The first thing that came to mind when I heard Mobhad was dead was, ‘so I wouldn’t be able to listen to that voice on a new song again.’ My heart bled. Oh Lord, that rich and recognizable baritone-tinged voice unconsciously casts a spell upon all who can hear.
When he sings, each word he utters sounds like a brushstroke painting on canvas, laced with passion and depth. I loved his voice and the relaxed calm he gave off in his songs. He made it look like he wasn’t putting much effort into it, but you would still enjoy the music. Sadly, we would never hear a new song from that voice again.
If you know me well, you’ll know I am a sucker for Yoruba street songs. From Bella Shmurda to Zino to Seyi Vibes, I love all of them. And Mohbad was the cherry on top for me. I had been following him for quite a while and always played his songs. I liked him. I always had a soft spot for him. I always felt he was victimized and punished. I also somehow connected with him.
When he had issues with Marlian Music, I was so glad he left. I even wrote a post to celebrate it. I had hoped that would begin a new dawn for him. I worried when he released a diss track against Naira Marley. I feared for him. I knew he would be blacklisted in the industry, but he took it all in stride and kept pushing.
To me, Mohbad was a born star, and I knew he could go ahead and be a significant name in the industry. In Marlian Music, he was down the pecking order, even lower than Zino, but I felt he had the ceiling to do more and be a big name in the industry. So, when he left and dropped ‘Ask About Me,’ I already knew this guy was a winner.
‘Ask About Me’ was that song. It gave you that feeling of resilience. The Amapiano-driven chart-topper, primarily sung in Yoruba, centers around his unwavering determination amid obstacles and adversaries. With that song, Mohbad reassured his fans that his music career was still on track, as he sang, “I’m still getting my mulla, dollar pelu naira.” The song gave us an insight into expectations as to how he will navigate his career after the split from his former boss, as he appeared to be highly confident of his growth in the music industry.
Soon after, he dropped his EP - Blessed. Gosh, I fell in love. It was just beautiful to listen to. I listened to Beast and Peace (a song on the EP) more than 100 times. I loved the EP’s familiar, reflective, and soulful singing style. His deep voice was captivating and appealing, drawing you into his songs and talking about the harsh realities of life on the streets. In ‘Blessed,’ Mohbad shared his journey and how he overcame challenges to become a better version of himself. I was so pleased. Finally, this dude could make it on his own.
But, alas, it wasn’t to be. Life was snuffed out of him very young, in very suspect circumstances. His lifeless body was laid to rest in the presence of friends and foes as tears mingled with subdued moments of relief. The funeral could have been a joyous celebration of the life of an artist who poured his heart into his craft, had Mohbad been an elderly individual who had peacefully concluded a fulfilling journey in life. But his light was switched off, and it hurt.
He called himself Imole, the Yoruba word for light. Ilerioluwa Aloba, a shining star in the Nigerian music scene, illuminated the hearts of many. The widespread sorrow that followed his death is a testament to the undeniable radiance that this singer and rapper brought to the world during his memorable 27-year journey on Earth—a journey marked by both vibrancy and the challenges that life often presents. But, somehow, the darkness around him couldn’t let him shine.
In closing, I want to celebrate Mohbad’s extraordinary voice, the battles he silently fought, and the tears he bore in silence. I want to thank Mohbad for daring to dream that a young boy from a remote corner of Ikorodu could cast a brilliant light on the world. He achieved all this and more, and I hope he knew that his light stood on a hill, forever radiant. Mohbad was one of those who believed in the transformative power of the gospel and often invoked the redemptive grace of God in his music. So, I pray that the heavens may open and bless us with a radiant light that guides our paths and fills our hearts with hope.
Imole, thank you for your light.
Rest in Power.