We have to live our lives – Bella Shmurda promotes tattoo acceptance

Nigerian hip-hop artist Bella Shmurda is championing for the acceptance of tattoos, stressing that they should not be seen as a defining factor of someone’s character.

Shmurda highlights that having tattoos is no longer taboo in Lagos, noting a growing acceptance among parents. Speaking on a recent episode of the 90’s Baby Show, he discussed the evolving perspective towards tattoos in society. According to Shmurda, the presence of ink on one’s skin should not carry undue weight in judgments about an individual’s character.

He said, “Even the elderly ones in Lagos have come to accept that they have done their part and we have to live our lives. The only wrong thing I see is committing crime but whatever other thing you do is fine, just don’t put yourselves in trouble. That’s the only thing with our parents these days, you can do what you like but don’t put yourselves in trouble. Tattoos are fine, in Nigeria now there are even some pastors that have tattoos, they are like ‘I like, I did it but my heart is pure.’ A tattoo doesn’t determine who I am, and I feel like everyone has grown”.

Bella Shmurda further elaborated that the older generation, once critical of body modification like tattoos, has now become more accepting. He noted a shift in priorities among parents, with a greater emphasis on keeping young people away from trouble rather than focusing solely on appearance.

Despite facing initial disapproval from his mother regarding his first tattoo, Shmurda revealed that he has since accumulated a total of 18 tattoos. This illustrates a personal journey of self-expression and acceptance, reflective of the changing attitudes towards body art within Nigerian society.

“Having tattoos is not a new thing in Lagos anymore. This time, religion does not dictate everything that you do anymore, our parents have grown to understand that there has been a shift and we have to live our lives,“ he said.