Mohbad – Light
| Stage Name: | Mohbad |
| Real Name: | Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 3rd January 1996 – 12th September 2023 |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Omowunmi Aloban (Wife) |
| Education: | Lagos State institution |
| Known for: | Light |
Early Life
Mohbad, born on June 8, 1996, into the Oladimeji family in Ketu, Lagos State, experienced a joyous naming ceremony shortly after his birth. His parents, committed Christians, raised him with strong moral principles in the middle-class Mainland neighborhood of Lagos.
Education
Ensuring a top-notch education for Mohbad, the Oladimejis enrolled him in a prestigious private institution for his early education. He continued his middle and high school studies at a renowned Lagos State institution.
Musical Aspirations
Mohbad’s love for music sprouted during his high school years, where he gained recognition for his freestyle rap performances at school events. Writing rap lines and tunes in his notepad during free time, he honed his musical skills, eventually deciding to pursue a professional career in music in 2016.
Career Beginnings
Mohbad’s musical journey began with a focus on Street Pop, drawing inspiration from artists like Olamide, Dagrin, Naira Marley, and Lil Kesh. Venturing into local recording studios, he crafted a unique blend of Pidgin and Yoruba in his music.
Despite initial songs receiving moderate success locally, Mohbad took a strategic step by uploading freestyle rap and singing videos on social media, which rapidly gained traction. This move not only expanded his popularity but also led to collaboration offers from both established and emerging artists.
In December 2019, Mohbad’s breakthrough came when Naira Marley signed him to Marlian Music Records, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Musical Achievements
Mohbad’s collaboration with award-winning producer Rexxie resulted in the street anthem “KPK (Ko Po Ke),” released in 2020, dominating charts and elevating his status globally. The success continued with the release of party anthem “Balan Zia Gar,” further solidifying his position in the music scene. Over the years, Mohbad released a series of hit tracks, including “Real Hustlers,” “Ronaldo,” “Jaabo,” “See My Bounzer,” “Fire,” “Oja,” “Adura,” and “Owaale,” showcasing his versatility as a rapper and singer.
Marlian Records Journey
Naira Marley’s invitation to join Marlian Records in 2019 marked a turning point for Mohbad. The collaboration not only opened doors for him but also allowed him to release his official single, “Koma Jensun,” featuring Naira Marley.
Controversies
Mohbad faced challenges in his career, notably in February 2022 when he, along with others, was arrested by the NDLEA for possession of illegal substances. However, he and his label mate Zinoleesky were later released with the intervention of Naira Marley.
In October 2022, Mohbad accused Naira Marley of assault, leading to his departure from Marlian Records. Posthumously, reports surfaced about allegations against a music promoter named Sam Larry, but details remained contentious.
Personal Life
Beyond the limelight, Mohbad, also known as Oba Imole, resided in Lekki, Lagos, showcasing an unconventional lifestyle with unique vehicles in his garage. His close friendship with label mates Zinoleesky, C Blvck, and Fabian Blu highlighted his camaraderie within the Marlian Records family.
With a massive social media following, Mohbad’s influence extended beyond music. His Instagram boasts over 1 million followers, and Twitter has over 159k followers.
Wife and Children
Omowunmi Aloba was Mohbad’s wife, and they were together for eight years before tying the knot in 2022. They met and fell in love during their teenage years. Together, they welcomed a son named Liam Light Aloba, who was just five months old when Mohbad sadly passed away.
Net Worth
While estimating net worth in the dynamic entertainment industry can be challenging, it is speculated that Mohbad’s earnings from performances, royalties, and brand endorsements contribute to a net worth ranging between US$200,000 and US$400,000.
Legacy and Influence
Imole’s distinctive singing voice and exceptional songwriting skills endeared him to fans. His impact as a brand influencer added another dimension to his multifaceted career. Despite facing challenges, he left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.
Tragic End
On September 12, 2023, Mohbad passed away at the age of 27 after receiving treatment from an unlicensed nurse. The circumstances surrounding his death prompted a police investigation, with his body being exhumed on September 21, 2023.
Mohbad’s untimely demise left a void in the music industry, but his contributions and influence will be remembered through his extensive discography and the impact he made during his short-lived yet impactful career.