Nigerian singer, Bella Shmurda, has called on his fellow artists to avoid speaking negatively about Afrobeats, urging them to show respect for the genre.

Recently, there was controversy sparked by comments made by Burna Boy and Wizkid disowning Afrobeats. Burna Boy mentioned that Afrobeats lacks "substance," preferring to label his music as Afrofusion. Similarly, Wizkid expressed reluctance to be categorized as an Afrobeats artist.

In a recent episode of the London 90 podcast, Shmurda addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of respecting Afrobeats. He admitted to feeling upset by recent remarks but chose not to speak out immediately to avoid unnecessary conflict.

He stated, "We artists need to honor Afrobeats. It's our genre, and we shouldn't diminish its value. Regardless of our status in the music industry, we must acknowledge this gift from God."

Shmurda's message underscores the significance of preserving and respecting Afrobeats, a genre deeply rooted in Nigerian culture and cherished by fans worldwide.