Naira Marley: Bedlam, chaos at Eko Hotel as Marlian Fest lives up to hype

If there were any doubts as to the growing popularity of controversial singer, Naira Marley; all of those uncertainties were put to rest on Monday night, December 30; as a mammoth crowd turned out for the singer’s concert held at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre.

As a matter of fact, the situation almost degenerated into a breakdown of security. Eye witness accounts indicate that a number of self-professed ‘Marlians’; as the singer’s fans are popularly addressed stormed the venue without tickets.

In fact, reports claim that many who were turned back at the gates resorted to scaling fences.

Marlians don't buy ticket, they jump fence.. Eko Hotel in chaos 😀😀 #MarlianFest pic.twitter.com/v4ruVmv4zU

— Kings~Klan Mgt 🌍™ (@MC_PATODIN) December 30, 2019

The potentially explosive situation led to action on the part of the security and other authorities at the venue. A number of concert goers who had no tickets were arrested by the Police; as well as men of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) .
Subsequently, those arrested were loaded into waiting Black Maria vans and other vehicles belonging to the LAGESC.

However, some of those arrested have also taken to social media to accuse the authorities of extortion. They insist that many of those arrested had to part with money and other valuables to secure their freedom.

Sources disclose that some of those leaving the concert venue in the early hours of the morning were dispossessed of valuables including smartphones, wristwatches, bags and money.

Naira Marley gradually winning over new and conservative audiences.

Naira Marley, real names Afeez Fashola, has been arguably the most notoriously popular Nigerian artiste in 2019. Widely acclaimed as the President of the Marlians, his fiercely loyal and growing army of fans; Naira Marley has quickly gone from being arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged cybercrime; to becoming a king of the streets.

His lurid, explicit and sexual innuendos-filled lyrics and visuals have surprisingly increased his appeal, even to conservative audiences.

Indeed, there is a growing sentiment that the infectious music made by Naira Marley; is gradually winning over a number of ‘prim and proper’ Nigerians; many of whom adore the singer behind closed doors.