Nigerian Afrobeats artist Mohbad passed away at the age of 27 on September 12. Posthumously, he surpassed global icons on the charts and experienced a surge in streaming.
Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, passed away at the age of 27 on September 12, leaving a mark as an Afrobeats artist from Nigeria. Posthumously, Mohbad reportedly surpassed global icons such as Nicki Minaj and Eminem, securing the 46th spot among the world’s best-selling digital artists.
In the week following his demise, Mohbad’s track Peace soared to the second spot on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart. Simultaneously, Blessed peaked at number four, and Light marked its entry at number 20 on the Nigerian Official Top 50 Albums chart. Notably, Times Square’s billboards in New York also paid tribute to the late Nigerian star.
Mohbad’s posthumous resurgence extended to streaming platforms – TurnTable Charts reported a 702% surge in his music streams since his passing.
Tributes from artists globally, including Meek Mill, Lil Durk, and Kodak Black, underscored Mohbad’s international influence. In Nigeria, over 50 songs were dedicated to his memory, flooding streaming platforms with heartfelt original recordings and covers. The candlelight procession held across several states, notably at Muri Okunola Park in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, drew notable artists like Davido, Zlatan, Chike, Skales, and Falz.
Stakeholders highlight the complexity of audience reactions to an artist’s work, especially in the wake of tragic events. Some have attributed the influx of streams to newfound awareness rather than a sudden change in appreciation, emphasizing the diverse ways people connect with music and artists.
Music critic Abiola Fasanmi tells FORBES AFRICA, “Mohbad was not just an artist; he was a visionary. His posthumous success is bittersweet, but it reflects the undeniable talent he brought to the world.
“It’s unprecedented for an artist to climb global charts after their passing. Mohbad’s music resonated profoundly, capturing the essence of Afrobeats and transcending cultural boundaries.”
Commenting on the Billboard rankings, Fasanmi observes: “To see Mohbad surpass industry giants posthumously is a testament to the authenticity of his art. He had a unique ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
“The surge in streaming numbers reflects the collective grief and celebration of Mohbad’s artistry.”