Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has revealed how the death of his close friend and collaborator, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has profoundly changed his outlook on life.
The Cash App hitmaker opened up during a recent livestream with TikToker Joblaq, where he spoke about how Mohbad’s passing forced him into a stage of self-rediscovery.
According to Bella Shmurda, the tragedy altered the way he thinks and the way he now approaches life.
“RIP Mohbad. After he passed away, my brain reset. Everything changed. The way I see things in life also changed,” he said.
The singer explained that losing his friend gave him clarity and made him understand many things he had previously overlooked. He likened the experience to a lesson often repeated by parents, who warn their children that they will only understand certain realities with time.
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“There’s a time that our parents used to tell us when we , ‘You’re misbehaving, right? Don’t worry, very soon you will understand.’ I’m currently in that phase where I’m starting to understand. I have understood certain things,” he added.
Bella Shmurda and Mohbad shared a close bond both personally and musically. They collaborated on several projects and were often seen together within Nigeria’s vibrant street-hop music scene. Their chemistry made them fan favourites, with songs that resonated strongly among young audiences.
However, Mohbad’s untimely death on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances, shocked the nation and sparked widespread debate. His passing ignited protests, investigations, and calls for justice, as many fans and industry insiders demanded answers about what truly happened.
For Bella Shmurda, the loss was not just a blow to Nigerian music but also a deeply personal tragedy. Since Mohbad’s death, he has spoken on multiple occasions about the pain of losing a close friend and the lessons he has drawn from the experience.
Industry observers note that the incident has had a lasting impact on Bella Shmurda’s artistry and worldview. His recent comments suggest he is entering a more reflective phase in his career, focusing on self-awareness and growth.
The singer’s words also echo the feelings of many fans who continue to mourn Mohbad and remember his contributions to Afrobeats and street-hop. For Bella Shmurda, however, the grief has translated into a new way of living, one that values clarity, purpose, and understanding over recklessness.
As the Nigerian music industry continues to grapple with the loss of Mohbad, Bella Shmurda’s reflection serves as a reminder of how tragedy can change even the brightest stars. For him, the memory of his friend remains a guiding force, shaping both his life and music moving forward.
