Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda has sparked reactions after declaring that music is far more than entertainment, boldly describing it as “warfare” and a powerful force for societal change. The “Rush” crooner made the strong statement during his appearance in the B For Bunmi documentary, where he opened up about the true purpose and responsibility of artists.
Bella Shmurda did not mince words as he explained his philosophy.
“Music is warfare. Music is a tool for the society. Music is a tool of progress. Music is an instrument of goodwill. Music is a tool to keep people sane, to put them in the right state of mind, to make them dance away their sorrow, and to make them feel alive and self-conscious.”
The 30-year-old singer, whose real name is Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, stressed that musicians carry a heavy duty to uplift society and influence people’s emotions and mindset positively. For him, every song becomes a strategic tool in this ongoing “warfare” for mental and emotional well-being.
He also revealed how fatherhood has transformed his approach to music and lyric choices. Bella Shmurda disclosed that he has become far more selective and conscious about the content he releases because he wants his children to grow up proud of his body of work. This new sense of responsibility, he said, now guides his creative decisions and overall lifestyle as an artist.
Known for blending street energy with thoughtful storytelling, the Dangbana Republik leader first burst onto the scene in 2019 with “Vision 2020” and its remix featuring Olamide. His latest comments have already sparked lighthearted conversations online, with many fans praising his maturity.