Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, popularly known by his stage name Bella Shmurda, is one of the most influential voices of Nigeria’s modern Afrobeats generation. Known for his emotional delivery, street-inspired lyrics, and fusion of Afropop and Fuji influences, Bella Shmurda has become a symbol of determination and authenticity. From his debut hit Vision 2020 to his headline performances and growing global fan base, Bella’s rise is a testament to talent meeting opportunity.

This post explores his biography, music career, net worth, achievements, and what makes him such a standout figure in today’s music landscape.

Early Life and Background

Bella Shmurda was born Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi on January 27, 1996, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from a modest family in the Okokomaiko area, one of the city’s densely populated suburbs. Growing up in Lagos exposed him to both the struggles and the vibrant energy of urban life — an experience that deeply influenced his music style and storytelling.

He attended primary and secondary school in Lagos before gaining admission to Lagos State University (LASU), where he studied History and International Relations. Though his studies were important, music became his true calling. From an early age, Bella wrote songs, recorded demo tracks, and performed at school events, developing a passion for expressing himself through lyrics.

During his university years, Bella balanced academics with his musical hustle. He recorded music in small studios and shared his songs online, slowly building a reputation in the Lagos underground music scene.

Rise to Prominence and Music Career

Bella Shmurda’s big break came in 2019 with the release of his debut single “Vision 2020.” The song, which captured the hopes and struggles of Nigerian youths chasing success, quickly resonated with audiences. Its remix featuring Olamide, one of Nigeria’s biggest rap icons, catapulted Bella into mainstream fame.

“Vision 2020” became a national anthem for dreamers, giving Bella Shmurda his first major spotlight and establishing him as a voice for the streets.

The High Tension Era (2020–2021)

Following his breakout success, Bella released his first major project, “High Tension” in 2020. The EP featured songs such as Sho Mo Mi, Liquor, Amope, and Vision 2020 (Remix). The project showcased Bella’s ability to fuse emotional storytelling with danceable rhythms — a sound that would become his trademark.

In 2021, he followed up with “High Tension 2.0”, another EP that demonstrated artistic growth and musical maturity. Songs like Rush, Party Next Door, and Far Away revealed Bella’s evolution from an underground star to a mainstream Afrobeats artist capable of crafting radio-friendly hits while maintaining authenticity.

The Hypertension Album (2022)

In 2022, Bella released his debut album, “Hypertension”, which became a significant milestone in his career. The album contained hit songs like New Born Fela, Ase, Lose It featuring Simi, Converse featuring Phyno, and No Other featuring *Victony. The project blended Afrobeats, street-pop, and Fuji elements, solidifying his place as a creative force in Nigerian music.

Hit Singles and Collaborations

Beyond his projects, Bella Shmurda’s standalone singles have also dominated the charts. Songs like “Cash App” (featuring Zlatan and Lincoln), “Dangbana Orisa,” and “World” became instant hits, showcasing his unique mix of introspection and party energy.

He has also collaborated with several top artists, including Olamide, Simi, Phyno, Zlatan, and Victony, among others. His collaborations have not only expanded his audience but also demonstrated his versatility in adapting to various sounds.

Bella’s energetic stage performances have further strengthened his reputation. Known for his raw emotion, charisma, and connection with fans, he commands both local and international stages, from Lagos concerts to music festivals abroad.

Musical Style and Influence

Bella Shmurda’s sound is a beautiful blend of Afrobeats, street-pop, Fuji, and Afro-fusion. His music is deeply rooted in the Nigerian street experience but wrapped in melody and emotion that appeal globally.

Some defining elements of his style include:

• Lyrical depth: Bella writes songs that reflect struggle, hope, ambition, and social issues. His lyrics often mirror the everyday realities of Nigerian youths.

• Vocal delivery: His voice carries a raw, soulful tone that makes his songs emotionally gripping.

• Language fusion: Bella effortlessly mixes Yoruba, English, and Nigerian Pidgin, giving his music both local authenticity and universal accessibility.

• Street inspiration: His nickname “Dangbana Orisa” (loosely meaning “Strong-willed Deity”) captures his street identity and spiritual strength.

• Social consciousness: Through his Dangbana Republik movement, Bella promotes youth empowerment, creativity, and community development.

His artistic influences include Fuji legends like Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) and contemporary icons like Olamide and Burna Boy.

Discography Highlights

Bella Shmurda’s growing discography includes several successful projects and singles. Below is a summary of his major releases:

Bella’s success also earned him a place in YouTube’s Foundry Class, a program that supports emerging independent artists worldwide.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

As of 2025, Bella Shmurda’s estimated net worth ranges between US$1 million and US$2 million, making him one of the most financially successful young musicians in Nigeria.

His wealth comes from multiple sources, including:

• Music streaming and digital royalties from platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and Audiomack.

• Live shows and concerts, both in Nigeria and abroad.

• Endorsement deals with brands in fashion, beverage, and technology.

• Merchandise and collaborations under his Dangbana Republik brand.

In terms of assets, Bella is known to live a comfortable lifestyle. He owns several cars, including a Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz, and reportedly purchased a house in Lagos in 2022. Despite his success, he is known for maintaining humility and using his platform to inspire young people to chase their dreams.

Awards and Recognitions

Bella Shmurda’s artistry has earned him numerous nominations and accolades. Some of his most notable include:

• The Headies Awards (2020): Nominated for Next Rated Artist.

• City People Entertainment Awards: Winner of Street Music of the Year and Next Rated Male.

• YouTube Foundry Class (2021): Selected among a global list of artists to receive support for creative growth.

• Recognition from Boomplay, Audiomack, and Apple Music for streaming milestones.

These achievements have placed Bella among the elite class of new-generation Nigerian musicians shaping the global sound of Afrobeats.

Challenges and Resilience

Like every rising star, Bella Shmurda’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.

• Balancing street authenticity with commercial appeal: Bella constantly walks the fine line between staying true to his grassroots origin and adapting to global Afrobeats trends.

• Copyright and streaming challenges: Some of his earlier songs faced licensing and beat clearance issues, causing temporary removals from streaming platforms.

• Consistency pressure: With a growing audience and expectations, Bella faces the ongoing challenge of producing quality music while experimenting with new sounds.

Despite these challenges, his resilience continues to shine. Bella Shmurda remains a powerful voice for perseverance, symbolizing the spirit of Nigerian youth who rise despite adversity.

Influence and Legacy

Bella’s influence extends beyond music. Through his Dangbana Republik movement, he promotes education, creative empowerment, and humanitarian outreach. His openness about his background and life struggles inspires fans to believe in self-determination.

Musically, he has inspired a new wave of young artists who see him as a symbol of freedom, individuality, and raw expression. His fusion of street slang and poetic lyricism has redefined what it means to be an Afrobeats artist.

What’s Next for Bella Shmurda

As of 2025, Bella Shmurda continues to work on new music projects and international collaborations. He has hinted at more experimental sounds that blend Afro-fusion with global genres like dancehall and R&B.

He’s also focusing on expanding the Dangbana Republik brand, turning it into a hub for talent development and creative entrepreneurship. With more tours, music videos, and collaborations in the pipeline, Bella’s future looks incredibly promising.

Conclusion

Bella Shmurda’s rise from the streets of Lagos to the global Afrobeats stage is a remarkable story of determination and passion. He embodies the dreams of countless Nigerian youths who strive to make a name through creativity and hard work.

From Vision 2020 to Hypertension, he has built a powerful musical brand that blends culture, truth, and rhythm. With his unique voice and unwavering drive, Bella Shmurda has become not just an artist, but an icon for his generation.

As he continues to evolve and break barriers, his influence on Afrobeats and global music will only grow stronger — making him one of Nigeria’s most enduring stars.