Rising Afrobeats sensation Fola has shared a deeply emotional memory of his late friend and fellow artist, Mohbad, revealing a significant act of generosity that occurred early in his career. The singer, whose real name is Odunlami Afolarin Temiloluwa, became visibly moved during a recent interview while discussing the unforgettable gift.
An Emotional Tribute and a Lasting Gift
When posed with the question of which person, living or dead, he would choose to share a Coke with, Fola's response was immediate and heartfelt. He expressed a desire to share the moment with Mohbad, who tragically passed away over two years ago. Fighting back emotion, Fola revealed the core reason for his choice: "I can't forget, he bought me my first iPhone. He bought me an iPhone 6 in 2019. I still miss him, and I still wanna share a Coke with him."
This gesture took place in 2019, a period when both artists were in the nascent stages of their musical journeys. For Fola, receiving the iPhone 6 from Mohbad was more than just a present; it was a symbol of belief and support during a challenging time.
Mohbad's Role in Fola's Career Journey
The bond between the two musicians extended beyond casual friendship into professional mentorship. Mohbad, who saw potential in Fola's talent, played a pivotal role in his early career development. Not only did he offer encouragement, but he also made a crucial introduction that changed Fola's trajectory.
Mohbad connected Fola with fellow artist Bella Shmurda. This connection proved instrumental, eventually leading to Fola signing with the influential record label Dagbana Republik. This move facilitated his transition from Ibadan to the heart of the Nigerian music industry in Lagos, where he has since released popular tracks like "YOU" and collaborated with stars like BNXN.
Fans Mourn a Generous Spirit and Demand Justice
Following the circulation of Fola's interview clip, fans flooded social media platforms with touching tributes, praising Mohbad's character and lamenting his untimely death. The online reaction highlighted the late singer's reputation for kindness, often done away from the public eye.
One user, @FindingKan, wrote: "Wow! Mohbad was such a gem. Wickedness in this world didn't allow that boy's light to shine. Imole ?" Another, @mee_tunde, noted: "That's how you know some people live beyond music. Kindness leaves receipts ?️"
The sentiment was echoed by @EgbeAsa, who praised those who help silently: "Mohbad did this but nobody knew until now. I love this kind of people. Help in silence." Many comments also revisited the ongoing call for justice concerning the circumstances of Mohbad's death, with fan @_tzy_9 stating: "It is only painful that they don't allow him to get justice."
In related news, a court has recently made a ruling regarding the paternity dispute surrounding Mohbad's son, Liam. The late singer's father, Joseph Aloba, had insisted on a DNA test at specific hospitals abroad. However, the court ruled that it would select the testing facilities, ordered Aloba to cover all associated costs as the petitioner, and mandated that both parties must be present for the procedure.
