Marlian Records: A Complete Roster of Past and Present Artists

Marlians Music is a record label founded by Nigerian singer-songwriter Naira Marley in December 2019. The label is known for its association with the Marlian Gang, a group of Nigerian musicians known for their controversial lyrics and lifestyle.

The label has been home to some of the biggest names in Nigerian music, including Naira Marley, MohBad, and Zinoleesky. The label has also been responsible for some of the biggest hits in Nigerian music.

The first four artists signed to the label were Zinoleesky, CBlack, Mohbad, and Fabian Blu. Lyta and Emo Grae were signed in 2020, Tori Keeche was signed in 2021, and Vusic was signed in 2022. In addition to these artists, Marlian Records has also signed several producers, including Rexxie, Killertunes, and Studio Magic.

Marlian Records is known for its unique and unconventional approach to the music industry. The label’s artists are often known for their rebellious and controversial behavior, which has helped to make them some of the most popular and talked-about artists in Nigeria.

The label has also been successful commercially. The songs of Marlian Records artists have consistently topped the charts in Nigeria and have also gained popularity in other African countries.

The artists on Marlians Records are: 

1. Naira Marley (Azeez Fashola)

Naira Marley is the founder of Marlian Records and one of Nigeria’s most popular and controversial musicians. Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian singer and songwriter whose career has been a rollercoaster of musical success and controversies. Born on May 10, 1991, Naira Marley earned fame as the president of his unconventional and controversial fan base, the “Marlians.”

Fashola’s journey into music began after he moved to Peckham, South London, at the age of 11. Although he initially aspired to become an MC and voice-over artist, he discovered his passion for music in 2014. Encouraged by friends, he ventured into music and released his debut EP titled “Gotta Dance” in 2014.

However, it was his 2017 release, “Issa Goal,” featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh, that catapulted him to stardom. The track became the anthem for Nigeria’s Super Eagles during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Fashola’s music is a fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, and he adopted the name “Naira Marley” as a tribute to Jamaican legend Bob Marley, complete with dreadlocks.

Naira Marley’s career has been punctuated by controversies, including his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in May 2019 due to his song “Am I A Yahoo Boy.” Despite legal challenges, he continued to release hits like “Soapy” and launched his record label, Marlian Records, introducing talents like CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu.

In 2022, he released his album “God’s Timing’s the Best.” Naira Marley’s music and persona have made him a polarizing figure in Nigerian music, but there’s no denying his impact on the industry and his unwavering support from the Marlian fan base.

 

2. Zinoleesky (Oniyide Azeez)

Oniyide Azeez, professionally known as Zinoleesky, is a Nigerian songwriter, singer, and rapper born on April 21, 2000. Hailing from Ogun State, Nigeria, he was raised in Lagos State, specifically in Agege. Zinoleesky’s educational journey took him through Lively Kiddies Nursery and Primary School for his primary education and Boys Secondary School Agege for his secondary education.

Zinoleesky’s musical journey began to take shape during his adolescence, where he discovered his passion for music. Initially starting as a freestyle rapper, he gained recognition in 2017 when his videos went viral on the internet.

Notably, Zinoleesky was offered a record deal by Davido’s DMW label, but he chose to remain an independent artist. However, in December 2019, his career took a significant turn when he signed with “Marlian Records,” owned and managed by Nigerian singer Naira Marley.

In 2020, Zinoleesky released his debut studio album titled “Chrome Eccentric,” featuring hit tracks like “Ma Pariwo” and “Kilofeshe.” The album’s success was evident as “Ma Pariwo” ranked No. 14 on the Apple Music Chart and No. 12 on YouTube Chart in September 2020.

A year later, he collaborated with Mayorkun and South African singer Busiswah to create a remix of the hit song “Kilofeshe.” In December 2022, Zinoleesky released his first EP album, “Grit and Lust,” featuring tracks such as “Call of Duty” and “YanYanYan.”

Beyond his music, Zinoleesky made headlines in 2021 when speculations arose about his relationship with Naira Marley’s sister, Shubomi. However, in January 2023, he announced that he was single.

With a growing discography, tours, and nominations for prestigious awards like The Headies and City People Music Awards, Zinoleesky continues to rise as one of Nigeria’s promising music talents. His unique blend of Afrobeat and hip-hop, combined with his lyrical prowess, makes him a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.

 

3. MohBad (Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba)

Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, better known as MohBad, was a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter born in Lagos on June 8, 1996. He rose to prominence in the Nigerian music scene, leaving a lasting impact on his music. MohBad was previously signed to Naira Marley’s Marlian Records before his departure in 2022. His contributions to the industry were characterized by hit singles like “Ponmo,” “Feel Good,” and the viral “KPK (Ko Por Ke)” with producer Rexxie, which garnered multiple nominations at The Headies Awards in 2022.

MohBad’s music journey began with the release of his debut album, “Light,” in late 2020, following the success of his viral track “Ponmo,” featuring Naira Marley and Lil Kesh. His talent did not go unnoticed, as he received five nominations at The Beatz Awards in 2021 and secured a spot in Audiomack’s list of top 21 Afrobeat artists of 2021.

In 2022, he released “Peace,” a testament to his evolving artistry and creative prowess. MohBad consistently found his place on music charts, including TurnTable’s top 50 in 2021 and top 100 in 2022.

However, his career was not without its share of controversies. In February 2022, he, along with Zinoleesky and others, faced an arrest by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for possession of illegal substances, including MDMA and cannabis. The incident sparked public outrage, with allegations of mistreatment during their arrest.

Notably, MohBad made headlines when he accused his former boss, Naira Marley, of assault in October 2022, following his decision to hire a different manager for his music and business affairs.

In his personal life, MohBad was a husband and father to his wife Wunmi, and their son. Tragically, he passed away on September 12, 2023, at the young age of 27, after battling an infection. His untimely death left the Nigerian music industry and fans in mourning, remembering his impactful contributions to the music scene.

4. Lyta (Opeyemi Babatunde Rahim)

 

Babatunde Rahim, professionally known as Lyta, is a Nigerian singer whose career has been marked by ups and downs within the music industry. Born and raised in Kwara State, with roots in Ajegunle, he initially found his passion for music as a member of the Ile Kewu music group at his local mosque.

Lyta’s breakthrough in the music scene came when he signed with YBNL Nation in February 2018, with his debut single “Time” featuring Olamide releasing later that month. However, the collaboration was short-lived, and in May 2019, he parted ways with YBNL due to contractual and personal issues.

After leaving YBNL, Lyta joined Doro Musik Gang and released the hit track “Monalisa” in July 2019, which gained immense popularity. The song’s success led to a remix with Nigerian superstar Davido, further solidifying Lyta’s position in the music industry. The remix was praised for its heartfelt expressions of yearning.

In December 2019, Lyta dropped “Worry,” a captivating Afrobeat track produced by Killer Tunes, accompanied by visually stunning music video shot in London by Simplicity Visual Studios.

Lyta’s exit from YBNL was surrounded by controversy, with Olamide stating that Lyta refused to follow the label’s promotion calendar. Nevertheless, Lyta continued to pursue his music career.

In 2020, he signed with Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley, and released “Hold Me Down (Omo Gidi),” with a music video that drew inspiration from K-pop groups GOT7 and BTS. However, he clarified that he was not officially signed with Marlian Records, as Naira Marley was merely showing him love.

Lyta’s discography includes the EP “Id” released in 2019 and various singles like “Time,” “Self Made,” “Monalisa,” “Worry,” and “Hold Me Down (Omo Gidi).” His journey in the music industry has seen him nominated for awards such as The Headies’ Next Rated and Best Street-Hop Artiste categories.

Lyta’s career may have been marked by controversies and label changes, but his undeniable talent and passion for music continue to drive his success in the Nigerian music scene.

 

5. CBlvck (Olaitan Oladapo)

CBlvck is a rapper and singer who gained recognition with tracks like “Baby Kingsway” and “All the Best.”

 

6. Fabian Blu (Seyi Fabunmi)

 Fabian Blu is a singer known for tracks like “Instagram” and “Sisi Nene.”

7. Emo Grae (Emmanuel Chuwkwemeka Ojukwu)

 Emo Grae is a singer-songwriter who has released songs like “0903” and “Gone.”

 

8. Tori Keeche

Tori Keeche is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer. She is the first female artist signed to Marlian Music. Tori Keeche was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She started her music career in 2019, and released her debut single, “Bad Girl,” in 2020. In August 2020, Tori Keeche was signed to Marlian Music. She released her first single with the label, “Yoga,” featuring Naira Marley, in the same month. The song was a hit and helped establish Tori Keeche as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.

9. Vusic

Vusic is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was signed to Marlian Records in June 2023. Vusic was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He started his music career in 2019 and released his debut single, “Marlian Vibe,” in 2020. The song was a success and helped launch his career. In June 2023, Vusic was signed to Marlian Records by Naira Marley. He released his first single with the label, “Marlian Up,” in the same month. The song was a hit and helped establish Vusic as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.

Let us know what you think about these Marlian stars in the comment section.

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