Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has shared his perspective on music and its deeper social role, describing it as far more than entertainment.
Speaking in the For Bunmi documentary, the “Cash App” crooner said he sees music as a powerful force that can influence society, shape emotions and serve a broader purpose beyond commercial success.
According to him, music can be a form of resistance, healing and social impact.
“Music is warfare. Music is a tool for the society. Music is a tool of progress. Music is an instrument of goodwill,” he said.
He continued by explaining that music can help people cope with hardship, maintain emotional balance, and find moments of relief.
“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,” he added.
His comments reflect a view of music not just as performance, but as something capable of affecting culture and personal well-being.
Beyond speaking about music’s role in society, Bella Shmurda also discussed how fatherhood has influenced his approach to making music.
According to the singer, becoming a father has made him more intentional about the kind of records he creates. He said he now thinks more carefully about the messages in his songs and how they may be perceived in the future.
He explained that part of that shift comes from wanting his children to grow up and feel proud of his body of work.
That personal reflection adds another dimension to his artistic outlook, suggesting his evolution as a musician is also being shaped by life outside the studio.
Bella Shmurda, whose real name is Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, rose to prominence with his breakout single Vision 2020, which brought him mainstream attention and helped establish him as one of the notable voices in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
He later gained wider recognition with “Cash App,” a record that further elevated his profile.
His latest remarks add to a growing body of conversations among artists who see music as more than entertainment, but as a platform that can shape thought, offer comfort, and contribute to social consciousness.
