Fabian Blu has alleged that he was introduced to drugs during his time at Marlian Records, a label he described as “too gangster”.
The singer spoke against the label he was signed to from 2020 to 2022 in a recent interview on WithChude.
Blu claimed that his time at Marlian Records was akin to being “imprisoned”.
During his stint at the label, owned by Naira Marley, the singer released five songs, including ‘Instagram’ and ‘Rolla Costa’.
He also collaborated with fellow Marlian Records signees, such as Zinoleesky and the late Mohbad.
During the interview, the singer said his experience at the label was marred by allegations of tribalism, exploitation, and substance abuse.
He further claimed that the label’s management stifled his creativity, forcing him to produce music that conformed to their expectations rather than his own artistic vision.
Blu alleged that Marlian Records withheld his music royalties since he departed from the label in 2022.
“I got introduced to drugs in Marlian Music. I got signed to the record label. I have never liked the whole Marlian music kind of lifestyle. They were too gangster,” he said.
“I have met a lot of Yoruba people as friends. But getting to that Marlian music, I met a different set of Yoruba people. There was tribalism in the record. It was chaotic and dysfunctional.
“I was not given the free will to express my creativity. All of my songs in Marlian Music were a result of they wanted it to sound that way. They have not given me my share of royalties ever since I have been with them.
“That place was like a prison to me. When Mohbad died. I was abused in Marlian music because I was not a Muslim I cannot get favours from them.”
Marlian Music has faced intense scrutiny and backlash following the tragic passing of singer Mohbad on September 12, 2023.
Allegations have surfaced accusing Marlian Music of mistreating Mohbad during his time at the label, with his family members and wife Omowunmi demanding justice and accountability.
The controversy also sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death and the label’s treatment of its artistes.
The incident also raised concerns about the exploitation and mistreatment of artistes in the music industry.
