VeryDarkMan Claims Naira Marley Surpassed Wizkid, Davido & Burna Boy Before Mohbad Saga

VeryDarkMan Claims Naira Marley Surpassed Wizkid, Davido & Burna Boy Before Mohbad Saga

Nigerian social activist and online commentator VeryDarkMan (Martins Otse) recently asserted that Naira Marley had reached a level of popularity that eclipsed fellow Afrobeats giants Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy before the controversy surrounding late singer Mohbad emerged.

Ahead of the Collapse

In a widely shared TikTok broadcast, VDM argued that before the scandal, Naira Marley’s fanbase—known as the Marlians—was the most dominant both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. He claimed that Marley would draw louder reactions than other stars during live shows and public appearances:

“If Wizkid dey here now and Naira Marley come, people go start to dey shout Marlians… Na so big e bin be.”

He framed this as part of a broader warning about how cancel culture can transform once-dominant figures into marginalized ones. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Industry Fallout and Context

VDM linked this shift in Naira Marley’s standing directly to the Mohbad saga, citing how allegations and widespread criticism damaged Marley's dominance in the public eye. He called for closure on Mohbad’s death investigation so that the public can move forward. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The activist also stressed the entertainment industry's competitive nature, saying jealousy and internal rivalry contribute to such declines. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

The Scale of the Claim

• VeryDarkMan alleges Marley "packed ground around the globe," drawing more vocal crowds than top artists at events. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• He placed Marley’s influence before the Mohbad incident at a level surpassing Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy combined. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Separating the Players

• Wizkid is celebrated globally for lifting emerging artists and performing at major international stages. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Davido has delivered chart-topping albums, sold out massive venues, and maintained a consistently high streaming presence. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Burna Boy has broken records on streaming platforms, won multiple Grammy awards, and been recognized worldwide. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Public Reception & Relevance

Reactions have been mixed. Some fans question VDM’s framing, citing Burna Boy’s and Wizkid’s long-term consistency. Others acknowledge that Marley’s peak fervor in the Marlians era may have momentarily rivaled mainstream giants.

Importantly, Marley’s current standing remains overshadowed by the Mohbad controversy, including legal and public fallout. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Final Thoughts

While the claim may be seen as bold, VeryDarkMan is emphasizing a critical moment in Nigerian entertainment history—a period when Marley’s fan base and visibility eclipsed even the biggest names in Afrobeats. Whether this perception holds with time depends partly on how the Mohbad investigation progresses and how Marley rebuilds public trust.