Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda has ignited controversy by revealing his plans to abandon his distinctive voice in favor of a new sound aimed at attracting a different audience. In a candid interview with Just Vibes, the ‘Cash App’ sensation declared, “I know I have a unique voice, but I don’t want to use it anymore. I want to try something new.”
Since breaking into the scene in 2020 with ‘Vision 2020,’ Shmurda has been known for his consistent sound. However, his decision to potentially abandon what made him stand out has divided fans and critics alike. The move follows a trend in the Nigerian music industry, where several artists have shifted their sound in an attempt to win over international listeners, often sparking backlash.
Wizkid led the charge with his 2017 Caribbean-inspired project ‘Sounds From The Other Side,’ while Davido faced criticism for his 2018 EP ‘Son of Mercy,’ which he later admitted “failed” to resonate. More recently, artists like Rema, Fireboy DML, and Ayra Starr have also experimented with their sounds, raising questions about authenticity and the pressure to conform to global tastes.
