Self-styled activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has made a bold claim about Nigerian singer Naira Marley's former status in the music industry, stating that he was more influential than his colleagues Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy before becoming entangled in controversy.
VeryDarkMan made this assertion while discussing the negative impacts of cancel culture during a recent TikTok broadcast. According to him, Naira Marley's fanbase, known as "Marlians," was the largest in Nigeria before allegations connecting him to his former signee Mohbad's death led to public backlash.
"Naira Marley was bigger than Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido. He had a very large fanbase both in Nigeria and abroad until this Mohbad issue," VeryDarkMan stated. He further described the music industry as "dark" with excessive jealousy among artists.
The activist called on authorities to conclude investigations surrounding Mohbad's death to allow the public to move forward from the controversy. This comes after a court recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by Mohbad's father against Naira Marley and his associate Sam Larry, citing insufficient evidence linking them directly to the death.
Naira Marley, who rose to prominence with his distinctive style and controversial persona, has seen his career significantly affected by the allegations, despite maintaining his innocence throughout the ordeal.
The case highlights the powerful impact of public perception on artists' careers in Nigeria's entertainment industry, where social media can rapidly amplify accusations and lead to widespread condemnation before legal proceedings conclude.
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