The Nigerian Artist Who Took Over the Airwaves

Depending on who you talk to, Naira Marley is either the scourge of the next generation of Nigerians or their savior. But whoever’s talking, the pop star – arguably the most controversial in Africa – is spoken about in near-mythological tones. To some, the 25-year-old’s meteoric rise over the past two years has been sudden: selling out Brixton Academy in three minutes; accruing three million Instagram followers, tens of millions of streams, and a cult-like fandom. But the signs of stardom have always been there. During a studio session he facilitated for friends in 2014, he recorded the instant hit Marry Juana on a whim. The track helped usher in the fusion of UK rap, dancehall, and Afrobeats. The blend of influences is referenced in his name: Naira is the currency of Nigeria and Marley reggae royalty.