Popular Nigerian artist, Crown Uzama, widely known as Shallipopi, has officially severed ties with his record label, Dapper Music.
In a dramatic turn of events, the “Elon Musk” crooner revealed his reasons in an Instagram statement on December 11, 2024.
“I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital,” he wrote. “This wasn’t a choice I made lightly, but it’s a step I had to take after my trust was broken, my finances mishandled, and my rights as an artist were disregarded.”
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music industry, raising questions about artist-label relationships.
Shallipopi accused Dapper Music of exploiting him and mishandling funds meant to support his career.
He also claimed the label forced him into a deal with Dvpper Digital, a company owned by the same individuals behind Dapper Music.
“Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritised their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk,” he alleged.
According to Shallipopi, Dvpper Digital advanced money to Dapper Music using his name and catalogue, while the label misused these funds without his knowledge.
“This debt has now accrued up to a huge sum of money we are even yet to ascertain,” he added.
His statement reflects broader concerns about how Nigerian artists are treated by some labels.
“This is bigger than just me,” Shallipopi wrote. “It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation.”
The artist’s bold move to speak out has earned him support from fans and industry insiders alike.
A quick glance at his social media profile reveals he has removed all mentions of Dapper Music.
He has also unfollowed the label’s boss, signaling a clean break from his former team.
Shallipopi’s exit is not entirely surprising, as rumors of tension with the label had been swirling for months.
The artist’s next steps are already taking shape.
In a surprising twist, Shallipopi recently launched his own record label, Plutomania Records.
The label has already signed two promising acts, Zerry DL and Tega Boi, hinting at Shallipopi’s ambitions to redefine his career on his own terms.
Industry observers see this move as a declaration of independence from a system he believes failed him.
The departure also mirrors that of Seyi Vibez, another big-name artist who left Dapper Music earlier this year.
These exits raise questions about the internal workings of Dapper Music and its treatment of artists.
For Shallipopi, however, the focus seems to be on moving forward.
“This is about standing up for fairness, integrity, and the respect that we all deserve,” he declared.
Shallipopi’s bold step marks a pivotal moment in his career and could signal a shift in the Nigerian music industry’s dynamics.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Plutomania Records evolves and whether it lives up to its founder’s vision.
