The late Nigerian artist, Mohbad made music that resonated deeply with the Nigerian streets.
While some of us knew him when he was with us, some found out about him after his death and still don’t know much about his bodies of work. If you are one of the latter and aren’t sure where to start, these are the perfect ten tracks to introduce you to his sound.
Balan Zia Gar
In November 2019, a month before Mohbad joined Marlian Music, he released Balan Zia Gar (a blasé and broken pronunciation of Balenciaga), drawing inspiration from a viral Balenciaga trend in 2019.
This song focuses on how the street will adore you, broke-shame you, then motivate you to get the money to purchase an original Balenciaga.
Adura
Two weeks after releasing Balan Zia Gar, Mohbad put out Adura with one of his closest friends, Bella Shmurda. With the song’s instrumental blending computerised drums, maracas, light guitar riffs, and solemn piano chords, Adura sounds like a South West Nigerian gospel song that people sing when the year starts to end — it shares a similar nuance with the popular Odun Nlo Sopin by Mrs. D.A. Fasoyin.
On the song, the two singers plead and appease the heavens for their own blow-up time. Mohbad recognised music as a tool for celestial communication, and he used it well for his heartaches, desires and the convenient space he allowed his spirituality.
Komajensun
The Rexxie-produced Komajensun is an uptempo anthem of sexcapades and debauchery.
Overhype
Though subdued and slow-paced, Overhype has the Zanku sound that dominated the Afrobeats scene music from 2018 into 2020. Overhype compares an inflated self-worth to the overrated year 2020, which didn’t give us flying cars but a deadly virus that claimed millions worldwide.
KPK (Ko Por Ke)
After Overhype, Mohbad ended 2020 on a very high note. Collaborating again with super music producer Rexxie, they released KPK (Ko Por Ke) to wild, wide acclaim. Fast-tempo, bursting with log-drums and ear-tearing bass, KPK is a street slang turned into lung-raising slappers. KPK is yet to elapse its longevity and has influenced how Yoruba words are abbreviated on Obasanjo’s internet.
Feel Good
If the streets aren’t addressing enmity and reminding them that their origin stems from the ghetto, it’s not a complete song. If you’re looking for music about hardships, God, trenches, haters, success and enjoyment on the same track, here you have it.
Backside
Backside (2021) is also one of Mohbad’s jams that shouldn’t be missed in his essential songs. Its message is direct, like the song title — his ode to big bunda. The beat’s accelerating bpm is carefully patterned to entice the rotation of hips in waist beads. It’s simple, fun and gets the party started.
Peace
Mohbad left Marlian Music in 2022 amidst alleged multiple assaults, but he still chose Peace. Mohbad wiped off the unfortunate experience, forged ahead to boost his confidence and sang about his survivor’s spirit.
Ask About Me
This song expands on what Peace said, but his self-confidence was on 100. “Ask about me, ask about me / Omo olórun, won le múmi”. He was sure he belonged to God, and detractors couldn’t catch up to him. He still represented his faith. He showed us that no matter what lifestyle or art you create, faith is a sturdy thing.
Account Balance
On Account Balance featuring Zlatan, money is the topic. With a sprinkle of broke-shaming, it’s heavily worded in street lingo that references making and spending cash. One wouldn’t call it a hustler’s anthem, it’s just two artists with similar vocals bragging about their bank accounts and having fun at it.
Music represents his truth, his ways and his life. No one sees Imole without it.
Listen:
