Shallipopi, the rising Nigerian rap sensation, has announced his departure from Dapper Music, citing a breach of trust and lack of transparency as the reasons behind the split.
The Benin-born artist, whose real name is Crown Uzama, had been signed to the label since breaking into the mainstream in 2022. In a heartfelt and candid Instagram post on December 11, 2024, Shallipopi shared the news with his fans, marking the end of what he described as a challenging chapter in his career.
“This decision didn’t come lightly,” Shallipopi stated. “I come to you today with a heavy heart but an unshakable determination. I’ve made one of the toughest decisions of my career. Today, I’m officially ending my agreements with Dapper Music and Dvpper Digital.”
His statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it has taken on him. Shallipopi made it clear that the split wasn’t just about his personal grievances but a stand for every creative who has faced betrayal and exploitation in the industry.
The rapper revealed that his trust had been broken, his finances mismanaged, and his rights as an artist disregarded. These allegations, outlined in his statement, paint a picture of an artist pushed to his limits. “This is bigger than just me,” Shallipopi emphasized.
“It’s about every artist and creator who pours their soul into their work, only to face betrayal and exploitation from people who should be looking out for them.” His words resonated with many in the creative community, who often face similar challenges.
A major point of contention was a publishing deal Shallipopi signed with Dvpper Digital, a subsidiary of Dapper Music. He accused the label of a conflict of interest, alleging that it prioritized its profits over his career growth.
“Dapper Music and Entertainment Limited, my management company, pushed me into a deal with Dvpper Digital Limited, another company owned by the same person(s),” he said. “Instead of prioritizing my growth, they prioritized their own profits, putting my career and dreams at risk.” This accusation highlights the murky waters of interlinked business dealings in the music industry.
In addition to the conflict of interest, Shallipopi accused the label of financial opacity. The rapper claimed he was repeatedly denied access to clear records of his earnings, leaving him in the dark about his financial standing.
“I’ve worked hard, and like anyone, I deserve to know where my money is going,” he wrote. “Imagine not knowing how much you’ve earned or where it’s gone. This is devastating and unacceptable.” His frustration reflects a larger issue of financial transparency in artist-label relationships.
The most damning allegation Shallipopi leveled against Dapper Music was the attempt to lock him into a “forever contract.” According to him, the contract would entitle the label to 30% of his earnings indefinitely, even after their working relationship ended.
“They tried to lock me into a contract where they’d take 30% of my earnings forever, even after we parted ways,” he revealed. “That’s not just unfair, it’s exploitation, and it is cruel.” Such contracts, often criticized as predatory, have been a point of contention in the global music industry.
While the split marks an acrimonious end to Shallipopi’s time with Dapper Music, it’s worth noting that the partnership did yield significant positives. Under the label, Shallipopi achieved mainstream success, with hit songs that solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s leading rappers.
Similarly, Dapper Music benefited from the association, further establishing itself as a powerhouse in the Nigerian music industry. Despite the fallout, both parties undeniably experienced substantial growth during their time together.
Reflecting on his journey, Shallipopi acknowledged the highs but maintained that the lows couldn’t be overlooked. “I’m grateful for the platform and exposure, but I cannot ignore the betrayal,” he said.
“This experience has taught me the importance of standing up for my rights and demanding fairness.” His resolve to protect his career and integrity is a testament to his growth as an artist and a person.
The announcement of Shallipopi’s split from Dapper Music followed earlier speculation after he unfollowed Dapper Music founder and CEO Damilola Akinwunmi on Instagram. The move had fueled rumors, which were later confirmed by Pulse Nigeria.
Fans and industry insiders alike have expressed mixed reactions, with some praising Shallipopi for his courage while others lamented the fallout of what once seemed like a promising partnership.
As Shallipopi embarks on a new chapter, he leaves his fans with a message of hope and resilience. “To every artist out there, don’t be afraid to fight for what’s right,” he said.
“We create the art; we deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. This is just the beginning for me, and I promise to continue giving my best to the music and to my fans.” With his talent, determination, and growing fanbase, Shallipopi is poised to navigate this setback and continue his rise in the music industry.
