Nigerian singer Fabian Blu, a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label, Marlian Records, has broken his silence about the harrowing experiences he endured while under the controversial label, Marlian Records. Speaking in a candid interview with renowned media personality Chude Jideonwo, the artist revealed shocking details about his time at the label, including physical and verbal abuse, financial exploitation, and a toxic environment that encouraged drug use.
From Signing to Struggles: A Troubled Journey
Fabian Blu joined Marlian Records in 2020, the same label that housed the late singer Mohbad. However, what was supposed to be a career-defining move quickly turned into a nightmare. According to him, the label not only failed to support his growth as an artist but also withheld his earnings. Even after his contract expired in 2022, he claims that the label has refused to pay him any royalties for the music he released under them.
Despite numerous attempts to claim what was rightfully his, Fabian disclosed that Naira Marley mocked him when he threatened to take legal action.
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Discrimination and Abuse at Marlian Records
Beyond financial disputes, Fabian Blu detailed the discrimination he faced due to his ethnic and religious background. He claimed that he was sidelined and labeled a “lazy artist” because he was neither Yoruba nor Muslim, which led to unfair treatment compared to other artists on the label.
“I was treated unfairly, constantly sidelined, and even forced out of the studio when I needed help,” Fabian revealed. He also recalled instances where he was denied proper accommodation and left to struggle on his own.
Exposure to Drugs and a Toxic Lifestyle
One of the most disturbing revelations in the interview was Fabian’s admission that he was introduced to drug abuse at Marlian Records. He described the label’s environment as being “too gangster” for him, influencing many artists to adopt dangerous lifestyles.
“I got introduced to drugs in Marlian Music. They were too gangster for me,” he stated, adding that when he eventually decided to leave the label, they spread rumors that he had gone mad—similar to what was said about Mohbad when he left.
Exit from Marlian Records and Uncertain Future
Fabian Blu officially departed from Marlian Records in 2022, the same year as Mohbad. Before his exit, he had released four singles under the label. However, his struggles did not end there, as he continues to fight for the royalties he believes he is owed.
His revelations come at a time when other former members of the label, including Mohbad’s widow, have also spoken out about their experiences with Marlian Records. These growing testimonies further raise concerns about artist exploitation, abuse, and the toxic culture within certain corners of the Nigerian music industry.
Fabian Blu’s story serves as a cautionary tale for upcoming artists, shedding light on the dark side of the industry that often goes unnoticed.
