Naira Marley, born Azeez Adeshina Fashola on May 10, 1993, in Agege, Lagos, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter renowned for his distinctive sound. Drawing inspiration from reggae legend Bob Marley who also inspired his stage name, he began his music career in 2014. He rose to fame with the controversial hit single “Am I a Yahoo Boy?” and has since become known for his bold fusion of Afrobeats, street pop, and hip-hop influences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Azeez Adeshina Fashola |
| Stage Name | Naira Marley |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | – Peckham Academy (Distinction in Business) – Crossways College (Business Law) |
| Music Career Start | 2013 |
| Breakthrough Song | Marry Juana (2014) |
| Genres | Afrobeats, Street Pop, Hip-Hop |
| Record Label | Marlian Music (Founded 2019) |
| Notable EPs | Gotta Dance (2014), Lord of Lamba (2019) |
| Popular Songs | Soapy, Tesumole, Opotoyi, Mafo, PXTA |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$4 million as of 2025 |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Fashola |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Children | Four (Aishat, Simiat, Farouq, Fawaz) |
| Known For | Bold lyrics, street influence, controversial persona |
| Luxury Cars | Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley GT, Mercedes G-Wagon, Ferrari 488, BMW i8 |
| Major Concerts | Marlian Fest (2019), Drive-in Concert (Abuja), multiple international shows |
| Stage Name Inspiration | From reggae icon Bob Marley |
Early Life and Background
Azeez Adeshina Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, was born on May 10, 1991, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from a Yoruba Muslim family, with his father being a prominent figure in the community. At the age of 11, Naira Marley relocated to Peckham, South London, where he completed his education. He graduated with a distinction in business from Peckham Academy in 2010 and furthered his studies in business law at Crossways College (now Christ the King Sixth Form College).
Naira Marley Career
Naira Marley’s foray into music was as unconventional as his sound. He didn’t grow up with dreams of fame or even with strong musical ambitions. It wasn’t until 2013, influenced by close friends and local artists in South London, that he began to take music seriously. He started recording songs in home studios, mixing grime, Afrobeat, and UK drill with raw, street-savvy lyrics. His style was immediately recognizable: bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically rebellious.
In 2014, he released his debut EP titled “Gotta Dance”, which leaned heavily on the UK’s Afro-trap and grime influence. The project didn’t make huge waves, but it was enough to establish him as a rising artist in the diaspora. What stood out was his refusal to conform Naira Marley didn’t try to fit into traditional Afrobeat lanes. Instead, he carved his own space, blending Yoruba phrases with British slang and creating something entirely unique.
His big break came in December 2017 with the release of “Issa Goal,” a celebratory street anthem featuring Lil Kesh and Olamide. The song became an unofficial rallying cry for Nigerian youth and football lovers during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. With its pulsating beats and catchy chorus, “Issa Goal” was both a party track and a patriotic chant. A remix featuring top stars like Falz, Simi, and Slimcase further catapulted the track to national fame, making Marley a household name.
Following this success, Marley began to drop back-to-back hits that blended controversy with club-ready beats. In May 2019, he released “Am I A Yahoo Boy,” a track that became a lightning rod for debate in Nigeria. The title referenced the country’s ongoing issue with internet fraud, commonly called “Yahoo Yahoo.” The song dropped just days before he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on fraud-related charges a move that instantly elevated his status from rising star to cultural rebel.
Whether intentional or coincidental, the timing of the song and his arrest turned him into a symbol of resistance for Nigeria’s disenchanted youth. His fans, who dubbed themselves “Marlians,” embraced his anti-establishment ethos, messy legal battles, and his outlandish public persona.
After his release from EFCC custody on bail, Marley doubled down on his music. He dropped “Soapy”, a controversial track inspired by his time in jail. The song’s accompanying dance move sparked both backlash and viral popularity. Then came “Opotoyi (Marlians)”, “Pxta”, and “Tesumole,” all of which became street anthems and trended on TikTok and Instagram.
In December 2019, he released his second EP, “Lord of Lamba”, a seven-track body of work featuring hits like “Mafo” and “Isheyen”. The project was a genre-bending fusion of street-hop, Afrobeat, and UK grime, and it solidified his reputation as the face of Nigeria’s edgy new sound.
The same month, he launched Marlian Records, his own label, under which he signed promising street artists like Zinoleesky, Mohbad, CBlvck, and Fabian Blu. Marlian Records quickly became known for pushing the boundaries of Nigerian pop culture, embracing street language, fashion, and controversial narratives that mainstream media often ignored.
Naira Marley Net Worth
As of 2025, Naira Marley’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million. His income streams include music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and his record label. His YouTube channel and other digital platforms also contribute significantly to his earnings.
Naira Marley Parents
Naira Marley was born Azeez Fashola to Mr. and Mrs. Fashola. His parents are occasionally referenced in conversations about his upbringing and early life, offering insight into his family background.
Naira Marley Wife
Naira Marley is a father to four children: Aishat, Simiat, Farouq, and Fawaz. Despite his public persona, he has managed to keep details about his personal life relatively private. He is not married, and his children’s mothers remain out of the public eye.
Naira Marley Cars and Lifestyle
Naira Marley is known for his lavish lifestyle and flaunts an impressive collection of luxury cars. His fleet includes:
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2023 Cadillac Escalade: Valued at approximately ₦240 million.
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Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Estimated at ₦350–400 million.
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Bentley Continental GT: Priced around ₦50 million.
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Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon: Worth about ₦24 million.
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Porsche Panamera: Valued at approximately ₦16 million.
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Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic: Estimated at ₦33 million.
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Lamborghini Aventador: A high-performance sports car.
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Ferrari 488 GTB: A luxury sports coupe.
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BMW i8: A hybrid sports car.
These vehicles reflect his flamboyant taste and status in the entertainment industry.
Naira Marley Concerts and Performances
Marley has performed at numerous concerts and events, both in Nigeria and internationally. His energetic performances and unique style have earned him a dedicated fan base. Notable events include the “Marlian Fest” held at Eko Hotels and Suites in December 2019, where he launched his record label and unveiled new talents. Additionally, he held a drive-in concert in Abuja, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to entertaining his fans.
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FAQs
What is Naira Marley’s net worth in 2021?
In 2021, Naira Marley’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $800,000. This estimation was based on his earnings from music sales, live performances, and digital content.
How much was Naira Marley’s net worth in 2022?
In 2022, Naira Marley’s net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million. This estimation was based on his earnings from music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and his record label, Marlian Music.
What is Naira Marley’s net worth in 2023?
As of 2023, Naira Marley’s estimated net worth was approximately $2 million. This valuation reflects his diverse income streams, including music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and his record label, Marlian Records.
What is Naira Marley’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Naira Marley’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million. This valuation reflects his diverse income streams, including music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, merchandise sales, and investments.
What is Marlian Records?
Marlian Records is the record label founded by Naira Marley in 2019. The label has signed several notable Nigerian artists, including CBlvck, Zinoleesky, and Fabian Blu.
Why is Naira Marley called “Naira Marley”?
Naira Marley’s stage name is inspired by the legendary Jamaican musician Bob Marley. “Naira” is a play on the Nigerian currency, symbolizing his roots in Nigeria, while “Marley” reflects his admiration for the reggae icon.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @nairamarley
