Naira Marley Wiki
Birth name: Azeez Adeshina Fashola
Fame as: Marlians President, Marlians music
Date of birth: 10 May 1991
Age: 34 years old (10 May 2025)
Place of birth: Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres: Afrobeats, Hip hop, Afroswing, Street pop
Occupations: Singer, songwriter, rapper
Labels: Marlian Records, MOVES Recordings
Instagram: @nairamarley
Azeez Adeshina Fashola, born on May 10, 1991, is popularly known by his stage name, Naira Marley. He is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper.
Fashola relocated to Peckham, South London, England, at the age of 11. In 2010, he earned a distinction in business from Peckham Academy.
Additionally, he pursued studies in business law at Crossways College, now recognized as Christ the King Sixth Form College.
Career
2014–2018: Early Beginnings
Growing up, Azeez Fashola initially aspired to become an MC and voice-over artist.
However, he discovered a passion for music in 2013 and was encouraged by friends from the Queens Road area in Peckham to pursue it professionally.
He released his first track, Marry Juana, featuring Max Twigz, before debuting his EP Gotta Dance in 2014.
In December 2017, Naira Marley gained significant attention with the release of Issa Goal, featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh.
The song became the Super Eagles’ anthem during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On June 16, 2018, he released an official remix of Issa Goal with contributions from Olamide, Lil Kesh, Falz, Simi, and Slimcase.
Naira Marley’s music blends English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, with a style that incorporates Afrobeats, street pop, and hip-hop.
His stage name pays homage to Jamaican legend Bob Marley, whom he admires; his dreadlocks are a tribute to the iconic singer.
2019–Present: Major Releases, Marlian Records, and Debut Album
On May 3, 2019, Marley released Am I A Yahoo Boy, featuring Zlatan.
That same day, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
After his release, he dropped the hit single Soapy on June 27, 2019. This track earned him the Viewers’ Choice Award at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.
Marley released his second EP, Lord of Lamba, on December 18, 2019. This six-track project, which fused Afrobeats and hip-hop, featured artists like CBlvck, Young John, and Mayorkun. Producers Killertunes, Rexxie, and Studio Magic contributed to the EP’s production.
On December 30, 2019, during the Marlian Fest at Eko Hotels and Suites, Marley announced the launch of his record label, Marlian Records.
He introduced the label’s first signees: CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu. On July 10, 2020, Emo Grae joined the label, debuting with the single 0903, featuring Buju.
On June 21, 2021, Marley revealed plans for an album titled God’s Timing Is The Best, set to release following the official video for his song titled
COMING.
Controversies
EFCC Arrest
On May 10, 2019, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Naira Marley alongside Zlatan, Tiamiu Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses, Micheal “Taqueesh” Adenuga, and Abubakar Musa.
The arrest came just a day after Marley released the music video for his controversial single, Am I A Yahoo Boy.
Five days after the arrest, the EFCC released Zlatan and three others, while Marley remained in custody due to the evidence presented against him.
On May 16, 2019, Marley was charged with 11 counts of fraud at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
While Marley was still in detention, Zlatan released a song titled 4 Nights In Ekohtiebo on May 19, 2019, where he reflected on his experiences in the industry, expressing gratitude to those who supported him.
During his arraignment, Marley pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his bail hearing was scheduled for May 30, 2019. On the same day, he released the song Why, accompanied by an image of him in handcuffs.
He was eventually granted bail of ₦2,000,000 and released from prison on June 14, 2019, after spending 14 additional days in custody.
Shortly after his release, Marley dropped the song Soapy, which addressed the behaviors of inmates during detention.
In October 2019, Marley returned to court to face the fraud charges, and the case was adjourned to February 27, 2020, following testimony from an EFCC witness.
Flouting Lockdown Order
Naira Marley faced legal trouble for violating the lockdown order implemented by President Muhammadu Buhari to control the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
On June 13, 2020, Marley performed at a concert in Abuja despite the interstate travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place at the time.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration arraigned Marley before a mobile court in Abuja for his involvement in the concert, which violated public health guidelines.
Valentine’s Concert in Cameroon
On February 13, 2021, reports emerged that the Valentine’s Day concert headlined by Naira Marley in Cameroon had been canceled by local government authorities.
The concert had already been rescheduled twice and relocated to different venues before being ultimately called off.
According to Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, the cancellation was allegedly fueled by resentment among Cameroonian entertainers over the growing popularity of Nigerian music and artists in Cameroon.
Assault Allegation
On October 5, 2022, Naira Marley was accused of assault by his signee, MohBad. The allegations surfaced on MohBad’s social media accounts, where he shared pictures and videos of himself with visible injuries that reportedly required hospitalization.
In response to the claims, Marley dismissed the incident as a “family affair,” suggesting that MohBad was likely “under the influence” when he made the accusations.