Early Life

Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known as Naira Marley, was born on May 10, 1991. At age 11, he moved to Peckham, South London, England. He completed his studies at Peckham Academy in 2010 with a distinction in business and later studied business law at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College).

Career

Growing up, Naira Marley aimed to become an MC and voice-over artist. He discovered his passion for music in 2013 and started rapping, encouraged by close friends from Queens Roads, Peckham. He released the Max Twigz-assisted track “Marry Juana” before debuting his EP Gotta Dance in 2014.

In December 2017, he released the single “Issa Goal,” featuring Olamide and Lil Kesh, which became the Super Eagles’ anthem for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The official remix followed in June 2018, including vocals from Falz, Simi, and Slimcase.

Naira Marley performs in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, blending Afrobeats, street pop, and hip-hop. He took his stage name as a tribute to Jamaican singer Bob Marley, mirrored by his dreadlocks.

On May 3, 2019, he released “Am I A Yahoo Boy” featuring Zlatan and was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission the same day. He dropped the track “Soapy” shortly after his release, which won Viewers’ Choice at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.

On December 18, 2019, he released his second EP Lord of Lamba, featuring artists like CBlvck and Mayorkun, with production by Killertunes, Rexxie, and Studio Magic. At the “Marlian Fest” in December 2019, he launched his record label, Marlian Records, signing acts including CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu. In July 2020, he introduced Emo Grae with the single “0903” featuring Buju.

In June 2021, Naira Marley announced his album God’s Timing Is The Best, set for release following the video for his single “COMING.”

Click Here for More Post