Bella Shmurda

Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi (born 27 January 1996), known professionally as Bella Shmurda, He is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of the song “Vision 2020”, and a follow-up remix which featured Olamide. He is also the leader of Dangbana Republik; a collective of creatives in Lagos providing community and humanitarian contributions.

Bella Shmurda hails from a polygamous family in Ikorodu, Lagos State and is the last child from a family of 10 children. His journey in arts began in his early days through being a part of his elementary school band and cultural dance troupe.

He grew up in Ikorodu, proceeded to have his secondary school studies in Badagry, and earned a bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University.

He gained public attention after his debut single “Vision 2020”, caught the interest of Nigerian rapper Olamide who did a follow-up remix of the song.

Poco Lee, who is a dancer and close friend to Bella Shmurda made a video with the song which made it viral and earned the interest of Olamide, who invited the latter over to his studio for a remix. The support Bella Shmurda got encouraged him to release his first EP “High Tension” in January 2020.