Mohbad: Naira Marley Was Bigger Than Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy – Verydarkman Claims

Controversial social commentator Verydarkman has ignited yet another heated conversation online after boldly claiming that Naira Marley was once bigger than Nigeria’s top three music stars, Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. The statement, made during one of his usual Instagram rants, has drawn intense reactions from fans and critics alike.

In the clip that quickly went viral, Verydarkman defended the late singer Mohbad while analyzing the power dynamics within the Marlian Music label. He said that many people underestimated the weight Naira Marley carried in the Nigerian music scene at the height of his fame. According to him, the influence Marley had on the streets and pop culture was unmatched at a particular time.

“Naira Marley was bigger than Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy,” he said confidently. “There was a time nobody was doing it like him. His movement was not just music, it was a lifestyle. He controlled the streets. He was a culture.”

While his opinion drew applause from a section of listeners who fondly remember the peak of the Marlian era, others were quick to dismiss the comparison as disrespectful to global superstars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, who have all sold out international venues, topped global charts, and won prestigious awards.

Verydarkman’s statement seemed to come from a place of passion rather than data, but he wasn’t necessarily talking about streaming numbers or awards. He was speaking to influence, the kind that’s not always measurable but still incredibly powerful.

“Look at Mohbad, look at what he went through,” he continued. “If Naira wasn’t that big, the industry wouldn’t have been quiet for so long after Mohbad cried for help.”

Social media has since been flooded with comments. One user wrote, “How can you compare Naira Marley to Davido or Wizkid? Those guys are in a different league.” Another countered, “He’s right. The Marlians movement was massive. You can’t deny the wave Naira was riding.”

At the core of the discussion is the tragic death of Mohbad, whose exit brought fresh scrutiny to the way the music industry treats young, upcoming talents. Mohbad had previously accused Naira Marley and his crew of bullying and intimidation before his untimely passing in 2023. Many have continued to point fingers at the label’s toxic structure, which Verydarkman referenced in his defense.

Whether or not Naira Marley ever truly surpassed Nigeria’s Afrobeats giants is subjective. From a purely musical and international standpoint, it’s hard to argue with the achievements of Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. But Verydarkman’s point seems to lie in a different realm, the streets, the youth culture, and the raw influence that once made “Marlian” a household term.

As expected, this bold take has reignited debates about influence versus success, street credibility versus global acclaim, and how we measure greatness in Nigeria’s music industry. One thing is clear: the story of Naira Marley, Mohbad, and the impact of Marlian Music still stirs deep emotions, and it’s far from over.