Nigerian singer-songwriter Bella Shmurda has called on his peers to craft music that carries genuine purpose, while cultivating lifestyles that set positive examples for aspiring youths.
He expressed concern that the Nigerian music scene has absorbed many negative trends from the West, now affecting younger audiences in troubling ways.
On a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Shmurda appealed to fellow musicians to build enduring legacies instead of chasing flashy displays of wealth through expensive cars and jewelry.
He explained, “Many in the music space have lost their uniqueness. It’s become all about shining—imitating American hip-hop culture, flaunting flashy jewelry and exotic vehicles. That spectacle overshadows real goals and causes some young people to lose their direction.”
Shmurda highlighted the importance of intent: “Artists should have deeper reasons for making music beyond material rewards. Now, many roll out singles only to show off their new cars or bling, leaving no motivational blueprint for younger talents. What impact are we inspiring? What legacy are we leaving?”
He shared his own moment of clarity: “I even stopped wearing jewelry because I felt it distracted from my purpose. That’s when I released ‘Vision 2020’—a song rooted in vision, not vanity.”
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