Tag: Bella Shmurda

Afrobeats singer Bella Shmurda has defended the high performance fees charged by artistes, citing significant expenditures incurred during music production and promotion.

In a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, Shmurda explained that musicians have substantial expenses, including payments to producers, songwriters and engineers, as well as music video and promotion costs.

He revealed that he spent $100,000 (over N100 million) on his ‘Sanity’ album, emphasising that these costs necessitate high performance fees.

He said: “Speaking from the perspective of an artiste, making music is expensive. 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 over N100 million. Not to mention music videos and promotion costs. That’s a lot”.

Bella Shmurda emphasised that these fees are not about greed, but about recovering production costs and sustaining a career in the music industry.

He argued that artistes should charge fees that reflect their level of investment, allowing them to recover costs and potentially generate profit.

“So, I go for a show, I would charge what would equate my investments. Even if I don’t make profit, I should at least be able to recover the cost of production. So, we are not overcharging. If you look at it from our own perspective, you will agree that we are not overcharging,” he added.

Afrobeats singer Bella Shmurda has confirmed that fast-rising artist Fola has officially joined his record label, Dangbana Republik. 

The Cash App crooner made the announcement during an interview with Naija 102 FM, clearing the air on rumours surrounding Fola’s status with the label.

“Fola is signed under Dangbana Republik; he’s with us, we’re family,” he said.

According to Bella, Fola’s signing is a reward to their long-standing connection, which dates back several years.

He revealed that Fola has been working with Dangbana Republik for over four years, and the decision to make the partnership official was driven by a desire to support Fola’s career growth.

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

Read Also: Kunmie hails Bella Shmurda after collaboration on new song ‘Sanity’

“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.

Under Dangbana Republik, Fola will maintain creative freedom while receiving professional guidance.

Bella emphasised that the label’s priority is to put Fola on the right path, protect his craft, and ensure he has liberty with his creativity.

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

Fola has already gained recognition for his collaboration with Bella Shmurda on Dangbana Riddim and his hit track Alone featuring Bhadboi OML. 

Bella expressed his gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead, stating that he, the team, and Fola are all happy about the development.

“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 added.

Afrobeat star Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi popularly known as Bella Shmurda, has expressed concerns over the soaring costs of music promotion, which he says are discouraging Nigerian artists from releasing new projects, particularly albums.

Speaking in an interview with Naija FM Lagos, the “Cash App” hitmaker highlighted how financial constraints are pushing artists toward singles, as the expenses for larger projects become prohibitive.

Read Also: Portable slams Bella Shmurda over comment on possible collaboration

Bella Shmurda noted that promoting an album, which typically includes 10 to 14 tracks, demands a significantly larger budget than a single song.

He outlined the costly components, such as radio airplay and music video production, revealing that the baseline cost for a single music video has skyrocketed to N20 million.

He said: “To release an album, you need a huge budget, unlike singles. Because for albums, you’re promoting 10 to 14 songs all at once. It’s a lot.

“Promoting songs on the radio, shooting videos for five, six songs, is a lot. These days, the least you can spend on a music video is N20 million. So, how many artists can afford to shoot five videos?”

He attributed these rising costs to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including inflation, which has inflated production and promotional expenses.

Afrobeats singer Bella Shmurda has emphasised the importance of creating purposeful music and living exemplary lifestyles that young artists can emulate.

In an interview on Afrobeats Intelligence, Bella lamented that the Nigerian music industry has adopted negative influences from Western culture, prioritising material possessions like expensive jewelry and exotic cars over meaningful artistry.

According to Bella Shmurda, many artists focus on fame and wealth rather than leaving a lasting legacy.

He encouraged his colleagues to think about the impact they want to make through their music, stressing that artists should have a reason for making music beyond just material gain.

He said that artists should be mindful of their influence on young people and strive to be positive role models.

Read Also: I’d have being a motivational speaker if I wasn’t an artist – Bella Shmurda

He said: “Many in the music industry are not on their own lane. The industry has made everybody, you know, our industry now is now a shine shine thing. Everybody is coping American hip-hop lifestyles, purchasing expensive jewellery and exotic cars. They don put all those things into our eyes to the extent that we make some of these young ones lose their purpose.

“You need to have a reason for doing music aside from material things. There is no rollout plan from some artists now without them flaunting their cars and jewellery. There is no reason. You are not giving the younger ones reason to do music. There is no purpose on ground. They just want to do it and make it, and also being in the limelight. What impact? That is the thing. What impact do you want to make? Because on the long run, we call this thing legacy. What legacy are we leaving for these people?

“At a point, I stopped wearing my jewellery. I felt like that’s not my purpose. I came out with ‘Vision 2020.’ And that’s the vision. That’s a song with purpose”.

Afrobeats artist Bella Shmurda has revealed that, had he not pursued a music career, he would likely be a preacher or motivational speaker.

During a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, hosted by Joey Akan, the “Triumphant” singer expressed his conviction that his true purpose is rooted in spirituality and uplifting others.

Shmurda emphasised that his knack for inspiring and connecting with people on a profound level is a core part of his identity, which he deliberately infuses into his music.

Read Also: Why I no longer fit into music industry, by Bella Shmurda

He stated that this spiritual dimension is essential to his songwriting and vocal delivery, ensuring his songs carry an uplifting message.

He said: “Everybody has spirituality, you just have to discover it. I feel like if I wasn’t an artist, I might be a preacher or motivational speaker. I feel like that is my purpose, and I’ve been trying to implement it in every of my music.

“If I wasn’t doing music, I would have been a motivational speaker. I easily cheer people up. I easily get to people’s deep part. And I feel like that’s my purpose.

“That’s why I am here. And I should also reflect in my music. You can’t take that away from my music.

“I can’t do without it. When I’m writing, spirituality has to be there. Even in my voice, you can feel it”.