We can’t go through the best of Bella Shmurda in 2021 without making reference to his background. His journey to showbiz did not start in 2019, even if that was your introduction to him, with his Vision 2020. He began in elementary school, where he joined the school band and cultural dance group.
The 29-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter, born Akinbiyi Ahmed Abiola, has not stopped growing ever since 2019. 2021 was a phenomenal year for him. Not only did he make his debut performance at The 02 Arena in the United Kingdom as a guest performer in Wizkid’s concert, but he was also the only Nigerian beneficiary inducted into the YouTube Foundry Program. That same year, he won two categories of awards at the Global Music Award, that held virtually in Ghana. All of this is why we thought 2021 should be the year to take you through.
8 Best of Bella Shmurda- 2021
1. Out There
2. Rush (Moving Fast)
3. World
4. Party Next Door
5. So Cold ft Popcaan
6. Far Away
7. Lako
8. Champion
Best of Bella Shmurda- 2021
Bella Shmurda, also known as Dangbana Republik is the voice you need right now. The perfect blend of Afrobeats and street pop with insightful and relatable storytelling.
This is for you, Replublikan and newbie alike. Let’s go on a lyrical journey to 2021.
1. Out There
Out There was his opening track from his High Tension 2.0 EP from 2021. This wasn’t just another opening track; it was deeply insightful and introspective. Who says people with street and club jams can’t be reflective? This track will prove you wrong. It is a deeply reflective mid-tempo song that shows resiliency. More than moving the body, it moves the mind. Bella here took on the street evangelist wear with this chant-like song. He engaged the symbol of a soldier and used that to exemplify discipline and resilience. He acknowledged life being a battleground, but he tells them not to stop, because they have to win.
2. Rush (Moving Fast)
It wasn’t just another hit song. It made a name for itself with over 10 million views on YouTube in its first month. Something someone who grew up on the street will never shy away from? Honesty. He understands how short life is, so one thing he says on this track is he will enjoy himself during his time and not worry about naysayers. This track dropped in January 2021. Bella said Let’s make an unfiltered year, and he did just that on this track. Looking to enjoy some string and bass? Don’t rush past.
3. World
Here, Bella took on the critic’s robe. And necessarily so. If you listen to this track, you’d understand that all of his rants are valid. Not everyone will carry placards. This track was Bella on the streets. He spoke about the alarming rate of hypocrisy in the world. He begins the track by saying even if he lies to the world, he can’t lie to himself, if he runs from the world, he can’t run from himself. Now, he may not have meant those literary, he just took us down his thought process. We would later understand in the song that he is just baffled at the blatant fear of God in the hearts of people in the world nowadays, and how everyone is comfortable living a double life. World, Bella has a message for you.
4. Party Next Door
Rebellious folks, this is for you. Your track to get out of inhibitions. This is a special track to celebrate youngsters and frivolous loving, because YOLO, right? The lyrics alongside the hook are why it became a party banger. Sometimes, you just need to unwind, and Bella brought the party closer to you. You don’t even need to literally be at a party. You can party in your room or car with this banger. This is your track for an all-day party mood.
5. So Cold ft Popcaan
Afrobeats to the world! Bella took us on a global journey with this fusion of Afrobeats and Caribbean rhythm. This feature of the great Jamaican dancehall artist was hot, never mind that it is titled so cold. The cold part is relatable. They speak about what it means to live life through their lens as people in the public eye. They battle with criticism and hate, but they end on a note of survival. Public eye or not, life can be so cold, and it can look like it’s you against the world. They say to never give up in the face of every challenge until the end of the journey.
6. Far Away
Bella literally took us far away on this track that was featured on his sophomore album, High Tension 2.0. Even if you’ve never boarded a plane, you can go through Bella and his love interest’s eyes. In case you want to touch down in London and ball in Manchester, he’s got your back. Just listen to the mellow beats with your eyes closed. His storytelling on this track was amazing. You don’t remember Pharaoh every day.
7. Lako
I love what people like Bella do with Fuji. They make sure it isn’t a thing of the past and they weave it into Afrobeats. That’s what he did on this track, using subtle Fuji influences. His being “street” doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a vulnerable side. When it comes to a lover, Bella is ready to lay it all down for his baby. It’s not your regular love song; he even goes as far as saying he’d kill for her. Of course, we know he doesn’t mean that literally; he just makes us understand his passion.
8. Champion
A necessary self-appraisal. Bella’s story is inspiring as he motivates many on how their present situation doesn’t define their future. Sometimes, getting big isn’t the most difficult part of the journey, but sustaining your spot at the top is. He says people wonder how he remains unshaken in all the stress he faces up there, and he responds by saying his mother’s prayers have kept him there. He’s a champion who has no plans of ever surrendering the title, which is why this track is for you.
Notable Mention
No Caution (Gbemidebe) – Seyi Vibes ft Bella Shmurda
A blend of two stars that created an explosion. A 2021 favorite rhythm to dance to. No caution implies that there are no hindrances to your freedom, so live boldly. Gbemidebe is Yoruba for elevate me, or take me there. These two artists blend on this song to say come up to that point where you vibe till they kingdom come. The first step to getting there is your body movements. You can’t resist the urge to shake your body on this.
Notable Fun Fact from Cashapp
Remember the trending phrase “back-to-sender” from his Cashapp? To our non-Nigerian audience, this is a phrase you say when someone says something evil or terrible to you. It’s a very worthy way of giving them the meal they served you. We don’t do it without the dramatic snap of our fingers and some attitude. You wish Bella bad, back to sender.
Conclusion
Even if Bella Shmurda has not sewn a fabric since his tailoring days, he’s still stitching stories and making them into tracks. We see him tailoring tracks for every season, with tradition, spirituality, beats, and stories.
In case you were not present in his 2021, catch up on this list. To the Republikans, what’s your favorite Dangbana track from 2021?
