The artist tells us about how his music represents the struggles of Nigerian youth
For most Nigerian millennials, music is a form of entertainment but it can also be a message. With the consolidation of the right lyrics and rhythm, music can engage audiences to take positive actions for the cause of social change. Creating music with a message is the reason why Bella Shmurda is doing what he is doing with so much enthusiasm.
Born Ahmed Abiola Akinbiyi in Okokomaiko, the Lagos native rose to prominence in 2019 after his freestyle ‘Vision 2020’ caught the attention of Olamide, resulting in a remix that went viral. On the song Bella talks about the failed government promises for the Nigerian youth and his struggles in and outside the campus as a student of Lagos State University.
He following up in early 2020 with the seven-track EP High Tension, which was dedicated to his die-hard fans who have been with him since his rise. All through the EP, Bella sings passionately about the challenges his audience encounter: “It’s my job as an artist to awaken these people with the little I know. With my music, I would do what I can do,” he tells me over our zoom call.
Since then, the musician and songwriter has increasingly evolved to become a leading force in the Lagos sound-space. He’s featured on albums by Davido and Olamide and more recent conscious hits include ‘Cash App’ and ‘Rush’. So, one thing is for sure - the 24-year-old is telling real stories that we all need to hear.
Tell us about your journey into music.
I do not have much in the musical background. I used to be in the choir. From there, I fell in love with music and started going to the studio. I can also remember freestyling for my friends in secondary school. The journey so far has been an amazing one; I cannot deny it.
How would you describe your sound?
I have a conscious sound. I try to awaken people with my sound. It is unique in the sense that it is melodious and educative. Like, you’re enjoying the music, and at the same time, you’re learning. It’s not just vibes.
What’s the story behind ‘Vision2020’?
‘Vision 2020’ was born out of the situations and the people around me. That is just how I create my music. I study my environment and make my music. I think of creating music as a way of storytelling. It was well accepted, and I am so grateful for that. I appreciate God and my fans for the love they are showing.
What can you tell us about your latest single ‘Rush’?
You know, it’s funny when you’re moving fast and growing big in life, and people are finding it hard to understand. As long as you’re growing, you’d have issues with people. It’s a normal thing. You know, when you’re leaving people behind, they’d talk bad about you. Basically, ‘Rush’ is about the good life I’m living, and the haters hating behind the scene.
Are you comfortable with being seen as the new voice for the Nigerian Youth?
Well, I wouldn’t say I want to be the new voice. The voice for the streets is not new at all, but someone has to redefine it and make it better. I’m just trying to do my part and fill in my gap. At the end of the day, we’re are all voices together.
What do you think are the major concerns of the Nigerian youth?
These concerns are not just only for the Nigerian youth. Even those in the diaspora are facing some of these problems too. The constitution is bad, we live in a society where we still segregate the rich from the poor. All these have to stop, and with my platform, I’d love to inform people about these issues. I want to let people know what they need to know.
What are your thoughts on the current creative scene in Nigeria?
It’s growing and it's coming in another new face. Particularly in the music scene we have new young-ins doing great things. We also have the big musicians who remain legends and sources of inspiration. Afrobeat is going forward and I’m proud of the new generation. Many of us don’t even have a label, we’re just working hard and doing our thing and making it big. And the video directors are also taking the video stream to another level. Shout out to TG Omori and NAYA.
What can we expect from you next?
Well, I have my debut album coming out soon titled ‘Hypertension’. I can’t give out a precise date, but watch out.