Taking Responsibility? Nigerian Musician Touted As Bad Influence Sends Warning To The Youths

Nigerian music act, Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley has sent a message of warning to his fans, who are known as Marlians. 25-year-old Azeez has earned quite a following amongst local and elite Nigerian folks despite his blatantly lewd lyrics, imagery and even trouble with the law. Fashola’s music, nonetheless, appears to have absolved him of accountability from the public as his popularity and influence, although judged as negative, continues to soar, particularly with the youths.

For instance, at the start of school this year, some secondary school female students were allegedly suspended for starting a Marlian cult in school; part of the tenets of the cult included ditching underwear on some days of the week, alluding to a slogan popular with Naira Marley, who is a father-of-four kids himself, and his bigger fan base.

A lot has been said about the Marlians – some of them in jest and some as criticisms. Marlians are considered as people who do not live by the rules but make their own rules. This has begun posing a problem recently as some young people have gotten themselves in trouble while trying to live up the non-conformist idea that the fan base represents.

Parents and clerics, including Apostle Chris Omashola, have blamed the decay in society and in our youths on Naira Marley’s influence on kids. Omashola even claimed God revealed to him that Naira Marley is a demon sent to derail the future of our youths.

The singer, probably burdened by how much misdemeanor is committed in his name almost daily has now sent out an advice to his fans, urging them to enjoy their life but to also ensure that they do not destroy their future while at it.

He tweeted:

“As a Marlian u have to enjoy your youth but don’t destroy your future.”