Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has disclosed that his 2020 hit single Cash App was intentionally crafted for internet fraudsters, popularly known in Nigeria as Yahoo boys.
The New Born Fela crooner made the revelation during a recent interview with Clout Africa, where he spoke about the inspiration behind the chart-topping record that dominated clubs, radio, and street playlists across the country.
When asked by the host, “What inspired Cash App? Were you doing Yahoo?” Shmurda clarified that while he was not involved in online fraud himself, the song was designed to appeal to those immersed in the activity.
“It is Yahoo in the sense that they [Yahoo boys] have to dance,” he said. “These people that are hustling, you have to make them happy. Because internet fraud is stressful. It has a lot of challenges.”
According to the singer, the idea behind the song was less about glorifying fraud and more about capturing the realities of a subculture that many young Nigerians are familiar with.
“The truth is, when it comes to inspiration, you don’t have any story behind it. It is natural, it just comes. It is God-given. So, Cash App is divine,” he added.
Released in 2020 and featuring rappers Zlatan and Lincoln, Cash App quickly became one of the biggest songs of the year, earning massive airplay and cementing Bella Shmurda’s status as a new force in Afrobeats.
Its catchy chorus, streetwise lyrics, and viral dance challenge propelled it beyond Nigeria, making it a favourite in clubs and on TikTok across Africa.
While the song sparked debates at the time about its message and perceived celebration of cybercrime, Shmurda’s latest comments offer fresh insight into the creative process behind one of his most successful records.
