Nigerian singer Naira Marley has announced the return of Marlians Fest, scheduled for December 12, 2026, at Eagles Club Field in Surulere, Lagos.

The singer made the announcement in a social media post on Sunday, November 8, saying he would be joined by friends for the event. He did not disclose the names of the guest performers.

Reflecting on the past few years, Naira Marley described the period as the hardest of his life, adding that he had stepped away from public attention to find peace and recover.

"The last couple of years have been the hardest of my life. So many things were said. So many stories. Only God knows the truth," he wrote.

He also thanked supporters who had remained loyal to him, describing the festival as an opportunity for growth, healing and moving forward.

"Music is my life. The Marlians are my family. And it's time to come back together," he added.

The announcement comes more than three years after the death of his former Marlian Records signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, in September 2023.

Mohbad's death sparked widespread public criticism of Naira Marley and music promoter Sam Larry, following allegations of intimidation and assault involving people associated with the label. Both men denied wrongdoing.

In February 2025, a Lagos Magistrate's Court upheld the Directorate of Public Prosecutions' advice that Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy and Babatunde Opere had no case to answer in the investigation into Mohbad's death.

Marlians Fest was first held in December 2019, when Naira Marley used the event to announce the establishment of Marlian Records and introduce its signees, including Mohbad, Zinoleesky, Fabian Blu and C-Black.