By Milcah Tanimu
In a captivating documentary presented by WeTalkSound, Bella Shmurda opens up about his personal journey, offering fans an intimate glimpse into his life beyond the stage. Filmed during the Tension Rave 2024, the documentary delves into Shmurda’s deep connection with the city of Ibadan, his experiences as a father, and the spiritual inspiration behind his music.
Shmurda reveals his profound affinity for Ibadan, attributing it to the city’s early embrace of his talent, which culminated in his first headline show. “I want to bring entertainment to Ibadan. I want people to know Ibadan,” he expresses passionately.
Discussing his creative process, Shmurda shares his spiritual approach to music-making, emphasizing his reliance on prayer for divine inspiration. He describes his music as prophetic, hinting at even more profound spiritual depths to be explored in his upcoming releases.
The birth of his son in 2023 serves as a significant source of motivation for Shmurda, inspiring him to strive for greatness and leave behind a lasting legacy for his child. “I don’t want my son to grow up to say ‘My father used to sing’. I want him to turn on the TV and see his father,” he reflects on his aspirations as a father.
Despite facing hardships in his journey to stardom, including resorting to unconventional means for survival, Shmurda remains grateful for his success. His sold-out show at the Tension Rave serves as a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination.
Directed, shot, and edited by Feranmi Abiola, the documentary offers a poignant narrative crafted by Bamise Oyetayo and Isaac Nwanze. Uchefunah Tochukwu and Dolapo Amusat serve as producer and executive producers, respectively.
‘Bella Shmurda – Tension In Ibadan’ premiered on YouTube on February 27, 2024, providing fans with an exclusive look into the artist’s life and the electrifying energy of the “Tension Rave” concert.