The King of Conscious Sound, Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed with the stage name Bella Shmurda and normally addressed as Boibella, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer who has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm. Known for his unique style and distinctive voice, Bella Shmurda has gained widespread recognition and a massive fan following in a relatively short period. He is also the founder of Dangbana Republik, a Lagos-based creative record label.[1]
Bella Shmurda’s genre of music is a blend of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street music winning the hearts of many music lovers across Nigeria and beyond.
Bella Shmurda became popular in the music industry after his 2019 hit single “Vision 2020”. The song caught the attention of the Nigerian rapper Olamide who made a follow-up remix of the song. His close friend, Poco Lee also made a dance video with the song adding to its widespread publicity. He has since gone on to release hit after hit, cementing his place as one of the most promising young talents in the industry.
Bella Shmurda has since then collaborated with many of the biggest names in Nigerian music, including Zlatan, Odmodublvck, Rexxie, Tiwa Savage, Omay Lay, Nasty C, Davido, and Runtown.
His music is loved by fans for its catchy beats, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy.
Table of Contents
- Bella Shmurda Profile Summary
- Bella Shmurda Biography
- Bella Shmurda Education
- Bella Shmurda Career Trajectory
- Bella Shmurda Songs
- Bella Shmurda Awards and Nominations
- Bella Shmurda Net Worth
- Bella Shmurda House and Cars
- Bella Shmurda Relationship Status
- Bella Shmurda Philanthropic Achievement
- Why was Bella Shmurda Sued?
- Why is Bella Shmurda called Dangbana?
- Why did Bella Shmurda drop out of School?
- Bella Shmurda Banned from Ghana
- Why did Bella Shmurda Refuse to Pay Mohbad the Last Respect?
- Bella Shmurda’s Social Media Presence
- Conclusion
- Reference
Bella Shmurda Profile Summary
| Full Name | Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed |
| Stage Name | Bella Shmurda |
| Nickname | Boibella |
| Date Of Birth | January 27, 1997 |
| Age | 26 Years Old |
| State Of Origin | Lagos State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Gender | Male |
| Father’s Name | Mr. Abiola Ahmed |
| Mother’s Name | Dr, Mrs. Adeola Agbeke Aribike |
| Secondary Education | Badagry Grammar School |
| Tertiary Education | Lagos State University |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Performer |
| Networth | $1 Million |
Bella Shmurda Biography
Bella Shmurda was born on January 27, 1997, in Wea Street, Ita Elewa Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the youngest of ten children born to a Muslim polygamous family of four wives in Ikorodu.[2] His parents are Mr Abiola Ahmed, who is a Customs Officer at the Terminal Port in Ikorodu and Dr. Mrs. Adeola Agbeke Aribike.[3] His Mother being the last wife has three children including him.
Bella Shmurda grew up in Ojo, Okokomaiko, Lagos state, which is probably why he can relate well to the street lifestyle, which is evident in his music.[2]
At the age of 16, Bella Shmurda entered the Nigerian music scene, despite his mother’s initial disapproval of his career choice. However, his mother, being supportive, eventually gave in when she saw how invested he was in pursuing his passion for music[4].
During that time, he was putting out freestyles and song covers on his social media handles to gain more popularity. He is now considered one of the most promising young artists in Nigeria, known for his unique sound and style.
Bella Shmurda Education
Bella Shmurda had his primary education at Lagos State University Staff School, where his mom was a head teacher. His musical journey started during his primary education as a member of the school band and cultural dance group.
Although He grew up in Ikorodu, he attended high school at Badagry Grammar School, where he was the band prefect. He later furthered at Lagos State University (LASU), to study History and International Relations.[6]
While he was pursuing his education, he kept honing his musical craft, dropping freestyles here and there and performing in local groups.
Bella Shmurda Career Trajectory
Starting from Bella Shmurda’s primary school days, he has been a good singer, he was known as a noisemaker in his class, because he was always drumming the bench. He was also the Band prefect during his tertiary education.
In an Interview with Pause, he disclosed his deep-rooted passion for music, he said “I used to sing from my primary school days. I used to play the drums. I used to drum on the table in the class, so I used to be the “noisemaker”. I was once the music prefect in my primary school days, down to my secondary school, I was the band prefect. I’ve always loved music, you know, I listened to the likes of Oritse Femi, Kollington, King Wasiu Ayinde, Pasuma, and they inspired my type of music. With me, with anything I make, I want to inspire you. I want to make you dance, and at the same time, I want you to get something: you know, have a message. I just want to be free, on all levels, when it comes to my music.” [7]
Bella Shmurda began his Nigerian music industry at the age of 21 in 2018 and signed into his first record label, “One World Global records” in 2019.[8] Currently, he owns his own record label “Dangbana Republic”.
That same year he gained momentum in the music industry with the release of his debut single, “Vision 2020.” The song was an instant hit and caught the attention of music enthusiasts in Nigeria and beyond who danced to the music and made reels and Tiktok challenges with the music.
One of the biggest Nigerian rappers, Olamide noticed the music “Vision2020” and had a follow-up remix with him on it. This solidified his place in the industry and tripled the music recognition and the singer as a whole.
Following the success of “Vision 2020,” Bella Shmurda continued to release a string of hit singles, Eps and albums, including “High Tension”, “Philo”, “Sho Mo Mi” and “Upgrade.”[1] He has also had collaborations with Nigerian music artists including Tiwa Savage, Omay Lay and Davido. These collaborations opened doors to more opportunities and catapulted him to greater heights.
Another of his most significant career moments was the release of “Cash App,” a track in his debut EP “High Tension”. It is a collaborative effort with Zlatan and Lincoln in 2020. The song received massive airplay and became an anthem, further enhancing Bella Shmurda’s status in the Nigerian music scene. It topped Nigerian music charts and stayed there for weeks.
Cash App also got nominated as the “Most Played Song” – Street Pop[2] at the NET Honors. He followed up with the release of his debut album “Hypertension” in October 2022, which included the hit single “Philo” featuring Omah Lay and a remix featuring the South African rapper, Nasty C, which dropped in March 2023.
Bella Shmurda has won several other awards, including the “Next Rated Male” and “Street Music of the Year” at the City People Entertainment Awards. In 2021, he won two award categories, Global Collaboration of the Year and Global Most Popular Song of the Year, at the Global Music Awards Africa.
Bella Shmurda also became the only Nigerian among twenty-seven acts, across fourteen countries, to be awarded a grant by the YouTube Foundry Programme to advance his channel. Moreover, he was featured in an Episode on the African music interview series “This is Africa ” facilitated by BBC.
Bella Shmurda made his debut performance at The O2 Arena in the United Kingdom, as a guest performer at Wizkid’s, Made in Lagos Concert in November 2021.[16]
His latest release is his EP, DND, which dropped on July 26, 2023 contains some of his latest bangers such as his collaboration with Tiwa Savage on a single titled “NSV” produced by Krizbeatz and Ara Gen Gen Tin produced by Larry lanes.
His unique blend of Afrobeat and street vibes set him apart from other artists, and he soon established himself as a rising star.
Bella Shmurda Songs
Bella Shmurda has released a number of chart-topping and award winning songs. He is known for his catchy and relatable lines that resonate with his fans. He has released notable EPs, Albums and Singles.
He has released two EPs with 7 tracks each, one Album with 15 tracks and many singles.[1]
Some of his EPs include:
- High Tension (2020): This conprises 7 tracks including Ginger Me (Intro), Omnipotent, Liquor, Sho mo mi, Amope, Vision 20, and Upgrade.[1]
- High Tension 2 (2021): This comprises 7 tracks including, Out There, World, Soldier Go, Far Away, Lako, Rush, Party Next Door, and Champion.[1]
- DND (2023): This comprises 6 tracks, NSV, Bankruptcy, Ara Gen Gen Tin, In Charge, DND and JoJo.
Boibella Album Hypertension (2022) includes:[1]
- New Born Fela
- Ase
- Contraband
- Loose It ft. Simi
- Oh Oh Oh
- Converse ft. Phyno
- Fire
- Lagos City
- Level Up
- Philo ft Omah Lay
- Nakupenda ft BackRoad Gee, Not3s, L.A.X
- No Other ft. Victony
- Man of the Year
- Addicted
- So Cold ft. Popcaan
Boibella Most Popular Singles includes:[1]
- Vision2020 Ft Olamide
- Upgrade
- Only You
- Dangbana Orisa
- Cash App
- No Caution Ft Seyi Vibez
- Party Next Door
- My Friend
- Many Things
- Fvck Off
- New born Fela
- Philo Remix Ft Nasty C
- NSV Ft Tiwa Savage
Bella Shmurda has also been featured in a number of songs such as:[1]
- Triumphant also featuring Olamide (2020)
- DOG EAT DOG by Odumodublavk also featuring Cruel, Santino (2023)
- Fade Away also featuring Davido (2020)
- Jackpot also featuring Crayon (2021)
Bella Shmurda Awards and Nominations
Bella Shmurda’s talent has not gone unnoticed in the Nigerian music industry, and he has received several award, nominations and accolades for his work including:
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Reference |
| 2022 | The Headies | Best Street Hop Artiste | Nominated | [1] |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Played Street Hop Song | Nominated | [9] |
| 2020 | City People Entertainment Awards | Revelation of the Year | Nominated | [10] |
| 2020 | City People Entertainment Awards | Next Rated (Male) | Won | [10] |
| 2020 | City People Entertainment Awards | Street Music of the Year | Won | [10] |
| 2020 | The Headies | Next Rated | Nominated | [11] |
| 2021 | AFRIMMA | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [12] |
| 2021 | Gbedu Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Won | [13] |
| 2021 | Global Music Award Africa | Global Collaboration of the Year | Won | [16] |
| 2021 | Global Music Award Africa | Global Most Popular Song of the Year | Won | [16] |
| 2022 | The Headies | Next Rated | Nominated | [14] |
It’s worth noting that Bella Shmurda is still in the early stages of his career, and he is expected to accumulate more nominations and awards as he continues to make waves in the Nigerian music industry.
Bella Shmurda Net Worth
Bella Shmurda’s estimated net worth is around $1,000,000.[15] As he continues to gain prominence in the Nigerian music industry, he is expected to increase in wealth.
His income comes from music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and various business ventures. Specifically, his estimated income from performances is around $40,000 per year, as he performs an average of five gigs annually. His likely estimated income to cover an event is $8,000 to $16,000.[15]
Bella Shmurda House and Cars
Bella Shmurda’s house is located in the Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria. It is a large mansion with a number of amenities and decorated in a very expensive style, with marble floors.[16]
Bella Shmurda is also a fan of expensive cars. He owns a number of luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, and a Range Rover Vogue.[16]
Bella Shmurda Relationship Status
Bella Shmurda is allegedly termed single as he has not officially certified any woman as his girlfriend or wife. Except in 2019, he mentioned his ex, Omotena, in his single “Vision2020.[2]
However, In January 2023, he released different videos of him and a lady on a vacation. She is believed to be his girlfriend enjoying themselves in a swimming pool, with the woman gently stroking his head tagged “Nothing wey i no go do for my Philo”. Other clips depict them at different fun locations, including a restaurant.[17]
This information about Bella Shmurda and his alleged girlfriend has not been verified, as he has not come out to accept or refute the claim.
Bella Shmurda Philanthropic Achievement
In October of 2021, Bella Shmurda responded to a video that went viral of a young child performing his and Olamide’s song, “Triumphant,” from Olamide’s album, “Carpe Diem.”
The singer generously offered to sponsor the child with a scholarship to attend elementary school, which went into effect in November.[1]
On his birthday on January 27, 2022, he made a promise to feed 1,000 individuals in need. He shared this commitment on Twitter, expressing his desire to give back to his community. He said, “Anyways, I’m feeding 1k mouths today in my hood, Okoko/Alaba, and I will do it every year by God’s grace. He no go shake”.[18]
Why was Bella Shmurda Sued?
In 2021, Bella Shurda faced legal action from One Word Global Records Limited, his initial record label, for alleged copyright infringement and breach of contract.
The record label claims that it had a valid deal with the artist that was set to expire in 2022 and that Bella violated the terms of the agreement by releasing, publishing, promoting, and distributing songs and videos without the label’s knowledge or consent.[2]
Furthermore, Bella is accused of collaborating with other artists without the label’s permission, and of failing to pay the royalties owed from the use of the label’s distributed songs.
Despite the subsisting contract with One Word Global Records Limited, Bella has reportedly signed with another record company, Dangbana Republik. As a result of the alleged contract breach, One Word Global Records Limited sought substantial damages.[2]
Why is Bella Shmurda called Dangbana?
According to Bella Shmurda, he got the name back in his university days, because of certain attributes he showcased.
In an Interview with Pause, he said,[7] “It started from my university days, down from 100L, they used to see me like “This guy is awkward.” I was kind of an alternative. My look was always different from the usual coming-to-school look. I used to have dreadlocks when no one had dreads at school. Even when everybody’s in class, I fit no dey. They just tagged me crazy, like this guy, this guy is crazy.”
Why did Bella Shmurda drop out of School?
The popular music star has revealed in a post on X that he decided to drop out of Lagos State University (LASU) in order to pursue his music career.[18]
Despite this decision, he insists that he has no regrets. In fact, he believes that he would have struggled with financial difficulties and academic challenges if he had remained in school.
According to Bella Shmurda, his success is due to his stubbornness and the support of other people, including Pocolee and Olamide. He credits them with encouraging him to make the viral video for “vision2020” and for providing him with the opportunities he needed in order to become successful.[18]
He posted this while celebrating his half a billion streams (550 million) with his fans on X formerly called Twitter.
Bella Shmurda Banned from Ghana
According to reports in 2021, Bella Shmurda was reportedly deported from Ghana after a physical altercation with a doctor who disclosed his COVID-19 test results.[2]
Along with two other individuals, Bella allegedly used a fork to attack the doctor while in quarantine. As a result, Bella and his colleagues were each fined GH2,000 and were prohibited from traveling to Ghana for a period of three months.[7]
Why did Bella Shmurda Refuse to Pay Mohbad the Last Respect?
The late popular singer and rapper, Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad died on September 12, 2022. His death shook the internet and raised questions. Bella Shmurda was among those who publicly mourned the rapper’s death, he made a series of posts lamenting the death of his friend.[18]
In the series of tweets shared in September, the singer expressed grief regarding the untimely and mysterious passing of the late rapper, his friend. He claimed Mohbad’s spirit has refused to leave him alone since his death and that the rapper Mohbad, did not die a natural death. He further added that he won’t pay him the last respect because he lives on.[18]
The singer even organized a peaceful online protest to honor the memory of his late friend and seek justice for his untimely passing, tagged “#justice4Mohbad”. He played an active role in arranging a candlelight vigil to commemorate the late singer and rapper.[19]
Bella Shmurda also paid tribute to Mohbad with the song “My Brother (Tribute to Mohbad) on his Instagram handle.
Bella Shmurda’s Social Media Presence
Bella Shmurda has built a massive and devoted fanbase, with a rapidly growing number of followers on all of his social media accounts. His social media handles include:
- Instagram: @bella_shmurda
- X: @BellaShmurda
Conclusion
Bella Shmurda’s biography, age, songs, career trajectory, net worth, and awards and nominations all reflect the incredible journey of this talented Nigerian artist.
His rise to fame within the Nigerian music industry is a testament to his dedication, unique style, and ability to connect with his audience.
As we eagerly await his next releases and achievements, there’s no doubt that Bella Shmurda will continue to leave an indelible mark on the Nigerian and global music scenes.
Reference
- “Bella Shmurda”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “Musician Bella Shmurda: Biography, Education, Songs, Relationship, Net Worth, and Controversies”. (August 20, 2022). NewsNGR. Retrieved 29 October,2023.
- Samuel. “Bella Shmurda Biography, Age, Record Label, Net worth”. ThrillerNg. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- Chacha O. “Bella Shmurda Real Age and Networth”. AnswersAfrica. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “Bella Shmurda”. Simple English Wikipedia. Retrieved 29 October,2023.
- PopKing. (October 29, 2023). “Bella Shmurda Biography: Net Worth, Wikipedia, Girlfriend, Songs, Cars, Photos, Albums, Age, Wife, Record Label, Instagram & More”. XclusivePop. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “PAUSE MEETS: Bella Shmurda”. PAUSE. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- Ikedichim Chibundu. December 14, 2022. “Bella Shmurda Biography: Real Name, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Cars, House, Girlfriend & Record Label”. Yourstruly. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- Mofijesusewa, Samuel (20 June 2021). “NET Honours 2021: “Damages” by Tems Named Most Played Alternative Song”. Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “Winners emerge at 2020 City People music awards”. Citypeopleonline.com. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- “Here is the full list of nominations for the 2020 Headies”. UrbanGist Media. (4 December 2020). Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “AFRIMMA Nominees 2021”. AFRIMMA. (7 October 2021). Retrieved 29 October 2023.
- “Bella Shmurda – Gbedu Awards 2021 Performance”. amebo9ja. (7 March 2021). Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- Silas, Don (21 February 2021). “14th Headies award: All you need to know about Davido, Fireboy, Burna Boy, other nominations”. Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- Man Joe (July 4, 2023). Bella Shmurda Net Worth, Biography, Age Career, and Net Worth. Gistreel. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- “Bella Shmurda’s net worth, cars, biography, and houses”. October 9, 2023. Sellatease.com. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- Olumide Alake (January 30, 2023). ““Nothing Wey I No Go Do for My Philo”: Bella Shmurda Shares Video of Him & Alleged Girlfriend, Fans React”. Legitng. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- @BellaShmurda. X. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
- @bella_shmurda. Instagram. Retrieved 29 October, 2023.
The TRENDHINGHUB.NG Team