Come July 26, Bella Shmurda will drop his latest EP, “DND”. In this interview with thelagosreview.ng, the Afrobeats sensation dives into the inspiration and creative process behind the highly anticipated EP.
What inspired the title of your new EP, “DND”?
Basically, “DND” is where I am, where I have always been, now is when I just decided to put it into my music. So, let’s say the inspiration behind this title is me, it’s where I am, I don’t want to be disturbed, I just want to do it the way I feel it is and not be stressed at it.
What can fans expect from the EP in terms of sound and style?
An improved Bella Shmurda, A Bella Shmurda doing it the way he feels is right.
You’ve been teasing the EP with tracks like “NSV” and “Ara”. What can you tell us about the other songs on the EP?
I’d say it gets better, in everything I do, I try to make sure I do it right and near perfect and that you’d see with this EP.
You’ve collaborated with some big names on the EP, including Lil Kesh and Tiwa Savage. How did these collaborations come about?
“NSV” with Tiwa Savage and “Bankruptcy” with Pheelz are ones for the club, collaborating with these people was just DMs away. The night I linked up with Pheelz, we made more than one magic and we can’t wait to share it with the world.
What are your hopes for the EP?
I hope and want for this EP to prepare and project me for the next phase.
What are you working on next?
Maybe another EP, “Love Story” maybe a joint project, lol, or maybe an album.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Afrobeats?
Afrobeats is global already and we’re owning it, and I’m glad to be a part of the flag bearers exporting the culture.
What was the creative process like for “DND”?
The process of creating “DND” came with a lot of rollercoasters of emotions. I didn’t want to be disturbed while doing my thing, I didn’t want any external influence, even in the selection and process of the project, my team wasn’t having it and I wasn’t either. Emotions took its toll, these reflected in the selections and some of the titles, too like, “In Charge” “DND” but thank God for it all.
How did you and Lil Kesh work together on the lead single?
Working with Lil Kesh on “DND”, was amazing and seamless, so, while working on this project, Lil Kesh hit me up and said I have something for us, I asked him to send it through, his verse was laid already and the beat, that was the magic, listened a couple of times and I just found myself singing what’s going on around me and in my head on the sick joint “got my phone on lock, do not disturb, if I no respond”.
How do you hope fans will connect with “DND” and its message of “do not disturb”?
Just do whatever it is you feel like doing, as long as it is right and don’t let anyone disturb you at it. Make that money, treat that girl that gives you joy with utmost care and don’t mind what the society says.
What are your plans for promoting “DND” and connecting with fans around its release?
I’m hawking my Sh#t like my life depends on it, coz if I don’t, who will? lol
