Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known professionally as Naira Marley, is a Nigeriansinger and songwriter. He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians".
While growing up, Naira Marley had plans of becoming an MC and voice-over artist. He began singing in 2014 after discovering his passion for music and was encouraged by close-knit friends to pursue music. He released the Max Twigz-assisted track "Marry Juana" before releasing his debut EP Gotta Dance in 2015. In December 2017, he released the Olamide and Lil Kesh-assisted single "Issa Goal", which became the theme song for the Super Eagles at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The official remix of "Issa Goal" was released on 16 June 2018; it features vocals by Olamide, Lil Kesh, Falz, Simi and Slimcase. Naira Marley sings in English, Pidgin and Yoruba; his music is a blend of Afrobeats and hip-hop. He derived his stage name from Jamaican singer Bob Marley, whom he admires; his dreadlocks is also a tribute to the singer.
2019–present: "Am I A Yahoo Boy", "Soapy" and ''Lord of Lamba''
Naira Marley released the Zlatan-assisted track "Am I A Yahoo Boy" on 3 May 2019, and was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that same day. He released "Soapy" on 27 June 2019, a few days after he was released from prison. On 11 January 2020, he won Viewers' Choice for "Soapy" at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards. On 18 December 2019, Naira Marley released his second EP Lord of Lamba; it is a mixture of Afrobeats and hip-hop. The EP comprises 6 tracks and features guest artists such as CBlvck, Young John and Mayorkun. Its production was handled by Killertunes, Rexxie and Studio Magic.
Marlian Records
During the "Marlian Fest", which was held at the Eko Hotels and Suites on 30 December 2019, Naira Marley announced the launch of his record label Marlian Records and unveiled CBlvck, Zinoleesky, MohBad and Fabian Blu as signed acts.
Controversies
EFCC arrest
On 10 May 2019, the EFCC arrested Naira Marley and his friends Zlatan, Tiamiu Kayode, Adewunmi Moses and Abubakar Musa. The arrest was made a day after he released the video for the controversial single "Am I A Yahoo Boy". Five days later, the EFCC released Zlatan and three others but kept Marley in their custody due to overwhelming evidence against him. On 16 May 2019, the EFCC charged him with 11 counts of fraud before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. On 19 May 2019, he released the single "4 Nights In Ekohtiebo" while still in prison. In it, he talks about his industry friends, foes and other people who have admired him. In May 2019, he was arraigned before the Federal High Court and pleaded "not guilty"; a bail hearing was set for 30 May 2019. On the day of the bail hearing, Naira Marley released "Why", a song that was accompanied by an image of him in handcuffs. On 14 June 2019, he was released from jail fourteen days after being granted ₦2,000,000 bail. A few days later, he released "Soapy", a track about the sexual habits of inmates in detention. In October 2019, he returned to the Federal High Court to face his charges. His case was later adjourned to 27 February 2020 after an EFCC witness testified against him.
Flouting lockdown order
He was detained by the Nigerian Police Force for contravening the lockdown order imposed on Lagos State by President Muhammadu Buhari to contain the spread of coronavirus in the countryside. On 13 June 2020, he performed at a concert in Abuja despite the interstate travel ban and social distancing rules aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Personal life
Naira Marley is married to two women and has four children.
