Naira Marley Sounds Alarm on Cultism in Nigerian Music Industry

Rapper and singer Naira Marley has expressed concern over the growing influence of cultism in the Nigerian music scene, highlighting a worrying trend among some artists seeking power and protection.

Lamenting the situation, Marley claimed that only a few artists, including himself, have resisted joining cult groups. He mocked those who joined, pointing out the irony that even the people who influenced them still rely on police escorts for security.

On his X account, the rapper wrote:
"We no reach 5 weh never join cult for this [music] industry. Person weh put u for cult self dey carry police escort up and down."

Marley has previously denied being a cultist, revealing that he was threatened by cult members for refusing to join.

Opinion: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

Naira Marley’s comments shed light on a disturbing reality in the Nigerian music industry—where ambition and fame are sometimes entangled with secret societies. His remarks are a courageous stand, reminding both fans and fellow artists that true influence and success shouldn’t come at the expense of personal safety or ethics.

The fact that even those orchestrating these groups need security underscores the deeply flawed notion that cultism offers real power or protection. Marley’s refusal to join serves as a lesson in integrity, showing that it’s possible to navigate the music industry without compromising one’s values.

If more artists took a stand like Marley, it could gradually shift the culture toward merit, talent, and creativity rather than fear and intimidation, preserving the industry’s reputation and safeguarding the next generation of musicians.