Bella Shmurda says he does not welcome being labelled a street artiste.
In a recent interview with Clout Africa, the ‘Cash App’ singer maintained that he sees himself as a “conscious musician,” arguing that the street artiste tag does not accurately describe his work.
He said his music is built on awareness, noting that he focuses on creating songs that enlighten listeners and promote “self-realisation, soul awakening and upliftment.”
The artiste also emphasised that referring to him as a street musician diminishes the effort and challenges that have shaped his career.
“I will consider myself a conscious musician. What I mean by conscious is being aware — everyone being conscious of themselves. Singing songs that make people aware of what they don’t know, or relatable songs about what people already know,” he said.
“Songs like ‘Cash App’ and ‘Vision 2020’ are songs of consciousness. I do conscious music. I sing songs for self-realisation, soul awakening and soul uplifting.
“…To me, calling an artiste a street artiste belittles our craft, our struggle, and everything we have done for the business. So calling me a street artiste isn’t right.”
The singer, born Akinyibi Ahmed, launched his career in 2019 with the release of his breakout single ‘Vision 2020’.
He achieved widespread fame in 2020 with ‘Cash App’, which featured Zlatan Ibile and Lincoln.
The hit track earned him a nomination in the “Next Rated” category at the 14th Headies Awards.
He went on to release his debut album, ‘Hypertension’, in 2022.