Bella Shmurda Opens Up on Working at Dangote’s Packaging Factory Before Fame, the Salary He Earned

Bella Shmurda Opens Up on Working at Dangote’s Packaging Factory Before Fame, the Salary He Earned

  • Bella Shmurda reflected on when he worked at Aliko Dangote’s packaging factory
  • The singer revealed the unexpected monthly salary he earned and the tough reality of life at the time
  • He described how the experience challenged him and shaped his journey to success
  • In a chat with Emmanuel Alaba, a media executive, he pointed out the core idea of “humble beginnings” stories by celebrities

Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has revealed details about his humble beginnings, sharing that he once worked at a packaging factory in Ikorodu owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking during an interview on Echo Room, the artiste disclosed that he earned ₦20,000 monthly at the time, with no additional source of income.

Bella Shmurda reveals life at Dangote’s factory before fame
Bella Shmurda opens up on humble beginnings at Dangote packaging plant. Credit: @alikodangote, @bellashmurda
Source: Instagram

He described the experience as tough, noting that life was not easy during that period.

Bella Shmurda explained that despite the challenges, the job was part of his journey and helped shape his perspective.

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He reflected on the period as an experience that contributed to his growth, saying he has no regrets.

“I was collecting ₦20,000 per month, and that was all I had. No side hustle, nothing else. It wasn’t easy, but it was an experience for me, and I feel like those are the things I remember now,” he said.

The singer, who has since risen to fame with hit songs and international recognition, emphasised that his time at the factory remains a reminder of how far he has come.

Watch him speak below:

Bella Shmurda addressed Nigerian women who were scared and triggered by social media personality and self-proclaimed financial expert Geh Geh's influence.

Recall that Geh Geh made headlines after launching his online platform called University of Wisdom, which focuses on training men on how to handle women and manage their finances.

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Legit.ng reported that some women in viral videos had cried out online over how Geh Geh's advice to men had affected their relationships.

In a viral tweet via his official X handle, Bella Shmurda advised Nigerian women on the importance of being valuable to their men. According to the singer, no man would let go of a valuable woman.

Bella Shmurda speaks on working at Dangote's company
Bella Shmurda opens up about humble beginnings at Dangote packaging plant. Credit: bellashmurda
Source: Instagram
"A secured woman who offers value has no reason to be scared or triggered by Geh Geh or MKO's video/movement. My ladies, just be valuable. No man is ready to lose that. And value doesn't necessarily mean monetary," he wrote.

"Humble beginnings narratives have effects on celebs": Emmanuel Alaba, Media executive

In a chat with Emmanuel Alaba, a media executive, he pointed out the core idea is that “humble beginnings” stories have a double effect on celebrities.

In his words:

"Narratives about “humble beginnings” can both shield celebrities and make them more vulnerable to criticism, even though they are usually intended to inspire. The effect depends on how audiences interpret authenticity, success, and consistency, especially when a celebrity’s current lifestyle seems to contradict that story.

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"Humble beginnings story is always important because it creates a different level of connection between the artist and the fans, making artists more relatable. Some set of Nigerian singers have benefited differently because fans find their humble days story inspiring and encouraging."

Bella Shmurda's interview sparks reactions online

Legit.ng compiled the reactions below:

@Acedouglas01 said:

"Everyone started somewhere."

@AyeniEEyitayo said:

"What a transformation."

@tfisdukee

"Bella shmurda na real hustler no be today."

Bella Shmurda opens up on the price of stardom

Legit.ng earlier reported that Bella Shmurda shed light on the not-so-glamorous side of fame, admitting that life as a public figure comes with pressures that go beyond the music.

In an interview with Naija FM 102.7, the Cash App crooner revealed that one of the sacrifices of stardom is losing the freedom to repeat outfits once worn in public.

The singer, known for his streetwise lyrics and relatable personality, said fame has forced him to always stay camera-ready.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chinasa Afigbo avatar

Chinasa Afigbo (Entertainment Editor) Chinasa Afigbo is a pop culture/music journalist and content writer with over four years of experience in other mainstream media organisations, including Vanguard Media and Guardian Life. She holds a degree in Information Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). She also moved on to pursue a program in media and communications. Chinasa has also been published in other Intl journals, like The African Report. Reach her at: chinasa.afigbo@corp.legit.ng.