Nigerian musical innovator Marvelous Ojo Obanijesu, popularly known as Bela., the creator, is gearing up to release his bold new 10-track project, tHIs MiGHt coNfUsE yoU, on November 26, 2025. Distributed by UnitedMasters, the project pushes the boundaries of sound and storytelling, offering a blend of raw emotion and experimental artistry.
In a move that defies industry norms, nine of the ten tracks were recorded using nothing but a phone microphone. What might seem like a technical limitation instead becomes a powerful creative choice, giving the music an unpolished, intimate edge—like listeners are overhearing Bela.’s private thoughts in real time.
The project’s unconventional spirit also shows up in the quirky, space-free track titles—sacredAbomination, whyAreYouNotHere? and others. According to Bela., this style mirrors the beautiful chaos of his thought process. “Every letter, every sound is slightly off—because so am I. But that’s what makes it human,” he says.
Musically, Bela. blends experimental Afro-fusion with alternative soul, using the project to explore everything from heartbreak and desire to social issues and spiritual tension. He teams up with collaborators including Tem., Rómi, Ololade., and producers like KOLLY!, Meron Pace, and Kira, each helping to shape the album’s rich emotional landscape. Songs like emergencyForTheCountry (ft. J.T.R) take aim at Nigeria’s political problems, while goDownLow shifts into a playful, romantic tone.
Even the cover art carries meaning. It depicts a robed figure drifting downward through a pastel-colored sky, their head bursting open into a swirl of symbols and ideas. It’s a striking visual that captures the heart of the project: surrendering the need for control and letting creativity spill freely. “I’m not losing my mind,” Bela. says. “I’m freeing it.”
tHIs MiGHt coNfUsE yoU arrives November 26, 2025. Fans can keep up with Bela., the creator, on Instagram and X (@thatbela) and on TikTok (@thatbela.x) for the latest updates and exclusive previews.