Azeez Adeshina Fashola, widely recognized as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian musician and songwriter. He was born on May 10, 1991. He is famously known as the head of his controversial “Marlians” fanbase.
Education
Fashola moved to Peckham in South London at the age of 11. He achieved a distinction in business at Peckham Academy. Additionally, he studied business law at Crossways College (currently known as Christ the King Sixth Form College).
Career
Career inception from 2014 to 2018
From a young age, Fashola aspired to become a voice actor and MC. In 2014, upon discovering his passion for music, he began singing after encouragement from close companions. He released his debut EP Gotta Dance in 2014 after dropping the single “Marry Juana” featuring Max Twigz.
His track “Issa Goal,” which was launched in December 2017 and featured Olamide and Lil Kesh, was the official anthem for the Super Eagles during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The official remix of “Issa Goal” was released on June 16, 2018, including contributions from Olamide, Lil Kesh, Falz, Simi, and Slimcase.
Marley’s music blends Afrobeats and hip-hop, with him singing in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba. His distinctive dreadlocks and stage name pay homage to the Jamaican legend Bob Marley, whom he deeply admires.
Recent music releases, Marlian Records operations, and his first album are currently in progress.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended Marley the same day he launched the Zlatan-featured track “Am I A Yahoo Boy” on May 3, 2019. Shortly after his release from custody, on June 27, 2019, he unveiled “Soapy.” At the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards on January 11, he secured the Viewers’ Choice award for “Soapy.”
Marley’s second EP, Lord of Lamba, which blended Afrobeats and hip-hop, was released on December 18. The EP comprised six tracks with collaborations from artists like Mayorkun, Young John, and CBlvck. Studio Magic, Rexxie, and Killertunes handled its production.
New talents CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu were welcomed as signed acts at the “Marlian Fest,” held at the Eko Hotels and Suites on December 30, 2019, where Marley also announced the establishment of his record label Marlian Records. On July 10, 2020, he introduced another artist from his label, Emo Grae, with a recently released song and music video titled 0903 featuring Buju.
Marley declared on June 21, 2021, that a new album titled God’s Timing Is The Best will be launched after the official video for his track “COMING.”
Controversies.
EFCC Arrest
On May 10, the EFCC apprehended Marley alongside Zlatan, Tiamiu Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses, Micheal “Taqueesh” Adenuga, and Abubakar Musa. The EFCC detained Marley as a result of incriminating evidence, yet released Zlatan and three others five days later.
The EFCC presented 11 charges of fraud against him before a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 16, 2019. While Marley remained in custody, Zlatan released the track “4 Nights in Ekohtiebo” on May 19, 2019, reflecting on friends, competitors, and other industry figures who supported him.
Assault Allegation
On October 5, 2022, Marley was accused of assault by his signee MohBad in a series of posts on social media. The posts included images and videos depicting him with notable injuries that necessitated hospitalization. Marley dismissed the allegation, terming it a “family matter” and claimed that Mohbad was likely “high” when he made the accusation.
