Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has urged fellow musicians to make meaningful music and live lives that young people can look up to.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the popular artist emphasised the importance of artists thinking beyond fame and wealth.
He believes that music should convey a message and serve as a tool for positive change. According to him, many artists today have lost sight of this responsibility.
Criticism of Western influence
Shmurda did not hold back in his critique of the Nigerian music industry. He said it had absorbed too many bad habits from the West, especially from American hip-hop culture. He warned that this foreign influence was affecting Nigerian youth in harmful ways.
“Our industry is no longer about the art,” he said. “It’s all about shining, shining jewellery, flashy cars. Everyone is copying the American lifestyle, and it’s causing many young people to lose focus.”
Lamenting the new trends
He expressed concern about how these trends have changed the face of Nigerian music. According to him, music rollouts now focus more on displaying wealth than promoting substance.
“Nowadays, some artists don’t even have a proper message behind their songs,” he said. “The rollout plan is just about showing off cars and jewellery. But where’s the purpose? What are we telling the youth? What are we giving them to believe in?”
He pointed out that many young people are inspired to become musicians not because of a deep passion, but because they want quick fame and riches.
Challenge to fellow artists
Bella Shmurda used the podcast as a platform to challenge his colleagues. He asked them to think about the kind of legacy they want to leave behind.
“In the long run, it’s all about legacy,” he said. “What will people remember you for? Will it be the diamonds you wore or the lives you changed?”
He stressed that music should be more than a way to chase material success. It should be about impact. Artists, he said, should make sure their songs speak to people and help them find meaning.
Leading by example
To show his commitment to this message, Shmurda shared that he made a personal choice to stop wearing jewellery. He explained that he wanted to move away from the distractions of fame and return to the message that started his career.
“I stopped wearing jewellery at some point,” he said. “I felt like that wasn’t my purpose. I came out with Vision 2020, that was a song with a clear message. It was purposeful. That’s what I want to be known for.”
A call for change in the industry
Bella Shmurda’s message comes at a time when many fans and critics are asking questions about the values promoted by the Afrobeats scene.
With more artists leaning into extravagant lifestyles, the concern is growing about what kind of role models today’s stars are becoming.
Shmurda is calling for a shift. He believes that artists should remember their roots, focus on their craft, and understand the influence they have on their audience, especially the youth.
“We need to do better,” he said. “Let’s give people real reasons to love music again. Let’s show them that music can inspire, heal, and change lives.”
Conclusion
Bella Shmurda’s words are a wake-up call to the Nigerian music industry. As he speaks out against the growing trend of materialism and empty fame, he reminds everyone that music is a powerful force. It can shape lives and guide the next generation, but only if artists choose to lead with purpose.
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