Speaking in an interview on Echo Room, the artist—born Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed—recalled a particularly difficult phase before his breakout, when he was working at a packaging factory owned by industrial giant Aliko Dangote.

According to him, life at the time was tough, and the job at the factory located in Ikorodu, Lagos, was his only steady source of income.

“I was collecting ₦20,000 per month, and that was all I had. No side hustle, nothing else. It wasn’t easy, but it was an experience for me, and I feel like those are the things I remember now,” he said.

Bella Shmurda explained that the experience wasn’t just about earning a living—it was a period that exposed him to real-life survival and the discipline required to push through hardship without any backup plan.

Looking back, he described that chapter as one of the most defining moments of his journey, saying it shaped both his mindset and his approach to success in the music industry.

Despite how challenging it was, he said he holds no regrets. Instead, he sees it as a foundation that built his resilience and continues to motivate him in his career today, especially when he reflects on how far he has come from those ₦20,000 days.

“I worked at Dangote’s food factory packaging Indomie and earned ₦20k monthly,” — singer Bella Shmurda reveals pic.twitter.com/4mmPErZ1ZN

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) April 11, 2026

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Speaking in an interview with Nigerian YouTuber Korty EO, the singer admitted that he struggled with money management after fame, largely due to excessive spending and trying to maintain a lavish lifestyle for himself and those around him.

Bella Shmurda explained that he got carried away by wealth, sponsoring the lifestyles of friends and making impulsive purchases that eventually proved unnecessary.

“I used to have a lot of money but I rushed things. I wish I was wise then,” he admitted.

He revealed that accommodating a large circle of friends added to his financial strain, as he tried to cater to everyone while living extravagantly.

“I was accommodating up to ten of my friends back then and we were all receiving female visitors,” he said. “I bought three cars at once just so that my friends would go out with me in convoy.”

Reflecting on that period, the singer described his actions in simple terms: “I was reckless.”

However, the experience has since reshaped his mindset. Bella noted that he now approaches his finances with more caution and intention, carefully considering every decision as his career continues to grow.

“At this point, as I am getting new money, I have to think about every move I want to take,” he added.

His story has resonated with fans, serving as a reminder of the importance of financial discipline, especially in the early stages of success.

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Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page, Bella Shmurda, whose real name is Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, shared that he recently discovered he is biologically related to the 39-year-old singer, popularly known as AG Baby.

In a brief but surprising post, he wrote:

“Just found out adekunleGOLD is my uncle, Iga Kosoko mo foh oo small world,”

The statement immediately caught fans’ attention, with many reacting in disbelief and curiosity about how the connection had gone unnoticed for so long. The phrase “Iga Kosoko,” referencing the Kosoko royal lineage in Lagos, has further fueled speculation about possible family roots.

As of the time of this report, Adekunle Gold has not publicly responded to the claim, leaving fans waiting to see whether he will confirm, clarify, or simply laugh it off.

For now, it’s yet another reminder that in the entertainment industry, especially in Nigeria, the world can indeed be a small place.

Just found out @adekunleGOLD is my uncle,iga kosoko mo foh oo small world
So I’m deja’s uncle
Love it!!!

— Yxng Alhaji 💐 (@BellaShmurda) December 27, 2025

In other news, Bella Shmurda opened a small but revealing window into the making of his breakout hit, Cash App, and, according to him, its spark came from a rather unexpected source: the world of Yahoo boys.

In a candid chat with Clout Africa, the singer didn’t shy away from explaining where the idea came from.

He recalled observing a certain energy around young hustlers in that space and feeling compelled to create something that resonated with them, something that lifted their spirits and kept them moving.

For Bella, the process wasn’t calculated or deeply mapped out. The music simply arrived, as he described it, in that effortless, mystical way creatives often talk about.

“It is Yahoo in the sense that they have to dance,” he said, hinting at the vibe he wanted the track to give them. To him, even people navigating the roughest hustles deserve moments of joy. “These people who are hustling, you have to make them happy,” he added.

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Bella Shmurda has opened a small but revealing window into the making of his breakout hit, Cash App, and, according to him, its spark came from a rather unexpected source: the world of Yahoo boys.

In a candid chat with Clout Africa, the singer didn’t shy away from explaining where the idea came from.

He recalled observing a certain energy around young hustlers in that space and feeling compelled to create something that resonated with them, something that lifted their spirits and kept them moving.

For Bella, the process wasn’t calculated or deeply mapped out. The music simply arrived, as he described it, in that effortless, mystical way creatives often talk about.

“It is Yahoo in the sense that they have to dance,” he said, hinting at the vibe he wanted the track to give them. To him, even people navigating the roughest hustles deserve moments of joy. “These people who are hustling, you have to make them happy,” he added.

And when it came to the lyrics, the lines listeners easily chant along to, Bella insisted there was no long backstory or complicated explanation. The song flowed through him.

“Inspiration… it is natural; it just comes. It is God-given,” he said, crediting the divine for sparking a track that went on to dominate the streets and charts.

“What inspired Cash App? Were you doing Yahoo?”

Bella Shmurda: pic.twitter.com/8GoqbODxdB

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 2, 2025

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In its official release, the streaming platform unveiled the Top Songs of 2025 (Nigeria), confirming what many music lovers already felt in their bones: Afrobeats heavyweights once again carried the year on their shoulders.

From street-shaking bangers to soulful collaborations, the list mirrors a year where Nigerian music refused to slow down.

Leading the pack is Asake, whose hit track “Why Love” didn’t just top charts; it lived rent-free in the hearts of fans all year.

The song’s runaway success places him comfortably at No. 1, and his multiple appearances on the list only underscore how unstoppable his run has been.

Right behind him is Wizkid with “Kese (Dance),” a track that quickly became a nationwide groove anthem. Their teamwork also proved magical, as Wizkid and Asake’s joint efforts “MMS” and “Bad Girl” found their way into the Top 10, reminding everyone why their collaborations feel like lightning in a bottle.

And of course, Davido refuses to be left out of any conversation about Nigerian hits. His chart stormers “Funds” (with ODUMODUBLVCK and Chike) and “With You” (featuring Omah Lay) kept fans replaying, singing, and posting all year long.

But 2025 wasn’t just a year for the big stars. Emerging voices like Fido, FOLA, and BNXN muscled their way into the national spotlight, proving that Nigeria’s soundscape keeps stretching, evolving, and surprising.

Apple Music’s Top 10 Songs in Nigeria – 2025

1. Asake – Why Love
2. Wizkid – Kese (Dance)
3. Davido, ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike – Funds
4. Asake & Wizkid – MMS
5. Davido & Omah Lay – With You
6. Fido – Joy Is Coming
7. BNXN & Rema – Fi Kan We Kan
8. BNXN – Pidgin & English
9. Wizkid & Asake – Bad Girl
10. FOLA & Bella Shmurda – Who Does That?

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Nigerian rap powerhouse Olamide Adedeji, simply known as Olamide, lit up London on Saturday night as he shut down the iconic 12,500-capacity OVO Arena Wembley with a performance that felt like a homecoming, a celebration, and a legacy moment all at once.

The night kicked off on an electrifying note the moment Olamide launched into “Lagos Boys,” instantly sending a wave of excitement through the arena. From that moment, the tempo never dropped.

Hit after hit, verse after verse, fans roared back every lyric as if they’d waited years for this exact night and in many ways, they had.

Before long, the show morphed into a full-blown YBNL reunion. One by one, Olamide’s protégés Asake, Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Pheelz, and Bella Shmurda stormed the stage, turning the concert into a star-studded family affair.

The crowd ate it up, witnessing a spectacular 50-song run that doubled as a tribute to both Olamide’s catalogue and the dynasty he has built.

Olamide’s epic entrance to his OVO Arena concert in Wembley, London 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/rLtcI34DaQ

— EMPIRE (@EMPIRE) November 23, 2025

From timeless street anthems like Wo!!, Shakiti Bobo, and Eru to fresh collaborative moments with the YBNL signees, the night felt like a living documentary of Olamide’s journey.

His surprise guests didn’t just add hype; they underscored a powerful truth: Olamide isn’t only a performer; he’s a mentor, a builder, and the quiet engine behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest modern stars.

Wembley pulsed with energy as fans danced, screamed, and belted out every track, creating a shared nostalgia that bridged old fans and new ones. It was a subtle reminder that even with the heated rivalries and shifting tides in Nigeria’s music scene, Olamide’s influence remains unshakeable.

Nearly a decade after his last solo UK headline show in 2016, his return to the London stage felt symbolic. The world has changed, Afrobeats has gone global, and still, Olamide stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most impactful musical exports.

In the end, the night was bigger than a sold-out concert; it was a statement. A celebration of Afrobeats’ global reach. A nod to Olamide’s longevity. And perhaps, one of the most unforgettable evenings of his career.

Olamide’s OVO Arena performance didn’t just reaffirm his star power it reminded everyone why his music continues to move streets, charts, and hearts across the world.

 

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Afrobeats sensation Bella Shmurda has opened up about the realities of fame and the financial demands that come with being in the spotlight, revealing that he never repeats outfits he’s already been photographed in.

The singer confessed during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, where he spoke candidly about the pressures of maintaining a celebrity image and the misconceptions people often have about artists’ lifestyles.

“As an artist, as a popular figure, you know say this cloth wey I don wear like this, I no fit wear am again,” Bella said, hinting at the unspoken rule of fame that often forces stars to constantly refresh their wardrobes.

His comment shed light on the heavy expectations that come with celebrity status, where public image, style, and perception often influence how artists are judged both online and offstage.

“I don’t repeat clothes because I’m a public figure. I spent $100,000 to pay producers, songwriters and engineers that worked on my album. That’s why we charge a lot for shows.”

— Bella Shmurda. pic.twitter.com/rAEv4fyNJq

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 23, 2025

During the same interview, the “Cash App” hitmaker also addressed growing criticism over what fans describe as “exorbitant” performance fees charged by Nigerian musicians.

According to Bella, the numbers may seem high to outsiders, but they barely reflect the cost of creating and promoting quality music.

“Making an album alone — just paying producers and everyone I worked with — is about $100,000. Then I still have to shoot music videos, promote songs on radio, TV, and online platforms. That’s a lot,” he explained.

He went further to clarify that every performance fee is calculated to cover both creative expenses and long-term sustainability.

“If I go for a show and I don’t charge something that’s beneficial to me in the long run or at least covers my cost of production, it’s not worth it. We’re not overcharging,” Bella added.

In closing, the singer urged fans to understand that music isn’t just about passion, it’s a full-time business that demands heavy investment, effort, and consistency.

Watch the full interview below:

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Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda has offered a candid explanation on why Nigerian artists charge what many fans perceive as “high” performance fees and according to him, it all boils down to the rising costs of producing good music and sustaining a public image.

During a recent chat with Naija FM, the “Vision 2020” hitmaker revealed that creating his latest album, Sanity, demanded a huge financial commitment, one that cost him over $100,000 (approximately ₦150 million).

“Making this album, ‘Sanity’, just paying producers alone and everybody I worked with, $100,000 is gone,” Bella said.

He explained that beyond paying producers and songwriters, there’s still the expense of music videos, radio promotions, and TV appearances, all of which require significant investment.

“I paid producers, songwriters, and others. I will still shoot music videos and promote my music on the radio and TV. That’s a lot. If I go for a show and can’t charge too much, at least I should make back my production cost,” he added.

The singer also opened up about the financial realities of fame, admitting that being in the public eye comes with constant pressure to maintain appearances.

“As a public figure, I don’t repeat clothes. If everyone sees it from my perspective, they’ll understand that we’re not overcharging,” he said.

Bella’s remarks come amid growing conversations about performance fees within Nigeria’s entertainment scene, as many fans question why artists now demand such hefty amounts for shows.

While reports suggest that the “Cash App” crooner currently charges around $50,000 per performance, he insists that his fees are justified, reflecting not just his effort and artistry but also the brand he’s built over the years.

“Every fee charged reflects the investment, effort, and brand value put into the craft,” he concluded.

For Bella Shmurda, it’s not just about making music; it’s about sustaining a career in an industry where quality, image, and consistency don’t come cheap.

Watch the video below:

 

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Speaking during an interview on Naija 102 FM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Cash App hitmaker cleared the air on recent rumours surrounding Fola’s affiliation with the label.

“Fola is signed under Dangbana Republik; he’s with us, we’re family,” Bella said in Pidgin English, putting an end to speculation.

Bella, whose real name is Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, revealed that his relationship with Fola dates back several years before the official signing.

“I’ve known Fola for over four years. He’s been with Dangbana Republik, always working with us,” he shared.

According to Bella, the decision to formalise the partnership came from a place of genuine support and belief in Fola’s talent.

“One day, I just decided with my team that it was time to support this boy in our own way. And to God be the glory, that little support turned into something big,” he said.

The singer further explained that Dangbana Republik is focused on helping Fola grow while maintaining his artistic independence.

“It’s about putting him on the right path, protecting his craft, and making sure he has liberty with his creativity,” Bella noted.

Fola, who has been gaining attention for his collaboration with Bella Shmurda on the “Dangbana Riddim” and his own breakout single, “Alone,” featuring Bhadboi OML, is seen as one of the promising new voices in the Nigerian music scene.

Wrapping up the interview, Bella expressed gratitude and optimism about the journey ahead.

“I thank God for giving me that instinct to move forward with what I believe in. I’m happy, the team is happy, and Fola himself is happy — everybody’s happy,” he said with a smile.

With this signing, Dangbana Republik continues to expand its reach as a home for authentic street-inspired music and rising talent.

“Fola dey signed under Dangbana Republik, e dey with us…”

Bella Shmurda shares the story of how he got to sign Fola. pic.twitter.com/vipLHzelSN

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 22, 2025

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After months of suspense, strategic delays, and a viral runway debut that had both the music and fashion worlds buzzing, Blaqbonez has finally unleashed his fourth studio album, No Excuses —a 16-track manifesto that cements his position as one of Africa’s boldest and most innovative rap voices.

Originally set for August 22, 2025, the Chocolate City rapper postponed the release, choosing perfection over pressure. In his words:

“I didn’t finish it on time, that’s the truth. Since I want to put out the best album ever, I’ve refused to cut any corners.”

That statement now feels prophetic because No Excuses isn’t just another rap album. It’s a panoramic body of work that captures Blaqbonez at his most daring, defiant, and deliberate.

Across its 16 tracks, No Excuses stretches from Lagos to London and beyond, blending UK rap intensity, Afrobeats bounce, and Amapiano groove into something both familiar and futuristic.

The collaborations are elite, as AJ Tracey brings slick swagger to Consistency, Pa Salieu adds grit to AURA 4 AURA, and Nigerian heavyweights Olamide and Phyno contribute to NATI and W for Wetego, bridging generations of African rap royalty.

 

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There’s also an impressive lineup of next-gen stars and regional sounds from Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky, and Barry Jhay to Valiant, The Kazez, Melissa, Leostaytrill, Kindlynxsh, Brotherkupa, and Wave$tart, reflecting Blaqbonez’s rare ability to unite diverse voices without losing his own.

The project opens with “Everlasting Taker,” a self-affirming banger that sets the tone for everything that follows. “Last real n**a, I might be am / Them know the theory but me I dey practice am*,” he spits confidently, clearly, and committedly.

Then there’s the club-ready “Bizzy Body,” the smooth and sunny “Despacito,” and “NATI,” where Olamide matches him bar for bar over amapiano-infused production. The tempo shifts seamlessly into “AURA 4 AURA,” a gritty, off-kilter rhythm that showcases Blaq’s sonic fearlessness.

Midway through, the energy dips into reflective territory with “Good Time,” “Mary Mary,” “California Issues,” and “Just Hustlin $$$,” before ramping back up with “Go Crazy” and “W for Wetego,” both already fan favorites.

Produced by a star-studded team including Jae5, Telz, and other global hitmakers, No Excuses thrives on diversity. Each song feels distinct yet cohesive, a seamless balance between the rapper’s humor, hunger, and humanity.

 

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Lyrically, this album is Blaqbonez at his sharpest. He confronts industry politics, self-doubt, fame’s double edge, and the loneliness of ambition, but he never loses his wit or confidence. The closing track, “Stack$$$$,” distils it best as he raps, “People only care if you win, no excuses.”

It’s a powerful full-circle moment, reinforcing the ethos behind the entire record: resilience, accountability, and artistic freedom.

No Excuses follows Sex Over Love (2021) and Young Preacher (2022), two projects that built his reputation as an irreverent, genre-fluid disruptor. But here, the Stallion sheds irony for intention. He’s not just poking fun at the system anymore; he’s redefining it.

Songs like “Star Life II” showcase growth, while “Prayers Up” (featuring South Africa’s Kindlynxsh and Brotherkupa) proves Blaqbonez’s commitment to connecting Africa’s next generation of rap talent.

This no be quick fame, This is a career

my 4th album “NO EXCUSES” out now!https://t.co/01yAS6zMMj pic.twitter.com/ctst67T0dG

— EVERLASTING TAKER (@BlaqBonez) October 16, 2025

With No Excuses, Blaqbonez has crafted his most complete statement yet, musically rich, lyrically sharp, and emotionally grounded. It’s an album that celebrates success without hiding the scars that came before it, one that asserts his identity as not just a rapper but a visionary artist.

In an era where trends fade faster than they form, No Excuses feels built to last, bold, fearless, and unbothered.

Blaqbonez didn’t just drop an album. He dropped a challenge to himself, to his peers, and to the culture.

No excuses. No compromises. Just legacy in motion.

Listen to No Excuses HERE.

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The album announcement, accompanied by striking cover art, underscores Blaqbonez’s ambition to create a project with both local depth and global appeal. Featuring an impressive 15 guest artists and a diverse lineup of producers, No Excuses is set to merge UK rap energy with West African rhythms, delivering a sound that’s bold, experimental, and boundary-breaking.

Among the standout collaborations, UK rap star AJ Tracey joins Blaqbonez on Consistency, while Pa Salieu brings his unique flair to Aura 4 Aura. Nigerian rap legends Olamide and Phyno also lend their star power on Despacito and W For Wetego, respectively.

The guest list continues with appearances from Bella Shmurda, Ayo Maff, Barry Jhay, Zinoleesky, Valiant, The Kazez, Melissa, Leostaytrill, Kindlynxsh, Brotherkupa, and Wave$tart, an impressive blend of voices that reflect Blaqbonez’s collaborative spirit.

 

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Behind the scenes, the production lineup is equally stellar, featuring Jae5, Telz, Kofo Sound, Black Culture, Blaisebeatz, Magicsticks, Ramoni, ILON, DJ808, and BMH names known for crafting some of the continent’s biggest hits.

From introspective cuts like Everlasting Taker to the confident and triumphant Star Life II, No Excuses promises a showcase of Blaqbonez’s growth, versatility, and global vision.

Blending witty lyricism, relatable storytelling, and genre-fluid soundscapes, the project follows his acclaimed albums Sex Over Love and Young Preacher, which solidified him as one of Africa’s most innovative rap voices.

As fans eagerly count down to Friday’s release, excitement continues to build for what could be Blaqbonez’s most defining moment yet, a project that not only celebrates his evolution but also reaffirms his position among Africa’s most dynamic and forward-thinking artists.

 

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Nigerian street-pop sensation Bella Shmurda has scored another major international win as his latest body of work, Sanity, debuts at No. 7 on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut Global chart, a milestone that firmly plants his sound on the global stage.

Known for his raw honesty and street-rooted storytelling, Bella Shmurda’s new project reflects a mature and introspective side of the artist. Sanity weaves together elements of pain, resilience, and purpose, layered with soulful melodies and hard-hitting rhythms that speak to listeners across continents.

The album’s mix of vulnerability and street wisdom marks a defining moment in Bella’s artistic evolution. From the gritty realism of his early breakout hits to the polished emotional depth of this new record, the singer shows he’s not just making music, he’s telling his truth.

With Sanity climbing global charts and streaming numbers surging, Bella Shmurda now joins the elite circle of Nigerian artists pushing Afrobeats and street-pop into new frontiers.

This achievement underscores what fans have long believed: that Bella’s music, grounded in authenticity and emotion, resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Bella Shmurda ‘Sanity’ makes its debut at No. 7 on Spotify Top Albums Debut Global 🌍💽🔥 pic.twitter.com/cxgM3JYf7e

— AQT Entertainment (@aqtent_) October 7, 2025

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