Mohbad’s Death: Alibaba Calls Out Nigerian Artistes; Speaks Against Peer Pressure

On Friday, famous comedian and actor Akunyota Akpobome, better known by his stage name Alibaba, claimed that upcoming artists frequently partake in occult rituals before signing record label contracts. Alibaba’s statement stirred up much controversy within the entertainment industry, sparking discussions about the pressures aspiring artists face. While some may dismiss his claims as mere speculation, others argue that the competitive nature of the industry might push individuals to resort to unconventional means for success.

In a segment for Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Alibaba argued that these rituals are just one of many things that cause young artists’ blind spots. This is coming in light of the demise of rising superstar Mohbad, which has led to the revelations that he was introduced to drugs by the label head, Naira Marley.

“If you are someone who is in a position with your creative abilities, you don’t need that kind of pressure. You don’t need somebody making you sign or take an oath for you to be creative.”

Alibaba claims that the intense desire for success and wealth leads some artists to compromise their core principles and is “where peer pressure sets in.”

“People just want to blow; they want to be seen, they want to be heard, they want to make money, they want to belong. And because of that, they step back from the values they have been brought up with and do what they shouldn’t do,”

Alibaba said that some artists are flourishing despite the competitive nature of the entertainment business without engaging in illegalities and societal vices. He stated:

“They don’t smoke, they don’t hold cigars, they don’t hold the glass cup and drink whiskey in their , and they insist on it,”  “Even if the choreography says it would add colour to the video, they would say no.”