Two years ago, Mohbad released what would become his final gift to the world. the Blessed EP. Born Oladimeji Ilerioluwa Aloba, Mohbad rose from the streets of Lagos to become one of Afropop’s most promising voices. His journey was not paved with privilege, but with talent, relentless hustle, and a deep connection to the realities of everyday life. He didn’t just sing about struggle and hope, he lived it. And that’s what made him real.
Blessed marked a turning point in Mohbad’s journey. While his early hits like “KPK” lit up clubs and playlists during a global lockdown, Blessed revealed the full scope of his artistry.
Across eight tracks, Mohbad showed us his world, and we felt it. He wasn’t just the “everyman” anymore. He was a ghetto preacher, a romantic, a griot. His baritone carried the weight of his experiences, and his lyrics, always unfiltered, yet never lost the groove that made you move, gave voice to those who often go unheard. His chemistry with Bella Shmurda on “Pariwo” and Zlatan on “Account Balance” added sparks of camaraderie and energy, reminding fans of the bond he shared with his peers.
Blessed proved that Mohbad wasn’t afraid to evolve. He was finding hisvoice, refining his sound, and stepping into his power until time ran out. “There’s no neat resolution to his life; he could’ve written so many more chapters if he had more time. However, his work is a testament that he lived as best as he could. In a sense, he’s found the light.” – Dennis Ade Peter
Mohbad called himself Imole, meaning “light”, and that’s exactly what he was. Bright, bold, and unmissable. Though he’s gone, his music remains a
flame that still burns in the hearts of those who knew his name, his voice, and his story.
As we mark two years since the release of Blessed, we celebrate the legacy of an artist who gave everything to his craft, so play his music loud. Share your favourite lyrics.
Remember Mohbad. Remember the light.
