Shallipopi, born Crown Uzama, has swiftly become a prominent figure in the vibrant Nigerian music scene. This multi-talented rapper, singer, and songwriter burst onto the mainstream stage in 2023 with his chart-topping single “Elon Musk,” leaving an undeniable mark on the Afrobeats landscape.
More than just a single hit, Shallipopi’s artistry embodies a unique blend of lyrical prowess, infectious energy, and a sound deeply rooted in his Bini heritage. Early influences and formative experiences shaped his passion for music, laying the foundation for the distinct style that captivates audiences today.
“Elon Musk” served as a pivotal moment, propelling him to national recognition and igniting a career trajectory marked by consistent growth and innovation.
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Shallipopi’s Early Life and Influences
Shallipopi hails from the historic city of Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. The young Crown was particularly drawn to the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and traditional Edo music. His family, especially his parents, are traditional worshippers. This is reflected in the spiritual themes found in some of his lyrics.
While no singular defining moment sparked his musical interest, Crown’s exposure to diverse musical styles played a crucial role. He was exposed to music through various sources, including local festivals and family gatherings.
Shallipopi keeps his personal life private and focuses on his music career and brand growth. He is not married or in a relationship and doesn’t have any children.
Shallipopi’s Musical Journey: From Freestyles to Chart-Topping Tracks
Crown Uzama’s love for music began in his youth. His official entry into the professional music scene is highlighted by early projects posted on platforms like TikTok. There, he refined his skills through freestyles and short covers. These online showcases garnered him a growing audience and initial recognition.
However, the path wasn’t without its hurdles. He had a hard time because he couldn’t get enough resources, had to deal with the complexities of the music industry, and had to make connections in a competitive environment. Shallipopi’s unwavering dedication and hustling spirit, however, kept him pushing forward.
His unique sound, a captivating blend of Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and his distinct Bini influences, began to blossom during this period. He drew inspiration from diverse artists like Rema, Fela Kuti, Wizkid, and Burna Boy, while seamlessly incorprating traditional Edo melodies and rhythms into his compositions.
While Shallipopi’s solo journey laid the groundwork, collaborations played a crucial role in his early development. Artists like Zerrydl (his brother) and Tega Boy DC became close collaborators, providing a creative sounding board and fostering a collaborative spirit.
Musical Style and Lyrics: Where Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and Identity Collide
Shallipopi’s music is hard to put into one category because it mixes different styles. At its core, it’s Afrobeat, with lively rhythms, lots of percussion, and lively tunes. However, his unique blend incorporates elements of Hip-Hop, evident in his confident rap verses and playful flows.
Additionally, his Bini heritage infuses his sound with traditional melodies and rhythms, adding a distinct flavor that sets him apart. He often paints vivid pictures, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences, with themes of hustle, and navigating societal pressures. He presents all of this with cleverness and a hint of social commentary.
While Shallipopi hasn’t received any major awards yet, his rapid rise in popularity and impact on the Nigerian music scene speak volumes. His energetic performances have garnered him millions of streams and a dedicated fanbase. Several music publications have hailed him as a rising star and one to watch in the Afrobeats scene.
Shallipopi has worked with artists like Odumodublvck, Yhemolee, Zlatan Ibile, Oxlade, Joeboy, and others. His fans, called Plutomanias, make up the Pluto community, and senior members are known as Plutocanapists. Shallipopi is also credited with coming up with the slang term “Men Mount.”
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Controversies About Shallipopi and His Music Career
Shallipopi’s journey hasn’t been without bumps. Like many prominent figures, Shallipopi has faced his share of controversies, especially related with his music and personal life.
Internet Fraud
Shallipopi got caught up in a big legal mess in 2023. He was arrested, with 30 other suspects, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for cyber crime. The legal process ended with him being found guilty. He could have faced a minimum of two years in jail for the offense, but he settled the matter by paying a fine.
The following month, he released his “Planet Pluto” extended play and promoted his music. His song “Obapluto” has become the most popular from the EP, but the other songs are also well-liked. The artist also included a song called ‘Ex Convict’ in the EP.
This whole legal mess had an impact on Shallipopi’s career. The criminal charges left a stain on his professional life. Critics slammed him for seemingly celebrating illegal activities in his songs. They accused him of making crime sound cool.
Copyright Infringement
In early 2023, an experienced Highlife singer named Pa Monday Edo threw another curveball into Shallipopi’s career. Pa Monday accused Shallipopi of sampling his work without permission.
He claimed that Shallipopi’s song “Obapluto” copied his own, infringing on his copyright. This accusation led to a hefty N200 million lawsuit against Shallipopi. According to Pa Monday, Shallipopi not only replicated the melody but also used the lyrics and musical elements without getting the proper permission.
Facing allegations of plagiarism can be damaging to an artist’s reputation. It raises questions about originality and artistic integrity.
Song Content and Lyrics
Shallipopi’s songs, especially “Ex-Convict,” have stirred up conversations because of their content and lyrics. Critics express concerns that these songs might glorify and make illegal activities seem acceptable, raising worries about the possible bad influence on younger listeners.
This dispute highlights a common debate within the music industry regarding the responsibility of artists in shaping societal values, especially when their work touches on controversial subjects.
Shallipopi’s stance raises questions about the fine line between artists being free to express themselves and how their creative work might influence the audience, especially younger people who are easily influenced.
Chart-topping Accusations
In July 2023, Shallipopi faced yet another controversy when Portable, another Nigerian artist, accused him of manipulating his way to the top of the Apple Music Nigeria charts with his song “Ex-Convict.”
Portable’s claim suggested that Shallipopi may have used tactics to artificially boost the streaming numbers of his song, raising questions about the reliability of chart rankings.
Another allegation surfaced in November 2023, suggesting that he paid N9 million for a “streaming farm” service. This service is known for artificially boosting song streams on digital platforms. The accusations came from an up-and-coming artist named Ebaide, who claimed that a music promotional agency offered this service and mentioned Shallipopi as a past client.
Shallipopi wasted no time in responding to the claims, vehemently denying any involvement in such practices. He labeled the allegations as “fake” and accused those making the accusations of seeking attention rather than presenting credible evidence.
He responded to the allegation on his X account, “Fake!! Y’all looking for attention with the wrong contents and think it’s right? 9m wey I go take chill make I leave Plutomanias to dey stream!! Anyways your Karma is coming.”
Conclusion
Shallipopi’s journey, from freestyling on social media to topping charts, exemplifies the power of dedication, experimentation, and cultural pride. His unique blend of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and Bini influences breathes fresh air into the music scene, while his relatable lyrics resonate deeply with his audience.
While his rise to fame has been meteoric, Shallipopi remains grounded in his roots, proudly representing Benin City and infusing his music with its rich cultural heritage.