“It Takes Huge Budget To Drop An Album”- Bella Shmurda Cries Out Over High Promotion Expenses

Nigerian singer Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, popularly known as Bella Shmurda, has voiced concern over the increasing cost of music promotion.

The artist lamented that many musicians are now sceptical about releasing new songs, especially albums, due to the rising expenses involved.

During a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, the Cash App crooner explained that shooting a music video has become extremely costly, noting that the lowest rate now stands at ₦20 million.

He pointed out that most artists cannot afford the high cost of promoting their projects, particularly albums.

He said, “To release an album, you need a huge budget, unlike singles. Because for albums, you’re promoting 10 to 14 songs all at once. It’s a lot.

Promoting songs on the radio, shooting videos for five, six songs, is a lot. These days, the least you can spend on a music video is N20 million. So, how many artists can afford to shooting five videos?”

"I don't repeat clothes because I'm a public figure. I spent $100,000 to pay producers, songwriters and engineers that worked on my album. That's why we charge a lot for shows."

— Bella Shmurda.#EberechiWikeScandal pic.twitter.com/buqjhilZN9

— Naijapals (@Naijapals) October 23, 2025