From the streets of Lagos to the world stage, his journey has never been ordinary. It’s raw, emotional, relatable, and filled with perseverance that inspires millions of young Nigerians trying to find their way in life.
Who Is Bella Shmurda?
Bella Shmurda is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer known for his unique voice, conscious lyrics, and deep connection to the streets. He became popular after releasing “Vision 2020,” a song that went viral for its powerful message about survival, destiny, and the struggle every young dreamer faces. Over the years, Bella has cemented himself as one of Afrobeats’ most influential voices, blending spirituality, street experience, and emotional depth into his music.
But behind the fame is a story of struggle, sacrifice, brotherhood, and destiny. And that is what I’m going to break down fully in this article.
Before we go deeper, you may want to read about one of the biggest moments in his life, where a superstar changed everything for him:
What Wizkid Told Bella Shmurda That Changed His Life Forever
Early life: growing up in Lagos
Bella Shmurda was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria — a city known for producing resilient dreamers. Growing up in the bustling streets of Okokomaiko, Bella experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty, survival, and the constant pressure to “make it by force.”
For many kids in these communities, the streets are a teacher, a test, and sometimes a trap. But for Bella, it became the fuel that shaped his music and life philosophy. He often speaks about how his environment helped him develop emotional intelligence, courage, and spiritual awareness at a very young age.
This is why his music always feels real. He is not trying to impress you; he is telling you the truth — the kind you don’t hear in classrooms or offices, but on the streets.
Education and how it shaped him
Despite the challenges of the environment he grew up in, Bella Shmurda pursued his education with determination. He studied at Lagos State University (LASU), a journey that played a major role in shaping his worldview.
Being surrounded by thousands of students from different backgrounds opened his mind to more perspectives. It was in this period that his voice as an artist became clearer, and he started channeling his thoughts into music that reflected the struggles of everyday young Nigerians.
How Bella discovered his sound
Every artist has that moment where they finally understand their voice. For Bella, this discovery didn’t come in a studio surrounded by expensive equipment. It came from singing in small corners, freestyle sessions with friends, and performing for whoever cared to listen.
His sound is a mixture of:
- street wisdom
- spiritual depth
- raw emotion
- local slang and Yoruba proverbs
- a unique vocal texture that you can’t mistake for anyone else
This combination made him stand out from the very beginning. People didn’t just hear his music — they felt it.
The breakthrough: Vision 2020
When “Vision 2020” dropped, everything changed.
The song wasn’t loud or flashy. It wasn’t a club banger.
Yet, it moved people.
It felt like a voice crying out from the trenches — honest, vulnerable, and powerful.
The remix with Zlatan Ibile took the song to an entirely new level, putting Bella on the map and introducing him to millions of listeners who immediately connected with his authenticity.
From that moment, Bella Shmurda was no longer just another upcoming artist. He became the voice of a generation that was tired of suffering, tired of waiting, and determined to make their own success story.
The Wizkid connection — and how it shaped him
If you’ve been following Bella for a while, then you know one of the most transformational relationships in his career is the one he shares with Wizkid.
Wizkid didn’t just notice Bella; he supported him at one of the most crucial times in his life. And according to Bella, the superstar gave him both valuable advice and significant financial support that stabilized his career.
You can read the full article on how this moment shaped Bella’s life:
How Much Wizkid Gave Bella Shmurda Will Shock You — Full Story Revealed
Bella’s philosophy: conscious music from a real place
One thing you will quickly notice about Bella Shmurda is his commitment to making conscious music. He sings about:
- purpose
- spirituality
- poverty
- destiny
- the pressure to succeed
- the struggle between right and wrong
- the fear of failing
His lyrics often sound like a mix of prayer, confession, and prophecy. And that is what makes him unique in an industry filled with artists who chase trends.
The challenges he had to overcome
Bella’s life wasn’t smooth. He faced struggles that would have discouraged many. These included:
- financial hardship
- family pressure
- loss of close friends
- street violence
- academic stress
- industry hurdles
Instead of breaking him, these experiences shaped his heart — and his sound. When Bella sings about pain, you can tell it’s not borrowed experience. It’s real.
His rise to fame
After the success of “Vision 2020,” Bella continued releasing back-to-back hits that kept cementing his identity in the Afrobeats world. Songs like:
- Cash App
- Rush
- World
- High Tension (EP)
- DND
established him as a powerhouse — someone who could dominate the charts while still remaining true to his core message.
Does Bella Shmurda have a child?
If you are curious about Bella’s family life and whether he has a child, I’ve broken it down in a full article here:
Does Bella Shmurda Have a Child? The Truth Behind His Private Life
Bella’s global appeal
Bella Shmurda’s music resonates far beyond Nigeria. Fans in the UK, US, Caribbean, Ghana, and South Africa feel the energy, pain, and passion he carries in his voice.
He has collaborated with several international and local artists — a sign that his sound is not just local street music. It is global consciousness.
Why Bella Shmurda stands out
There are many Afrobeats artists today, but only a few have Bella’s depth. He stands out because his music is not created to please anyone. It is created to heal, express, and remind people of reality.
He is not afraid to talk about:
- fear
- regret
- death
- vision
- uncertainty
- hope
And that emotional honesty has earned him a loyal fanbase across the world.
Bella Shmurda today
Today, Bella continues to evolve both musically and personally. He is more intentional about his sound, his lifestyle, and his message. Losing his close friend Mohbad affected him deeply, and you can hear the emotional maturity in his new releases.
He is not just an artiste anymore — he is a movement, a voice for those who feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.
Where Bella Shmurda is headed next
From his growth trajectory, it’s clear that Bella has the potential to dominate globally. His emotional depth, unique sound, and authenticity make him one of the most promising artists in the Afrobeats generation.
His future includes:
- more international collaborations
- a potential global tour
- new albums with deeper stories
- a stronger connection to global street culture
Final thoughts
Bella Shmurda is not just another artist — he is a testimony. His story is proof that the streets can produce legends, that dreams can come from anywhere, and that destiny will always find you if you keep moving.
He represents the voice of millions of young Nigerians who are fighting daily battles with hope in their hearts.
If you want to understand Bella Shmurda fully, don’t just listen to his music — listen to his soul.
