Gambian musician Sailou Mballow, popularly known as Aya and a former lead singer of the Nobles, has been charged in the United States after allegedly setting his car on fire and attempting to burn down his home during a domestic dispute.

Mballow, 28, faces four criminal charges, including attempted arson of a building and criminal damage to property, following the incident on Tuesday in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

According to a criminal complaint, Mballow had been experiencing marital difficulties and had earlier gone to the Oshkosh Police Department requesting to be deported to The Gambia. Officers told him they had no authority to arrange his deportation.

Shortly after leaving the police station, emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle fire outside his residence. Investigators say the flames spread to the house and caused damage to a neighbouring property.

Court documents allege that Mballow admitted using gasoline to set the vehicle on fire and attempting to transfer the flames to the house using burning clothing.

Police also said Mballow told investigators he had run out of options and wanted to end his life.

He appeared in court on Thursday, where a judge set his bail at $50,000 cash. He is due back in court on 3 August for a preliminary hearing.