Shallipopi raises alarm over exploitation by Dapper Label: Here’s what to know
Photo credit: GQ South Africa
Crown Uzama, popular known as Shallipopi, has sparked controversy as he decides to part ways with Dapper music, the record label instrumental to his fame in 2023.
The music star who became a sensation in Nigeria’s vibrant street-hop music scene, with hitsongs like Elon Musk and Cast that won him many fans has been trending on Twitter for his public statement.
Punch reports that the statement Shallipopi shared on his X handle on Wednesday, revealed the reasons behind his decision.
The statement was entitled “A Message from Shallipopi: Standing Up for Artists and Creators Everywhere” and says “I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’m Crown Uzama, your Shallipopi, and I’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career.
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“Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital. 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 music star went further to say that the label prioritised their own profits, putting his career and dreams at risk.
So he’s raising a cry not for himself alone, but for every artist who has poured in their heart and soul into music but got betrayed and exploited by those they look up to.
He also says it’s about standing up for fairness, integrity, and respect that all artist deserve.
Shallipopi’s case has ignited conversations about the need for reform in artist-label contracts, particularly in a landscape where many young talents sign agreements without thorough legal oversight.
Recall that a former signee of Dapper Music Seyi Vibez recently left the label under similar circumstances.
Dapper music label is owned by Damilola Akinwunmi, Hilda Baci’s boyfriend and has many artists signed under it.
The rumors of tension between Shallipopi and Dapper Music gained traction after Shallipopi removed the label’s name from his social media bio and unfollowed its executives. This marked a symbolic end to their collaboration. Shallipopi has since launched his own independent record label, Plutomania Records, signing promising acts like Zerry DL and Tega Boi as he begins a new chapter in his career
Could Shallipopi’s decision, alongside with allegations of exploitation, bring intense scrutiny to the dynamics of artist-label relationships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry?
