Fashola, both native to Lagos State. Growing up, he had two younger brothers, Babatunde Moshood Fashola, known as Shoddy Funds, and Idris Fashola, Marley Jr.

After a brief stint in Lagos for schooling, he moved to Peckham in South London, England, in 2002 at the tender age of 11. He later graduated with First Class honors in Business from Peckham Academy. He pursued Business Law at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College).

Naira Marley is one of Nigeria’s few “A-list” entertainers with a first-class degree. However, it’s noteworthy that he often discourages his fans from pursuing formal education.

This aspect of the singer’s life has drawn social criticism, with some arguing that he misguides impressionable youths and serves as a negative influence on his fans. This sentiment might have led to the release of his popular song “Bad Influence.”

Have You Seen These?!!!

Naira Marley’s Career

Looking critically at Naira Marley biography, he started music officially in 2014 with the release of his single “Marry Juana.” Some months later, he released his debut album, “Gotta Dance.” In 2016, he released another single entitled “Kosi Werey”, and this did not give him the recognition he desired until his release of his Olamide and Lil Kesh featured single “Isaa Goal” in 2017 and “Japa” in 2018.

By this time, Naira’s journey to the limelight was not a dream anymore. “Isaa Goal” was released in the Nigerian music industry era, when Shaku Shaku was trending. The influence of this dance trend (Shaku Shaku) gave “Isaa Goal” unprecedented prominence and made Naira Marley one of the most sought-after Shaku Shaku singers of the time.

In 2019, he got involved in a case bordering on cybercrime, leading to his arrest and subsequent release of the biggest song of the year, “Am I a Yahoo Boy”? (translated as “Am I an Internet Fraudster”), featuring his colleague and friend Zlatan Ibile.

His arrest by the EFCC and the legal action against him made him more popular and arguably the most googled Nigerian artiste in 2019. Since then, he has been releasing projects and has become a force to reckon with in the Nigerian music space.

His controversial fanbase and street credibility is gradually losing momentum following the death of one of his former label signee who went by the name MohBad, but this is certainly not the end of his musical career.

Naira Marley’s Discography

Naira Marley's Discography

When looking at Naira Marley biography, one cannot deny the fact that Naira Marley has a couple of popular musical projects to his credit.

He is famous for releasing hit singles that meet the taste of clubgoers and lovers of danceable tunes. He has one album, “God’s Timing’ the Best,” and two EPs (“Gotta Dance,” and “Lord of Lamba”). Some of his popular singles include: “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” “Opotoyi,” “Soapy,” “Koleyewon,” “Mafo,” “Puta,” “Tesumole,” “Mofoti,” etc.

He has collaborated with a lot of local and international artists. Some superstars he has featured on songs with are Olamide, Wizkid, Reminisce, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Skibii, Zlatan, and his label mates, both former and present.

Naira Marley is an iconic Nigerian music artistes who has influenced the industry and the country heavily with his unique sound and lifestyle. If a list of the most influential Nigerian entertainers of the decade were to be published today, his name would have comfortably secured a space on the list.