Afrobeats artist Bella Shmurda has shared a raw glimpse into his pre-fame struggles, revealing he once earned just ₦20,000 a month while working at a Dangote factory in Ikorodu. The singer made the disclosure during a recent appearance on the Echo Room interview, where he reflected on the period before his breakthrough with Olamide’s YBNL Nation label.
Bella Shmurda, real name Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, described the reality of balancing a low-paying job with his music dreams.
“I moved to Okoko while working in Ikorodu at a Dangote factory. I worked in packaging and earned 20,000 per month.”
He explained that the role involved packaging products like Indomie, and at the time he had no additional income streams to ease the pressure.
Despite the modest salary and the grind, the artist looks back without bitterness.
“I wasn’t making any money on the side but I have no regret since it was good experience.”
The candid admission has resonated strongly with fans, many of whom see it as proof of how far the “Rush” hitmaker has come. Before signing his first major deal, Bella Shmurda was one of thousands of young promising Lagosians working low income jobs while chasing a creative career on the side. His story highlights the long, unglamorous road many entertainers travel before the spotlight finds them.
In the interview, Bella Shmurda spoke with quiet pride about those early days, noting that the experience taught him discipline and patience. The clip has already sparked widespread reactions online, with followers praising his humility and using the moment to motivate others still in similar situations.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2020 with his street anthem “Vision 2020,” Bella Shmurda has gone on to release several successful tracks and build a solid fan base. Yet he continues to speak openly about his humble beginnings, using his platform to show that success is possible even after starting from the literal factory floor.
The Echo Room conversation has reminded many that behind every overnight sensation is often years of quiet persistence. For Bella Shmurda, those ₦20,000 months were not wasted time but necessary chapters that shaped the artist he is today.