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.”
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In related news…
Ayodeji Balogun, the singer professionally known as Wizkid recently clarified that he is not an Afrobeats artiste, and wants the public to not categorise him as such.
The singer stated this on Friday, 15th of March while announcing that his next album was complete and ready to be released.
Wizkid warned fans not to expect an old version or Afrobeats sound on the album which will be titled Morayo, after his late mother.
In a series of online rants, he urged fans who are looking forward to hearing the old Wizkid, to not bother downloading his new project and delete him from their playlist.
Furthermore, the ‘Fever’ crooner warned bloggers and other media outfits not to post his album or report details about it when he finally releases Morayo.
He wrote; “Album done! See you soon b*tches! And abeg if you like Pakurumo Wizkid, don’t download this new album. In fact, delete me from your playlist and your life! If you like Afrobeats, don’t download my album. I’m not a f*cking Afrobeats artiste. I am not Afro anything.”
