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| Biography of Naira Marley and his Achievements |
Early Life and Background
Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, was born on May 10, 1991, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. At the age of 11, he relocated with his family to Peckham, South London, United Kingdom.
Growing up, Naira Marley initially aspired to become an MC and voice-over artist. He later developed an interest in music, inspired by the UK rap and grime scene. He studied at Peckham Academy, where he majored in Business. He also pursued further studies at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College) in South London.
Music Career and Breakthrough
Naira Marley began his music career in 2014, releasing tracks that blended Afrobeat, hip-hop, and UK street rap. His debut single Marry Juana introduced him to the UK Afrobeat scene, but his major breakthrough came in 2017 with the hit track Issa Goal featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh.
The song became an anthem during Nigeria’s participation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, propelling Naira Marley into mainstream success.
Rise to Fame and Hit Songs
Known as the “President of the Marlian movement”, Naira Marley created a strong fan base known as “Marlians,” recognized for their carefree and rebellious spirit. His unique mix of Afrobeats, street-hop, and UK-influenced rap made him one of Nigeria’s most controversial yet influential artists.
Some of his most popular songs include:
Issa Goal (2017) ft. Olamide & Lil Kesh
Soapy (2019)
Opotoyi (Marlians) (2019)
Tesumole (2019)
Pxta (2019)
Mafo (2019) ft. Young John
Koleyewon (2020)
Coming (2021) ft. Busiswa
Jo Dada (2022)
EPs and Albums
Naira Marley has also released several projects showcasing his creativity:
Lord of Lamba (LOL) EP (2019) – featuring Soapy and Tesumole.
God’s Timing’s the Best (2022) – his debut album, which included Coming, Jo Dada, and First Time in America.
Controversies
Naira Marley is one of the most controversial figures in Nigerian music. In 2019, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to cybercrime, shortly after releasing the single Am I a Yahoo Boy? featuring Zlatan. His case drew nationwide attention and even boosted his popularity.
Despite frequent criticism, Naira Marley has remained consistent in his music career, using controversies as fuel to grow his fan base.
Achievements and Recognition
Built one of the strongest fan bases in Nigeria (Marlians).
Multiple nominations at The Headies and other Nigerian music awards.
Performed at major concerts across Nigeria, the UK, and Africa.
Launched Marlian Music in 2019, signing artists like Zinoleesky, Mohbad (late), Fabian Blu, and C Blvck.
Personal Life
Naira Marley is a father of four children (two boys and two girls), whom he had with two different women. Despite his controversies, he is known to be a family man who occasionally shares moments with his kids.
Legacy and Impact
Naira Marley represents street credibility, rebellion, and freedom of expression in Nigerian music. His influence goes beyond music; he created a youth culture that resonates with millions of fans.
Love him or hate him, Naira Marley remains one of the most talked-about and impactful Afrobeats artists of his generation.
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