Nigeria’s Bella Shmurda makes YouTube Music Foundry Class of 2021

The musician joins fellow Nigerians Rema and Tems, both of whom have participated in the programme in the past. This year’s contingent boasts artists from 14 countries and the biggest number of participants since the programme was launched in 2015.

“Foundry celebrates artists, their courage and reduces barriers to entry,” YouTube said. “This group of artists are driving their careers forward as independents, building communities that allow them the freedom to grow on their own terms. We are so proud to spotlight and play a part in developing indie talent, and will continue supporting these artists every step of the way.”

The participants receive seed funding and dedicated partner support from YouTube in the form of marketing, promotion and content development.

Foundry alumni include more than 150 artists from 15 countries, including English singer Dua Lipa, South Korean pop rocker Sam Kim, Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Girl in Red, French rapper Lean Chihiro, Japanese artist Sanari and Haitian DJ and producer Michael Brun.

The news arrives on the heels of Bella Shmurda's eight-track High Tension 2.0 collection, which was released earlier this month.

“The music I do connects with everybody and has a message to pass,” the singer said. “It goes beyond just music: it’s spiritual, and that’s what it’s described as ‘conscious’. Being an independent artist can mean funding your career personally, leading and working with your team to achieve all your goals. Foundry is an opportunity to elevate my career, and being a part of the program is a big win for me and for my team.”

Born Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, Bella Shmurda is also behind the Zlatan and Lincoln-assisted ‘Cash App’ and the seven-track High Tension EP. He has been associated with A-list colleagues including Olamide, Davido and Runtown, and his debut full-length album Hypertension is due later this year. Bella Shmurda’s laurels include a 2021 Gbedu Award and Global Music Awards Africa trophies for Global Collaboration of the Year and Global Most Popular Song of the Year.