With her hypnotic blend of R&B and Afrobeats, Bella Alubo is fast becoming one of the most compelling voices to rise from Nigeria’s thriving music scene. Her new single, “Oxygen,” is more than just a sultry, melodic heater — it’s a powerful statement of artistic evolution and emotional vulnerability. Co-written with Cheyenne Lavene (Coco Jones) and produced by Grammy-nominated Fresh Ayr (Post Malone, Gunna, NBA Youngboy), the track pulses with rich synths and Afrobeats percussion as Bella explores the ache of unrequited love. It's the first glimpse of her upcoming album Love Is War, dropping August 30th via Sparta/Benin City Ent.

Already known for breakout tracks like “Tropicana Fruit Juice” (which racked up over 14M streams and co-signs from icons like Alicia Keys and Ashanti), Bella has since continued to impress with high-profile collaborations — most notably on the 2023 Notorious B.I.G. tribute “G.O.A.T.” alongside Ty Dolla $ign. Earlier this year, her track “White Shoes”added over 2M YouTube views to her growing list of accolades.

As she prepares to release Love Is War, Bella sat down with tmrw to talk about her creative journey, the emotional weight behind “Oxygen,” and what it really means to make music from a place of honesty.

Let’s start with “Oxygen” — what was the emotional spark behind the song?

I think we live in a generation where a lot of people believe you should walk out on anything that seems challenging. Sometimes all you need is some air. Oxygen is that song about the moment in a relationship where emotion is peak but you don’t want to break up… you’re just like “I need oxygen”.

The production is so lush and layered. What was it like working with Fresh Ayr?

One of the things I enjoyed the most working on this album is the production. The beats are immersive on their own & great production is music on its own before the entire masterpiece comes together.I love when I can tell that a producer is as invested in the art as i am.

How did the collaboration with Cheyenne Lavene come about?

The executive producer of the album, Elliot Osagie, is like the mastermind behind this vision we’re building at Benin City Entertainment. He’s great at leading a team of competent people who do great work. Songwriters really help explore emotions from a perspective that isn’t so up close that it creates a blind spot for the artist. Chy is also an impressive vocal producer. 

You blend R&B and Afrobeats so seamlessly — has that always been your sonic vision?

I was exposed to so much music growing up because of how much extended family I had around me. My Dad did some of his education in Missouri and has a lot of western influence so the kind of music he played when I was little also gave me an ear for the international sound. I’ve never not been without global influence. I think R&B and Afrobeats being evolved genres allow me the flexibility to be as dynamic as possible. 

“Oxygen” is about one-sided love. How personal is this song for you?

I really believe in the whole concept of “one true love” and I believe every other love before that isn’t destiny and so isn’t absolute truth. If you only have to get it right once in love, it means every other attempt will be wrong and so one-sided love is such a broad topic because of that relatability. Everyone can imagine what that feels like. 

What can we expect from Love Is War as a whole? Any recurring themes or surprises?

By now I think people are figuring out that i'm a lover girl for real. On this album, I just want to take that as far as I can… instead of only heartbreak songs or only happy songs, there’s several concepts of love as an emotion that I feel will warm surprises for the listeners. 

Do you feel there’s a new wave of Nigerian R&B — and if so, how do you see yourself within it?

Nigerian music has been increasing in popularity and it’s great because in a global context, it’s such a new industry. I believe i’m right at the heart of the current evolution because i’m very aware of our OG sound but i’m very very “right now”. It makes me unique while offering true authenticity.

You've had some big co-signs — Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Julie Adenuga. How have those moments shaped your confidence or direction?

Seeing the Alicia Keys Tiktok to Tropicana Fruit Juice was such a cool surprise because it’s Alicia Keys! Then Ashanti casually using it in her instagram story was cool and I met Julie Adenuga in Lagos and she played the song on her radio show. I love the support. Those out of the blue moments to me are moments of confirmation towards my big goals.

You’ve also crossed over internationally — especially into the UK. What’s that reception been like?

It’s been amazing. Featuring on The Notorious B.I.G’s posthumous release of G.O.A.T with Ty Dolla $ign brought me a fresh set of listeners. Music feels like a world where anything is possible. 

Your visuals are always so striking. How involved are you in the creative direction?

I love team work because it makes the dream work doesn’t it? My experience in modelling, pageantry & being a jewellery artist makes me creative in ways that add tools to my belt. Being in front of the camera is also really fun for me.

“Love Is War” is such a powerful album title — what does that phrase mean to you personally?

You have to fight for what you believe in and for me, that’s love. Nobody likes wars but we learn that wars have achieved peace. Love Is War is a poetic statement that holds endless meanings. 

What message or feeling do you hope fans walk away with after hearing the new album?

The last track is called "Don’t You Worry". I want everyone to feel like everything is going to be alright, feelings are something we all share, music is a global language & love is always worth it.