Emerging Naija: Bella Shmurda

In the past two years or so, the West African country has welcomed new prospects, notable among them singer Bella Shmurda.

A native of Ojo in Lagos and a final year student at Lagos State University, the singer, born Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, has captured the hearts of music lovers with commanding vocals and street-conscious lyricism.

“I have been the voice of the streets since I started this thing,” he told Audiomack in January. “I have always wanted to speak out for the streets. I have always wanted to speak out for those that do not have a voice. Most of us here are living, but we cannot speak. People are living in so much fear. I want to be their courage.”

This combination of vocal prowess and consciousness was first demonstrated on his breakout single ‘Vision 2020’, which was released in 2018. So impactful was the record that it swiftly caught the eye of veteran rapper and YBNL boss Olamide, who appears on the song’s remix. Olamide also enlisted Bella Shmurda for ‘Triumphant’, off the former’s latest album Carpe Diem. 

The musician also appears on ‘Fade’, off Davido’s sophomore album A Better Time, as well as records by Runtown and DJ Consequence, among others.

The 2021 Headies nominee and Gbedu Awards winner is also behind the Zlatan and Lincoln-assisted hit ‘Cash App’, the seven-track High Tension EP and his debut full-length Hypertension, which will be out this year.

Music In Africa brings you a playlist of five essential Bella Shmurda songs.

Vision 2020 ft. Olamide

Cash App ft. Zlatan and Lincoln

Only You

Dangbana Orisa

Rush