Nigerian singer Naira Marley is preparing to reclaim the stage with the return of Marlians Fest on December 12, 2026, bringing back a concert brand that has been absent for five years amid a turbulent period in his career and the controversy surrounding the death of his former signee, Mohbad.
The event will take place at Eagles Club Field in Surulere, Lagos. Naira Marley announced the comeback in a post on X, describing the past few years as the most difficult period of his life and explaining that he withdrew from public attention to recover his peace and rediscover himself.
“The last couple of years have been the hardest of my life. So many things were said. So many stories. Only God knows the truth,” he wrote.
He added that his decision to step away from public view was necessary for personal healing, but insisted that music remained central to his identity.
“I went quiet because sometimes silence is the only way to find peace. I needed time to heal and find myself again. But music is my life. The Marlians are my family. And it’s time to come back together,” the singer stated.
Naira Marley also hinted that other entertainers would join him at the concert, although he did not disclose their identities. He presented the gathering as an occasion for reconciliation, personal growth and celebration, while thanking supporters who had continued to identify with his music.
RELATED NEWS:
The return marks a significant revival for the concert brand. The last Marlians Fest was held on December 29, 2021, at Eko Festival City, Lagos. An earlier edition took place in December 2019 at Eko Hotels and Suites.
However, the announcement carries significance beyond the return of a music festival. Naira Marley’s public image has been heavily affected by the controversy that followed Mohbad’s death on September 12, 2023.
Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba, was formerly signed to Marlian Records before leaving the label. His death triggered public protests, intense social media scrutiny and calls for an investigation into his relationship with the record label and its associates.
Naira Marley was arrested and questioned during the police investigation. He denied involvement in the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.
In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate’s Court discharged Naira Marley, music promoter Sam Larry, Primeboy and Mohbad’s former manager, Babatunde Opere, after the Directorate of Public Prosecutions concluded that they had no case to answer in connection with the death.
That decision is an important part of the record, but it does not erase the public controversy that shaped the period following Mohbad’s death.
The December concert will therefore offer Naira Marley an opportunity to reconnect with his audience and test the strength of a fan base that became closely associated with his music, fashion and street-pop identity.
His reference to healing and moving forward appears to acknowledge the difficult chapter, although he has not announced any specific reconciliation initiative or further explanation of the events that led to his withdrawal.
Whether Marlians Fest can regain its former excitement will depend not only on attendance and performances, but also on how audiences respond to the singer’s return.
For now, Naira Marley has fixed the date and venue. The next test is whether the Marlians will turn the comeback announcement into a successful night in Surulere.
For More News Updates, Visit New Daily Prime News
