Bella Shmurda – Cash App
| Stage Name: | Bella Shmurda |
| Real Name: | Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 7th January, 1996 (28 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | University of Lagos |
| Known for: | Cash App |
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, better known as Bella Shmurda was born on January 27, 1996, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. He is the youngest in a polygamous family of ten children. Bella Shmurda’s artistic journey began during his early years as he actively participated in his elementary school’s band and cultural dance troupe. Growing up in Ikorodu, he later pursued his secondary education in Badagry and earned a bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University.
Bella Shmurda’s Breakthrough
Bella Shmurda gained widespread attention in 2019 with his debut single, “Vision 2020.” The song not only caught the interest of the Nigerian rapper Olamide but also led to a remix collaboration between the two artists. The remix further propelled Bella Shmurda into the limelight. Poco Lee, a dancer and close friend, played a crucial role in the song’s viral success by creating a dance video that attracted Olamide’s attention. This support inspired Bella Shmurda to release his first EP, “High Tension,” in January 2020.
In 2020, Bella Shmurda continued to make waves in the Afrobeat music scene with songs like “Cash App,” featuring rapper Zlatan. His remarkable contributions earned him a nomination for the Next Rated Award at The Headies 2020. Notably, he secured wins for “Next Rated Male” and “Street Music of the Year” at the City People Entertainment Awards in the same year.
Accolades and Global Recognition
Bella Shmurda’s impact extended beyond Nigeria, earning him two awards at the Global Music Awards Africa in 2021 for “Global Collaboration of the Year” and “Global Most Popular Song of the Year.” He also became the sole Nigerian beneficiary among twenty-seven acts, spanning fourteen countries, inducted into the YouTube Foundry Programme in 2021. This program, facilitated by YouTube Music, aimed to provide resources for artist development and global music promotion.
In the same year, Bella Shmurda made his mark in the international music scene by being featured in an episode of the African music interview series “This is Africa” facilitated by BBC. The artist’s influence continued to grow, with a nomination for the “Next Rated” award at the 2021 Headies Awards and a NET Honours nomination for his single “Cash App.”
International Debut and Recent Releases
Bella Shmurda reached a significant milestone in his career with a debut performance at The O2 Arena in the United Kingdom, as a guest performer at Wizkid‘s Made in Lagos Concert in November 2021. Demonstrating his versatility, he released his first single of 2023, “Ara (Gen Gen Tin),” followed by the global attention garnered by his single “Philo” featuring Omah Lay, which prompted a remix by South African rapper Nasty C.
Continuing his successful run, Bella Shmurda collaborated with Tiwa Savage on the single “NSV,” produced by Krizbeatz, released in May 2023. His consistent creativity and collaboration with renowned artists showcased his commitment to pushing boundaries within the Afrobeat genre.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Bella Shmurda, through his leadership of Dangbana Republik, demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. In October 2021, he sponsored an elementary school scholarship for a pre-schooler who performed his song “Triumphant.” Additionally, on his birthday in January 2022, he initiated a program to feed a thousand destitute individuals in the Ojo community annually, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact.
Discography and Awards
Bella Shmurda’s discography includes impactful EPs and albums such as “High Tension” (2020) and “Hypertension” (2022). Notable tracks like “Vision 2020,” “Cash App,” and “Philo” have contributed to his growing influence in the music industry. His collaborations with artists like Olamide, Zlatan, and Tiwa Savage have further made him a versatile and sought-after artist.
In recognition of his contributions, Bella Shmurda has received several awards and nominations, including wins at the City People Entertainment Awards and Gbedu Music Awards. His nominations at prestigious events like The Headies and AFRIMMA underscore his consistent impact on the music scene.
Wife and Kids
He is currently unmarried and has no kids.
Net Worth
With a net worth surpassing one million dollars, he has become a financially successful figure in the entertainment world. His wealth is a result of the widespread popularity of his music, numerous hit singles, and successful collaborations. You can connect with him on Instagram.