Bella Shmurda Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs, Career and Life Story

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Quick Facts

• Real name: Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi
• Born: January 27, 1996, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
• Occupations: Singer, songwriter
• Years active: 2017 to present
• Label: Dangbana Republik (founder and president)
• Breakthrough single: “Vision 2020” (2019)
• Studio albums: Hypertension (2022), Sanity (2025)
• Nickname: “The New Voice of the Street”

Ask yourself how a youngest-of-ten from Ikorodu becomes the voice of Lagos street-pop. Bella Shmurda answers that question through honest storytelling and stubborn independence. Let us trace his path.

Who Is Bella Shmurda?

Bella Shmurda’s real name is Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi. He was born on January 27, 1996, in Ikorodu, Lagos, making him 30 years old in 2026. He works as a singer and songwriter, blending Afrobeats, street-pop and Afro-fusion. Fans call him “The New Voice of the Street.”

Early Life and Education

Bella Shmurda is the youngest of ten children in a polygamous family. His interest in music began at Lagos State University Staff School, where he joined the school band and cultural dance group. He grew up in Ikorodu and later attended secondary school in Badagry.

Bella Shmurda earned a degree in History and International Relations from Lagos State University. His mother encouraged him to prioritize his education. However, his passion for music and experiences with street life shaped his career path.

Career Beginnings

Bella Shmurda started recording around 2017, often freestyling and working in small Lagos studios. He has said he made most early songs for himself and never planned to release them. Those private recordings eventually became the raw, personal material that defined his sound.

The “Vision 2020” Breakthrough

Bella Shmurda broke through in 2019 with “Vision 2020,” a song about his drive to conquer Nigeria’s music industry. A remix featuring rapper Olamide pushed it into the mainstream. That remix gave him the national audience he had been chasing.

Olamide’s support continued. The pair later teamed up on “Triumphant” in 2020, a track from Olamide’s album Carpe Diem.

High Tension and Cash App

Bella Shmurda released his debut EP, High Tension, in January 2020. The seven-track project included “Omnipotent,” “Liquor,” “Sho Mo Mi,” “Amope,” “Upgrade” and “Vision 2020.” That same year, “Cash App,” featuring Zlatan and Lincoln, became a chart-topping hit.

The song earned him a Next Rated nomination at the 14th Headies. He also appeared on Davido’s “Fade Away,” from the album A Better Time. In 2021, he followed with High Tension 2.0.

Hypertension

Bella Shmurda released his debut studio album, Hypertension, in 2022. The 15-track project featured Simi, Phyno, Not3s, L.A.X, Pa Salieu, Victony, Popcaan, Omah Lay and Backroad Gee. Standout tracks included “New Born Fela,” “Contraband” and “Philo.”

The album collected over 250 million global streams in under a year. OkayAfrica noted it moved him beyond the street-hop tradition he had worked in until then.

DND and Independent Momentum

In July 2023, Bella Shmurda released the EP DND, short for “Do Not Disturb.” The title track featured Lil Kesh and began as a demo recorded for Lil Kesh before Bella decided to keep it. Earlier singles “NSV” and “Ara” had already combined for over 50 million plays.

He described the project as a statement that he is still in charge of his music and his life. By then, he ranked as the second most streamed African artist on Audiomack. He had also played sold-out shows across Africa, Europe and America.

Dangbana Republik

Bella Shmurda leads Dangbana Republik, a Lagos creative collective that also provides community and humanitarian support. In October 2024, the label signed FOLA, the singer behind “Ginger Me” and “Paparazzi.” In April 2025, the two released “Dangbana Riddim,” produced by Sbee.

That signing showed Bella working as a talent builder, not only a performer. It also tied his own career to the next wave of Nigerian singers.

Sanity

Bella Shmurda released his second studio album, Sanity, on October 3, 2025. The 16-track project includes “Appraisal,” “Verily,” “Turn Me On,” “Holy Jay,” “Mandalene,” “Fuji Fusion,” “Apala Fusion” and “Dangbana Riddim.” Collaborators include CKay, King Promise, Seyi Vibez, FOLA, K1 De Ultimate, Joshua Baraka, Kunmie and T.I Blaze.

Complex described the album as a rebirth, built on heritage, honesty and a spiritual edge. In a message to fans, Bella called it a project for healing, growth and the journey ahead. He framed it as his calmest and most grounded work.

Collaborations Across Generations

Bella Shmurda has stayed active on other artists’ songs. He appeared on Odumodublvck’s “Dog Eat Dog II” in 2023 and on a remix of VASA’s “50-50” in February 2024. In 2025, he featured on Bahd Man Niko’s “Delilah.” In 2026, he delivered a live performance of “Sanity” for the On The Radar series.

Musical Style and Influence

Bella Shmurda blends street-pop with Afrobeats, Fuji and Apala influences. His raw, conversational delivery and truth-telling lyrics set him apart from more polished peers. He has built that voice around his own struggles, from street life to sudden fame. That honesty has become his signature.

Current Career

As of 2026, Bella Shmurda remains an independent force, backed by Sanity’s critical reception and his role at Dangbana Republik. Rising artist-tracking data points to renewed momentum. His mentoring of FOLA and collaborations with Kunmie and T.I Blaze show him shaping the next generation.

Conclusion

Bella Shmurda’s journey from Ikorodu to a two-album, label-founding career shows how honest storytelling can build lasting influence. His rise from “Vision 2020” to Sanity traces steady growth in both sound and leadership. His continued work with newer artists suggests his influence on Nigerian street-pop will keep expanding.