Controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, has claimed that Nigerian singer Naira Marley was once more influential than Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy—before being “cancelled” over allegations surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad.
Speaking in a recent TikTok broadcast, Verydarkman argued that Naira Marley’s fanbase, known as the Marlians, was the largest in Nigeria and had a global reach before the scandal erupted.
“Naira Marley was bigger than Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido. He had a very large fanbase both in Nigeria and abroad until this Mohbad issue,” he said.
“The music industry is so dark. The jealousy in the industry is too much.”
He warned against the dangers of cancel culture, suggesting that public outrage and emotional reactions have overshadowed facts in Mohbad’s case.
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Verydarkman also urged authorities to conclude investigations into Mohbad’s death so the public can move forward. His comments come shortly after a court dismissed Mohbad’s father’s suit against Naira Marley and Sam Larry, citing insufficient evidence to link them directly to the singer’s death .
The remarks have sparked heated debate online, with fans divided over whether Naira Marley’s influence ever surpassed that of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.
