In the last year, I have been watching Naira Marley with kin interest. I am bemused by his regular altercation with law enforcement officers and other constituted authorities. The recent imbroglio with the private jet operator – Executive Jet, made me take a closer look at Azeez Adeshina Fashola popularly called Naira Marley. Before now, I have often seen him as a fortunate Yoruba musical artiste who could barely construct a complete sentence in English. But I restrained myself from this unfair mindset when I decided to study him after he and his crew were called useless by the management of Executive Jet. I started my research by listening to his music, the skill that is principally responsible for his fame and growing fortune. After watching a handful of his music videos on YouTube, I was full of respect for him. Naira Marley has achieved something exceedingly difficult for any musician. He has a signature sound, dance, and cult following. I was impressed. I started to understand why he is so appealing to the young and young at heart.
His music videos also brought out other parts of his personality that are a recipe for ill health, drug addiction, and bankruptcy. A situation that recently played out in the life of Majek Fajek. Naira Marley is a beneficiary of the foundation laid by DaGrin, Olamide, Lil Kesh, and a host of others before him. But none of these guys seems to have the cult following that he has. None of them also have his extremes of the sexualization of girls, probable drug abuse, and constant clash with the law. The irony of his growing influence is that many youths all over Nigeria see him as a model, and they call themselves Marlians. Unfortunately, the attributes of Marlians include but not limited to the use of illegal drugs and harmful substances, wild parties and orgies, and disobedience to constituted authorities.
Not long ago before the COVID-19 lockdown, one of Nigeria’s most famous entertainers, Richard Mofe Damijo was even star-struck when he found Naira Marley next to his seat on a flight. He confessed that his daughter is now a Marlian. As I think of this, I wonder what the future holds for the next generation if Naira Marley is their role model. The choice of Naira Marley as a role model is happening because of the dearth of morally un-bankrupt individuals in Nigeria. From religious to political and business leaders, it is almost impossible to find someone who has not dined or is dining with the devil. The situation is not helped by the lifestyle of Nigeria’s greatest musician – Fela. It is in this context I beseech youths to look elsewhere for individuals who have achieved or conquered the 3 Fs of life – Family, Fame, and Fortune. Jay Z, Kanye West, and Serena Williams have the 3 Fs. They achieved this feat by discovering and developing their talents. But their most important attribute is the discipline that enabled them to continually improve their skills, diversify their interest, stay away from hard or soft drugs, and be happily married to one partner.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com