Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda has launched a scathing attack on top Nigerian and African artistes who prioritize international award shows over home-grown recognitions, accusing them of superficial patriotism.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the singer expressed intense frustration over big-name musicians spending fortunes to attend foreign ceremonies while refusing to show up for local platforms like the Headies and AFRIMA.

"People in Nigeria, these people won't want to come for the Headies Award. But they can spend millions to go to the Grammys. They can take private jets to go to whatever awards, but they can't come home. They can't spend their money, invest their money, and come to our African Awards, yet we call ourselves blacks," he said.

Bella Shmurda particularly called out the habit of artistes giving lip service to their heritage while accepting international accolades.

"Last, last, you’ll take this award and you say, 'Shout out to my African people.' You are not shouting out to us. Keep your shout out. We have our awards here. Why are you not here? You are not real. Leave the shout out, it's for yourself," he added.

The singer urged his peers to stop hiding behind egos and come when invited to perform on African soil.

"You are not taking jets down there. You don't want to perform. They call you, you are like, you are too big. But when you go to those places, you want to tag Africa. You are not representing Africa. If you are representing Africa, you'll be at an African award," he said.

Watch the video below:

“Artists don’t want to attend African award shows. They’ll invite them to perform at the Headies and they won’t come, but they can charter a private jet to attend the Grammys. Then they go on stage and say it’s for Africa. No, it’s for yourself.”

—Bella Shmurda pic.twitter.com/4YQ75odJb7

— carter🌚 (@carter8f) August 27, 2026