Nigerian street musician, Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed popularly known as Bella Shmurda has beckoned on his colleagues in the music industry to have respect for Afrobeats.
The 28-year-old entertainer subtly called out leading industry acts, Wizkid and Burna Boy for downgrading the genre and urged them to stop such trend.
While featuring in the latest episode of the London 90 podcast, Bella expressed disappointment over their recent comments, and revealed how he prevented himself from commenting on it because he was trying to avoid having enemies in the industry.
He further pleaded with Nigerian artistes to respect rather than downgrade Afrobeats since it is theirs, no matter the level they attain in their respective careers.
Bella Shmurda said; “Recently, I heard something, I saw something that made me feel bad. I wanted to tweet but I don’t want to be in a position whereby I have issues with people.
“But for real, We artistes should respect Afrobeats. This is our genre, we can’t downgrade it. No matter your level in the music industry, you can’t downgrade this thing that God has given us.”
Watch video:
“We artistes should respect Afrobeats. This is our genre, we can’t downgrade it”
– Bella Shmurda pic.twitter.com/nAcrxTAzQg
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 2, 2024