MM Exclusive: Bella Shmurda

Words by Ralph Okobz

In the pulsating heart of Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene, where raw street energy meets soul-stirring melodies, stands Bella Shmurda, a visionary artist whose journey from Lagos’ gritty underbelly to global stardom has captivated millions. With his sophomore album Sanity, released on October 3, 2025, Bella invites us into a profound exploration of balance amid chaos, confronting the weights of fame, identity, and resilience through 16 tracks laced with heritage, honesty, and a spiritual edge.

Featuring powerhouse collaborations with icons like K1 De Ultimate, CKay, and Seyi Vibez, this project isn’t just music, it’s a rebirth, a survival anthem dedicated to his fans and the unyielding spirit that defines him. Today, we dive deep into the mind behind Sanity, uncovering the stories, inspirations, and raw truths that make Bella Shmurda an unstoppable force in contemporary African music:

What was the primary inspiration behind your new album ‘Sanity’, and how does it reflect your personal journey over the past few years?

I wanted to tell my story. Every year, people evolve, and people tend to have a different perspective on artists. They want the old you, and when they don’t get it, they think you’ve changed. Yes, I have changed, I am married, and I’m a father. There’s a higher expectation for me as a Man, father, husband and leader. So when you listen to ‘Sanity’, you see a part of Bella Shmurda.

The title, ‘Sanity’, suggests a theme of mental clarity or struggle. Can you elaborate on what it means to you and how it ties into the album’s narrative?

As a man, some moments feel like you are carrying the weight of the world. And they will tell you to be strong, “Are you not a man?” Why are you telling me to be strong? Don’t I have feelings? It’s like I am a driver in the vehicle, I am responsible for the passengers, I can’t afford to say ‘No, I’m not going again’, who will drive them to the destination? ‘Sanity’ tells you that yes, I’m a man, but I am human too.

How has your sound evolved from your earlier projects, like ‘High Tension’ to this moment, and what new influences did you incorporate?

High Tension was released in 2020. I was hungry for success and wanted to share my story with an audience. I have released more songs and projects since then. Each project had a different story – like ‘DND’ – You can be inside and enjoy too, not until you go outside. I wanted people to achieve a good state of mind; I wanted people to achieve joy.  That’s different from the person who made ‘High Tension’. Also,I have grown in my mentality. I am working with amazing talents like Shoday, Fola, Seyi Vibez , and many people. I am learning from them.

Walk me and the Mixtape Madness team through the production process for ‘Sanity’. Were there any standout collaborations with producers or artists that shaped this amazing project?

One of my standout collaborations was with Seyi Vibez. Seyi Vibez sent me multiple records, and I told him the direction that I wanted. He sent me 3 more songs, and I selected “Bounce”, so I bounced on it. I like Seyi Vibez; he is hardworking. I worked with Shoday on “Verily” I heard the song and I loved it verily so I hopped on it. 

With “Mandalene,” I wanted something for the women because, truly, we’re nothing without them. I’ve also always wanted to work with King Promise, so that record was the perfect moment.

Which track on Sanity do you consider the most personal, and why? What story or emotion were you aiming to convey through it?

It’s not my most personal, but it is an important song to me. It is “Dangbana Riddim”. I made that song with Fola. I am proud of that young man. I told him what I wanted to achieve and he brought it to life. See, I  grew up in Okokomaiko, and to make it out of there, you need faith. You have to believe every struggle is part of a process and that better days will come. “Dangbana Riddim” helps me to look back and be glad that I didn’t give up. I made it and Fola’s making it. We are all making it. 

What were the biggest challenges you faced while creating ‘Sanity’, and how did you overcome them to maintain your artistic vision?

The biggest challenge I faced on ‘Sanity’ was track selections. My team and I argued every time for the tracklist. If I had my way, the album would have more songs. But I know that my team have my best interest at heart and I am passionate about the music because I made the songs so I needed to trust and respect their opinion in the same way they trust me to record songs.

Reflecting on your career, how did your breakout hit “Vision 2020” and the remix with Olamide shape your path in the industry?

If you listen to “Vision 2020” you could hear the struggle the average Nigerian had to go through to make it. Vision 2020 was released in 2019 and if you play that song today, it still reflects the reality of many youths. Then Olamide Baddo came and nothing was the same again. My life changed for the better. I got to reach a wider audience and tell my story that resonated with a lot of people. 

As a prominent figure in Afrobeats, how do you see your role in pushing the genre forward?

By telling my story, by supporting the rising artists and leading by example. You had asked me about the remix with Olamide. If Olamide didn’t give me a verse, I don’t know how my journey to fame would have been. So, I’m using platform to show support.

You’ve collaborated with Afrobeats heavyweights like Olamide and Wizkid. How have these collaborations influenced your growth as an artist?

I grew up listening to Olamide and Wizkid and now i have collaborated with them, do you know what they means? It means that dreams do come through and If they can do it, I can do it. They have been in the industry for a long time, I want to be in the industry for a long time so I’m learning from everyone.

Your music often resonates deeply with fans on themes of hustle and resilience. How do you ensure ‘Sanity’ continues to build that authentic connection?

I’ve always said my purpose is to uplift people through my voice, lyrics, and even my business. I came from Okokomaiko, and there weren’t many options. Listen to “Vision 2020” I wore my pains, hustle and shortcomings like a badge and many people related with it because they’ve lived that reality, they are living that reality or they know someone going through that reality.

With ‘Sanity’ i’m no longer in Okokomaiko, I have grown to a different state of mind and that means I’m also dealing with different problems now. Sanity tells you that there are problems that come with having it. It is not easy and that’s the thing they don’t tell you about life. I’m using my platform to tell my story, hopefully tell your story, her story, and his story in the making.

What can fans expect from your upcoming live shows or tours in terms of energy and setlist?

Every time I climbed on stage is an opportunity to give it my all. So fans should expect newer energy, more music performance and 1000% of Bella Shmurda.

Looking back at your career, what has been your proudest milestone?

The growth of Dangbana Republik. Building something with my team, that’s one of my proudest milestone.

Finally, what are your long-term goals for your music career?

I want to expand the legacy, use my music to tell our stories, impact people, and carry Dangbana to new places. But at the same time, I want to take care of myself, my family, and keep growing into a better version of myself, creatively, personally and spiritually■