Bella Shmurda reflects on Mohbad’s death, says it changed his perspective on life
Nigerian singer and songwriter Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, popularly known as Bella Shmurda, has revealed how the death of his close friend and colleague, Mohbad, reshaped his outlook on life.
Speaking during a recent livestream with TikToker Joblaq, the 29-year-old artist said Mohbad’s passing gave him a deeper sense of clarity and understanding, noting that it made him reflect on the lessons his parents had always emphasized.
“RIP Mohbad. After he passed away, my brain reset, and everything changed. The way I see things in life has also changed,” Shmurda said. “There’s a time that our parents used to tell us when we misbehave that, ‘Don’t worry, very soon you will understand.’ I’m currently in that phase where I’m starting to understand. I have understood certain things.”
Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, died on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances that remain unresolved. His death sparked widespread tributes across the Nigerian music industry and beyond.
Earlier this year, at the 2025 Headies Awards, his widow, Wunmi, accepted the Best Street Hop Song award for his hit Ask About Me on his behalf. In an emotional tribute, she described Mohbad as living on through his music and their son, Liam.
“I don’t like referring to him as my late husband because he lives forever, especially through our son Liam,” she said while receiving the award with her son, Mohbad’s younger brother Adura, and the Imolenization family.
Mohbad’s legacy continues to resonate in the Nigerian music industry, with his voice and artistry celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
